Automated Smoke Point Tester SP 20

Automated Smoke Point Tester for Objective, Repeatable Measurement

The AD Systems SP20 Automated Smoke Point Tester is designed to automate smoke point measurement of kerosene and aviation turbine fuels in accordance with recognised smoke point test methods. Instead of relying on an operator to visually assess the flame, the SP20 uses a video camera, digital image processing, and automated flame adjustment to determine flame height when it reaches the specified flame shape.

This approach addresses one of the key practical limitations of manual smoke point testing: visual assessment can vary between operators, while manual testing requires considerable operator skill and time. The SP20 automates the measurement sequence and objectively determines the flame condition specified by the method.

For laboratories performing routine ASTM D1322 Smoke Point testing, the result is a more controlled and structured workflow. Once the candle has been prepared and positioned, the operator enters the sample information and starts the test. The SP20 automatically lights the candle, allows the five-minute stabilisation period and performs three flame-height determinations before calculating the mean result.

How the SP20 Automatic Smoke Point Apparatus Works

The SP20 uses a patented system based on a video camera and actuator. The camera observes the flame while the actuator adjusts its size. The flame image is digitalised and the dedicated software identifies the flame height when the flame reaches the shape described by the test method—the maximum flame height without smoke generation.

The instrument uses the same lamp and candle principle as the manual smoke point method, while digital imaging removes the operator-dependent visual assessment of flame shape.

This makes the SP20 particularly relevant where laboratories need a consistent measurement process across operators, shifts or testing locations.

ASTM D1322 Smoke Point Tester with Atmospheric Conditions Compensation

A significant feature of the SP20 is its integrated monitoring of ambient conditions. The instrument incorporates sensors for:

• Atmospheric pressure
• Relative humidity
• Temperature

The specified sensor ranges are 300–1100 hPa, 10–90% RH and 5–50°C, respectively.

The atmospheric-condition information can be used with the SP20’s atmospheric compensation capability. AD Systems states that this capability can reduce the normal calibration workload, with the instrument ready for direct sample measurement after switching on and reducing the labour normally associated with the complete calibration procedure.

For laboratories where environmental conditions can vary, the integrated measurement of temperature, pressure and humidity also provides valuable contextual information within the test record.

Fast Automated Jet Fuel Smoke Point Testing

The SP20 is designed to complete the smoke point test in less than 10 minutes.

The operator’s workflow is straightforward:

1. Prepare the candle according to the applicable test method.
2. Position the candle on the SP20.
3. Enter the sample details.
4. Start the test.
5. Allow the instrument to automatically perform the test sequence.
6. Review and record the calculated result.

The candle is automatically ignited, followed by the five-minute stabilisation period and three flame-height determinations. The instrument then calculates the mean value and reports the result.

The result is reported in 0.1 mm and stored in the instrument’s internal database.

Objective Smoke Point Measurement and Reduced Operator Subjectivity

Manual smoke point testing relies on the operator’s visual judgement of the flame. AD Systems identifies operator subjectivity as a limitation of the manual approach because visual flame assessment can vary from one operator to another.

The SP20 addresses this through digital imaging. The camera and software repeatedly identify the flame shape specified by the test method and determine the corresponding flame height under controlled measurement conditions.

For laboratories performing routine IP 598 Smoke Point testing, this automated approach provides a consistent measurement process while reducing dependence on individual operator judgement.

Built-In Results Database and Laboratory Traceability

The SP20 incorporates a built-in results database capable of storing up to 1,000,000 results in 14 GB. Results can be displayed, printed, saved to USB or transmitted to a LIMS through the LAN connection.

The final test report can include:

• Smoke point result
• Sample type
• Sample ID
• Date and time
• Temperature
• Atmospheric pressure
• Humidity
• Operator name
• Test method
• Calibration information
• Instrument serial number
• Software version

This provides a substantially more comprehensive test record than simply recording the final smoke point value. It also supports laboratory quality procedures by retaining information associated with both the result and instrument calibration.

Kerosene Smoke Point and Aviation Turbine Fuel Applications

Smoke point testing provides an indication of the relative smoke-producing properties of kerosene and aviation turbine fuels in a diffusion flame. The smoke point is related to the hydrocarbon composition of the fuel, with more aromatic fuel generally producing a smokier flame. A higher smoke point indicates a lower smoke-producing tendency.

The smoke point is also related quantitatively to the potential radiant heat transfer from combustion products. Because radiant heat transfer can influence the temperature of gas-turbine combustor liners and other hot-section components, smoke point provides a basis for correlating fuel characteristics with component life.

The SP20 is therefore suited to laboratories involved in:

• Jet fuel testing
• Kerosene testing
• Aviation turbine fuel testing
• Refinery laboratory testing
• Fuel supplier quality control
• Pipeline and terminal fuel testing
• Airport fuel testing
• Military fuel testing
• Research and development
• Inspection laboratories