EI 1590 Specifications and qualification procedures for aviation fuel microfilters

Overview:

This publication provides mechanical requirements for outside-to-inside flow format microfilters for use in aviation fuel ground handling operations, and laboratory/test rig procedures/protocols for use in the qualification testing of a design or model of microfilter.

It applies to:

• microfilter elements of the disposable cartridge type, or those with a replaceable/disposable media layer (incorporating a centre tube that remains fixed in the vessel), intended for use in aviation fuel handling systems (avgas or jet fuel);
• elements nominally rated as up to 1,0, 2,0, 3,0, 5,0 or 10,0 μm;
• microfilter elements having a nominal outside diameter of 150 mm (6 in.), 125 mm (5 in), 100 mm (4 in.) or 50 mm (2 in.);
• microfilter elements housed in a vessel that has either a vertical or horizontal orientation;
• microfilter elements that may be deployed in either a vessel that conforms with EI 1596 (a multiple element system) or one that conforms with the requirements of EI 1587 Annex A (for single cartridge housings);
• microfilter elements with screw-based, open-ended or internal O-ring (for radial contact 'push-on') mounting arrangements, and
• microfilters up to a maximum length of 1 422 mm (56 in.)

It is an indispensable reference for all those involved in the design, manufacture and supply of microfilters for aviation fuel handling systems, as well as those involved in the design, construction and operation of aviation fuel handling systems in which microfilters may be incorporated.

This fourth edition was developed to:

• Include in scope the laboratory qualification of a 125 mm (5 in.) nominal diameter element.
• Add a new clause on sustainability.
• Recognise Copperas Red Iron Oxide R9998T as a replacement for Copperas Red Iron Oxide R9998.
• Clarify that the one micron rating applies to any microfilter claimed to be of a smaller micron rating (amend references to 1μm to ‘up to 1μm’). There is no micron rating of less than one micron referenced in EI 1590.
• Update materials compatibility testing by reference to EI 1589 Materials compatibility testing for aviation fuel filter elements and fuel sensing devices.
• Include the option for the base fuel used for testing to meet a national standard for kerosine-based jet fuel (rather than ASTM D1655 or Def Stan 91-091) by agreement with the user.
• Clarify that there may be read across from a 2,0 μm to a 3,0 μm rating qualification (the same test dust is required to be used for both qualifications).

Existing qualifications to all previous editions of EI 1590 are recognised as also meeting the requirements of this fourth edition.