Cold Soak Testing &

Filter Blocking Tendency

Cold Soak Test Bath

ASTM D7501; IP PM-EA; CGSB-3.0 No 142; CEN N 403
Fuel Specification
ASTM D6751 Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle
Distillate Fuels
View a Demo: www.stanhope-seta.co.uk/cold-soak-testing.html

Filter Blocking Tendency: Background Cold soak test requirements

Larger volumes of automotive road diesel are now being blended IP PM-EA; CEN N 403: +5°C for 16 hours 20°C for 2 hours
with FAME and the use of biodiesel is increasing. As a result there ASTM D7501: +4.5°C for 16 hours 25°C for 2 or 4 hours
is growing need to check that these fuel types meet satisfactory CGSB: +1°C for 16 hours 25°C for 2 hours
operating criteria and specifications across a broad range of climatic
conditions. The 12 litre stainless steel liquid bath holds 4 x 500ml sample bottles
and is supplied with a removable bottle carrier. Heating and cooling
Industry standardization groups have reviewed how best to ensure is provided by a Thermostir which is user adjustable for set point,
that cold flow and filterability properties of B100 FAME and BX ramp control and time functions in the range -20 to +80°C.
Diesel blends are maintained within specification and the result is 4
test methods. Cool down time is typically 45 minutes to 1°C, then a continuous
audible alarm will sound after each cold soak. Warm up is automatic
Cold Soak Filtration Test Method: Determining and 15 minutes from 5°C to 20°C.
the filter blocking tendency (FBT) of FAME
The bath is suitable for both water and water glycol mixes.
The method combines a cold soak step (cooling the sample) and a
subsequent filterability step, to determine filter blocking tendency.
Specifications:
The combination of 2 test methods provides manufacturers, fuel
Temperature Range: -20 to +80°C
blenders and suppliers with a means of checking operability for
Temperature Stability: +/-0.02°C
both B100 FAME materials and B5 or any other BX blended diesel
fuels. Sample Capacity: 4 off 500ml sample bottles
Bath Liquid Capacity: 12 litres
Cold Soak Test Bath Refrigerant: CFC free, Single Stage R507
• x4 Sample Capacity Cooldown time: Approx. 45 minutes from 25 to 1°C
• Pre-programmed Cold Soak test conditions
Ambient Temperature range: 15 to 30°C
• Automatic warm up after 16 hours
Size (HxWxD)/Weight: 77.5 x 31.5 x 51cm / 46.6Kg
• Integral Cooling and Heating, -20 to 80°C
Power: 220/240v 50/60Hz / 2.4KW
• Suitable for pre-conditioning samples at 60°C
The Seta Cold Soak test bath is a specially designed bench top unit Ordering Information:
with programmable digital temperature control suitable for cooling Cold Soak Bath 91665-0
and heating samples in accordance with IP PM-EA, CEN N 403,
Test Jars 500ml (30) 91665-001
ASTM D7501 and CGSB-3.0 No. 142 cold soak test requirements.

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@stanhope-seta.co.uk | www.stanhope-seta.co.uk

 Multi-Filtration Tester
ASTM D2068; IP 387 (A, B); IP PM-EA; CEN N 403

FBT Software measures Pressure vs Time (91603-0)

Specifications:
Filter Blocking Tendency (FBT) Range: 1.0 to 30 (low number best)
Maximum Pressure: 200kPa
Power Requirement: 110/120Vac or 220/240Vac
View a Demo: www.stanhope-seta.co.uk/cold-soak-testing.html Size (HxWxD) / Weight: 27 x 43 x 26cm / 10kg

Features Filter Blocking Tendency Verification Material

• Portable test for filterability/blocking tendency The Seta FBT Verification Fluid is used for checking calibration of
• IP 387 and D2068 test parameters are pre-programmed the Multi-Filtration Tester (91600-3), including verification of filters,
• Compact and easy to use according to IP 387 Procedure B and as referenced in IP PM-EA and
• Result in less than 15 mins CEN N 403.
• Interface for PC or Printer
The methods recommend use of a certified verification fluid with a
The Multi Filtration Tester (MFT) fully conforms to the latest ‘cold soak’ nominal FBT = 2.00, a certificate stating the precise value is supplied
filterability test requirements for FAME and bio diesel to be used with with the verification material.
the Seta Cold Soak Test Bath (91665-0) for IP PM-EA. The FBT verification material is produced gravimetrically using a
A unique and versatile instrument designed to test the Filter Blocking balance traceable to internationally recognised standards and is
Tendency (FBT) of diesel, biodiesel (B100 & B5/7/20/30), gas oil, supplied in a 500ml bottle.
gas turbine fuel and kerosene. Test parameters for IP 387 and ASTM
Filtration Kit for ASTM D6751 Biodiesel Fuel
D2068 are pre-programmed. FBT analysis is achieved by measuring
the pressure differential across a disposable filter. Fuels which have a
Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels
high FBT could potentially block filters in the distribution network or ASTM D6217, D7501, IP 415
during use in a vehicle or power plant.

MFT is also used to determine the FBT for BX fuels containing bio
components, such as FAME (biofuel), which have been ‘cold soaked’
at a temperature just above zero Celsius. During the 16 hour cold soak
particles of saturated monoglycerides (SMG’s) and sterol glucosides
can be formed which do not dissolve when the temperature is raised
back to ambient.

The MFT is Microprocessor controlled and provides a simple

user interface using 2 buttons and the Seta Multifunctional And
Rotational Test (SMART) control feature in conjunction with a backlit
alphanumeric 4 line display. The SMART control is exceptionally The Filtration Kit determines the mass of particulate contamination
easy to use for selecting different tests, setting parameters and for in middle distillate fuels by filtration as specified in ASTM D6751. Can
calibration of the temperature and pressure sensors. The display be used in conjunction with Seta Cold Soak Test Bath (91665-0).
provides the operator with test procedure information as well as
Ordering Information:
indicating the selected test method, sample temperature, pressure,
MFT 91600-3
volume and the test result.
Start-up Kit, IP387 & D2068 Procedure A 91615-0
A printer can be connected to provide a permanent record of the test Start-up Kit, IP387 & D2068 Procedure B 91616-0
parameters, results and a filterability graph. FBT Verification Fluid (500ml) 91668-0

PC software is available which enables the pressure versus time plots Grounding Kit 91605-0
to be stored dynamically, compared against one another and output FBT Software 91603-0
in a variety of formats to enable data analysis. Filtration Kit for ASTM D6217, IP 415 19724-0

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@stanhope-seta.co.uk | www.stanhope-seta.co.uk