Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®) News

New aviation fuel filter testing facility available at Southwest Research Institute

San Antonio, Texas -- August 13, 2002 -- A 2,500-square foot dedicated facility for aviation fuel filter testing has opened at Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®). The new facility allows SwRI greater flexibility in the type and size of filter that can be tested and provides an independent, third-party test center for aviation filter manufacturers, distributors, and users.

"This new capability enables the Institute to expand its filtration testing services to encompass a wide range of jet fuel filtration systems," said Gary Bessee, manager of the Filtration, Logistics, and Fluids Research section in the SwRI Engine and Vehicle Research Division. "These systems include filters, coalescers, and separators, as well as monitors and microfilters."

This state-of-the-art aviation filter test facility enables the Institute to evaluate filtration components according to a wide spectrum of testing and qualification procedures, including American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications 1581, 1583, and 1590. These performance tests evaluate the ability of filters to remove particulates and water from jet fuel.

SwRI, working with industry and government agencies, will develop and evaluate new test methods to determine effects of fuels and additives on filter performance.

Two 20,000-gallon fuel tanks, located adjacent to the facility, enable technicians to perform continuous, large-scale testing programs. In addition to conventional aviation fuels such as Jet-A, JP-8 and JP-8 + 100, SwRI has ready access to alternative fuel blends for special test programs.

"For more than 25 years, the Institute has conducted oil- and fuel-filter testing for ground vehicles and stationary power plants, continually improving capabilities, facilities, and equipment," said Bessee. "We are fortunate to obtain this world-class facility to upgrade our capabilities and to expand into aviation fuel filter testing and development. We are particularly pleased that we can now offer SwRI clients independent and unbiased aviation fuel-filter testing services at reasonable cost."

The SwRI Engine and Vehicle Research Division has achieved certification to ISO 9001 and 9002, ensuring compliance with stringent quality control procedures in design, development, and testing.

For more information, contact Robert Leibold, Communications, Phone (210) 522-2258, Fax (210) 522-3547, PO Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510.