Evaluating additives for distillate fuels - stability tests

A general discussion of storage stability testing is presented. The authors recommended storing fuel in vented glass bottles or in beakers covered with watch glasses, at a temperature of either 26.7/sup 0/C (80/sup 0/F) or 43.3/sup 0/C (110/sup 0/F). Storage at 26.7/sup 0/C was considered to be about 1.5 times as severe as ambient storage, while storage at 43.3/sup 0/C was considered to be about four times as severe as ambient storage. Storage at 26.7/sup 0/C required a storage time of 3 to 6 months for reliable results. Fuel deterioration was determined from the amount of insoluble sediment formed. Soluble gum was not considered to be singificant, other than the possibility that it was a precursor to the formation of insoluble sediment.