The aviation fuel filtration test facility at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is currently the only commercially independent source for developing and evaluating aviation fuel filtration systems. Built to meet Energy Institute (EI) test rig requirements, SwRI’s facility is capable of challenging filter systems with a variety of contaminants and flow conditions in a standard and repeatable manner. Contaminants utilized include both standardized and bespoke additions of particulate, water, fuel additives and entrained air.
Aviation Fuel Flow Testing Services
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SwRI's aviation jet fuel filtration facility qualifies filtration systems and sensor technologies.
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EI 1581 Coalescer Water Separation.
SwRI performs aviation fuel filter testing services with a test rig configured for flow rates up to approximately 1,400 USGPM (5,300 LPM) and a fuel volume capacity of approximately 20,000 USGAL (75,700 Liters) of Jet A.
This test facility can perform single-element and full-scale system tests on aviation filters, coalescers, separators, water barriers and microfilters in compliance with EI specifications, including:
- EI 1581 for Aviation Fuel Filter/Water Separators
- EI 1583 for Aviation Fuel Filter Monitors (formally withdrawn by EI)
- EI 1588 for Aviation Fuel Water Barrier Filters
- EI 1589 for Filter Material Compatibility Testing
- EI 1590 for Aviation Jet Fuel Microfilters
- EI 1598 for Electronic Sensor Qualification
- EI 1599 for Aviation Dirt Defense Filters
The test facility also performs various tests according to MIL-PRF-52308 and other military specifications.
Fuel additives are evaluated for multi-product pipeline use according to EI 1535. This method evaluates additives used in other fuels, such as diesel, for multi-product pipeline use where jet fuel is transported. This procedure generates confidence that the candidate additives won’t risk spoiling large fuel volumes on a full-scale pipeline trial.
In addition to the above mentioned standards, SwRI has experience in evaluating:
- Aircraft Refueling Carts/Vehicles
- Fuel System Sensors
- Fuel Additization Units
- Flow Meters
- Fuel System Electrostatics