FUEL TESTING GUIDELINES - sportcentric

FUEL TESTING GUIDELINES

The fuel testing guidelines may be applied for “gasoline” and “non-gasoline fuels” as
specified in the here below description.
Every competitor should use the same fuel and the composition may be judged
by a gas chromatograph at a laboratory. No specific procedure has been written for
these fuels.
Fuel tests may be done at the race site to compare the competitor’s fuel with the fuel
arranged to be used, by the organizer. If a significant difference is found in a test at the
race site, the type and amount of any two-stroke oil should first be included in the
reference fuel (fuel delivered by the organizer). The oil used by the competitor should
not have any power increasing substances or octane boosters. Because only one fuel
composition is delivered and accepted by the
organizer, the aim of the test is to detect any significant differences from a competitor’s
fuel sample and the delivered fuel.
When fuel is tested at the race site, four frequently used tests and their test procedures
are described in the text below. Additional tests may be used if deemed necessary and/or
other equipment is available. (Lead content, octane number, The Germaine Reagent
Test, refraction index meter etc.). Any additional test must be executed with as high
precision as possible under
a controlled environment. The measurement accuracy of the method in question must be
respected.
If a driver protests against a disqualification due to illegal fuel detected at the race site,
the following procedure must be followed: Two samples of the competitor’s fuel (A and
B sample) must be collected and sealed and sent to a designated laboratory for analysis.
Two samples of the reference fuel (delivered by the organizer) must also be collected for
comparing (Ref A and Ref B samples). All sampling and sealing should be made with the
competitor, or the competitor’s representative, present. After a positive test A the
competitor, or his representative, may be present at the laboratory at the testing of
sample B at the competitor’s expense.

GASOLINE FUELS
1) Digatron DT-15 or DT-47 FT Fuel Meter Test
2) Specific Gravity Test
3) specific gravity test with digital density instrument
4) Water Solubility Test

NON GASOLINE FUELS (ALCOHOL – BASE)
1) specific gravity test
2) specific gravity test with digital density instrument
Instructions for each of the above tests are stated hereafter.

DIGATRON DT-15 OR DT 47 FT FUEL METER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS (FOR
GASOLINE FUEL ONLY)
The purpose of this test is to measure certain electrical properties of the fuel sample and
determine if they are within the permissible limits.
The test procedures described here within are in accordance with the instructions supplied
by the Digatron DT-15 or DT-47 FT fuel meter manufacturer.
Before performing your fuel testing, ensure that the fuel meter is in good working order ;
a) Sensor Condition - Visually check the sensor and its connecting wire to assure that
it has not been physically damaged.
b) Battery Condition - When the meter is on, the words “ LO BAT ” will appear in the
upper left corner of the display if the battery needs to be replaced. Do not utilise the
meter if the “ LO BAT ” is displayed, as its readings will not be accurate.
The recommended fuel test procedure is as indicated below :
1) Turn the meter on and allow it to warm up at least 15 minutes before doing any
testing. This will allow the internal components to stabilise at their normal operating
temperature.
2) Attach the sensor’s connecting wire to the meter. Hold the sensor’s connecting wire
and lower the sensor into the calibration liquid - Cyclohexane (C6H12) - such
that the sensor is completely submerged. Take care to assure that the sensor is not
in contact with the fuel container. Gently wiggle the sensor wire to displace any air
bubbles which may be trapped between the sensor plates. Using the knob on the front
of the meter, adjust until “ -.070 ” is shown on the display.

3) If the organiser delivers fuel to the race, this fuel must be tested. Remove the sensor
from the calibration liquid, and blow any excess liquid from between the sensor plates.
Lower the sensor into the fresh fuel sample delivered by the organiser, in the fashion
described in item §2 above. Observe the reading on the meter’s display and use this
reading as a guideline for legal fuel.
4) Remove the sensor from the fuel sample of delivered fuel, and blow any excess liquid
from between the sensor plates. Lower the sensor into the drivers fuel sample, in the
fashion described in item §2 above. Observe the reading on the meter’s display. If the
reading have a larger deviation (difference) from the reading in §3 than 020 points
there is an indication that the fuel include other components than the fuel from the
organiser. In this situation, it is up to the UIM-commissioner to decide if a sample should
be sent to the laboratory for further analysis or recommend a disqualification of the
driver.
5) It is recommended to test the effect of the oil on the Digatron reading before actions
are done to disqualify the driver. The driver must then supply a sealed container of the
oil and inform about the blending ratio of oil/fuel. A mixed sample of the organisers fuel
and oil can then be tested in the fashion described in item §2 above. If the reading have a
larger deviation (difference) from the reading in §3 than 010 points there is an
indication that the fuel include other components than the fuel from the organiser. If the
reading is within 010 points the fuel is OK by use of the Digatron meter.
6) If the drivers bring their own fuel to the race, the acceptable values are somewhat
different. Remove the sensor from the calibration liquid, and blow any excess liquid
from between the sensor plates. Lower the sensor into the fuel sample, in the fashion
described in item §2 above. Observe the reading on the meter’s display. If the reading is
zero or a negative number, the fuel is legal. If the reading is greater than zero (a positive
number), the fuel is not legal.
The electrical characteristics of gasoline change somewhat with temperature. As such, it is
important that the temperature of the calibration liquid and the fuel sample be within about
15° F (8° C) of each other.
When a fuel sample is found to be illegal, per the above procedure, it is recommended that
the following additional steps be performed :
a) Clean the sensor with some spray-on brake cleaner and allow it to air dry at least
30 seconds.
b) Recheck the calibration setting (-070) of the meter in cyclohexane, and adjust if

necessary.
c) Allow the fuel sample to stabilise to the same temperature as the cyclohexane, then
repeat the test as described in item §3 above.
During the course of the day, it is recommended that the calibration setting in cyclohexane
or the fuel delivered by the organiser to be occasionally checked. It is interesting to note
that the calibration reading of “ -.070 ” in cyclohexane has a corresponding reading when
the sensor is in air. Although this corresponding air reading varies somewhat between
individual meters, it tends to be quite consistent for each particular meter. As such, the
specific corresponding air reading, for the particular meter being used, can be a useful
reference during the time between occasional cyclohexane calibration checks.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TESTING INSTRUCTIONS (FOR GASOLINE AND ALCOHOL
BASE FUEL
The purpose of this test is to measure the relative density of a fuel sample and determine if
it is within the permissible limits.
Two pieces of special equipment are required to perform this test :
1) Specific gravity hydrometer(s) which cover the range of 0.750 - 0.800 (at 60°F) (16°C)
2) A clear glass container which is at least as tall as the hydrometer. A “ graduated
cylinder ” works well for this purpose.
The recommended fuel testing procedure is as indicated below :
a) Assure that the glass container and hydrometer are clean.
b) Place the glass container on an essentially level surface and fill with the fuel which
is to be tested. The depth of fuel should be equal to, or greater than, the length of the
hydrometer.
c) Carefully insert the hydrometer into the fuel sample with the weighted and facing
down. Take care to minimise the contact between the hydrometer and the container.
d) When the hydrometer has reached a stable free float in the fuel sample, read the
specific gravity from the scale within the hydrometer. This is done by visually sighting
along the upper surface of the fuel and reading where the scale crosses the fuel’s
surface. Record this reading.
e) Measure the temperature (°F) (or °C) of the fuel.
f) The specific gravity characteristics of fuel (gasoline and oil) change somewhat with
temperature. As such, the maximum permissible specific gravity reading will change as
the fuel temperature changes. Below is a listing of the maximum permissible specific

gravity reading and their corresponding fuel temperatures, however significant
difference from the values of fuel delivered by the organiser is an indication of illegal
fuel:

FUEL TEMPER. °F FUEL TEMPER. °C KG./dm3 MAX KG./dm3 MAX
PERMISSIBLE PERMISSIBLE
SPECIFIC GRAVITY SPECIFIC GRAVITY
READING FOR READING FOR
GASOLINE ALCOHOL-BASE
FUEL (0,83 AT 20°C

40° F 4,4° C 0,785 0,845
50° F 10° C 0,780 0,839
60° F 15,6° C 0,775 0,834
70° F 21,1° C 0,771 0,828
80° F 26,7° C 0,766 0,823
90° F 32,2° C 0,761 0,818
100° F 37,8° C 0,757 0,813
110° F 43,3° C 0,752 0,807

WATER SOLUBILITY TESTING INSTRUCTIONS (FOR GASOLINE FUEL ONLY)
The purpose of this test is to determine if water soluble additives are present in a fuel
sample.
The only piece of special equipment necessary to perform this test is a graduated
container. It is
recommended that a good quality clear glass graduated cylinder be utilised, with a
capacity of 100 ml and subdivisions of 1.0 ml (or less).
The recommended fuel testing procedure is as indicated below :
a) Assure that the graduated cylinder is clean.
b) Place the graduated cylinder on an essentially level surface.
c) Pour approximately 60 ml of the fuel sample into the graduated cylinder.
d) Carefully measure and record the amount of fuel in the graduated cylinder using
the scale on the cylinder.
e) Slowly pour approximately 35 ml of water into the graduated cylinder.
f) The liquid in the cylinder will separate into two layers. The water will settle to
the bottom of the cylinder, carrying water soluble additives with it. Often a froth will
form in the lower layer. As such, allow some time for the froth to clear.
g) Carefully measure and record the total amount of liquid in the graduated cylinder

using the scale on the cylinder.

h) Subtract the amount of fuel in the cylinder (item d) from the total liquid (item g) to

determine the exact amount of water which was added. Record this result.

I) Carefully measure and record the amount of liquid in the lower layer of the

graduated cylinder using the scale on the cylinder.

j) If the amount of liquid in the lower layer (item i) is greater than the amount of

water added (item h), the fuel contained water soluble additives and is not legal.

k) Some commercially available fuels contain some water soluble additives. Significant

difference from the values of fuel delivered by the organiser is an indication of illegal fuel

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TESTING WITH DIGITAL DENSITY INSTRUMENT (METTLER
TOLEDO Densito 30PX) - (for gasoline and alcohol base fuel)

When digital density instrument is available we can do specific gravity test with below
procedure.

1- INTRODUCTION
The METTLER TOLEDO Densito 30PX is a portable measuring instrument suited for
determining the density of liquids. The instrument uses the oscillating body method. To fill
the measuring cell the built-in sample pump or syringe may be used. The results are
automatically calculated into one of the following units: density, specific gravity, API
degrees, Brix, % Alcohol, % H2SO4, °Baumè, ° Plato, Proof or a user-defined unit. In our
measuring fuel density test g/cm3 unit will be used.
The value is then shown on the backlit display. For exact measurement, it is imperative to
correct the temperatures influence on the density. Depending on he selected unit the
Densito 30PX carries out this result correction automatically. For this task, the instrument
uses either internally-stored tables or one of the 10 temperature-compensation coefficients
entered by the user.
The results, along with the sample identification, temperature, temperature-coefficient,
date and time can be saved. Together with the instrument identification they can then, via
the integrated infrared interface, be transferred to the computer or printed out on a printer.
These are the most important specifications:
Measure field: 0 -.2 g/cm3
Resolution: 0,0001 g/cm3
Accuracy: 0,001 g/cm3
Measure field of temperature: 0 -.40°C
Temperature resolution: 0,1°C
It is compatible with quite all liquids and in particular with fuels (gasoline and alcohol)
The use of this instrument is very easy and the sample of fuel for analysis consists of a
fewgrams.
This instrument, mostly if used for comparison, allows to survey the minimum differences
of density that can be caused by additives additions in minimum quantity or by mixtures
with illegal fuels. As above reported this instrument can make the correction automatically
in function of a compensation coefficient of the temperature that must be previously set up
and is relevant to the liquid that is under control.

Therefore this instrument can make a double verification; as a matter of fact is a coefficient
of compensation relevant to the fuel is set up, when it has to be tested an illegal fuel (that
has a different coefficient of compensation) the difference of value could be exalted if the
tested fuel is heated.
The proof of a fuel can be made in a few seconds and the technical officer doesn't come in
contact with the liquid; therefore the best can be extended to a higher number of drivers.

2 - SPECIAL EQUIPEMENT REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS TEST:

A) Densito 30PX instrument PortableLab – Lab power in your hands
Densito is delivered in a special case that contains everything you need for successful
measurements: Pipettes for Sample handing, cleaning towels, density standards, flasks for
samples and Cleaning solutions, operating instructions and a CD-ROM with data trans-
Mission software, a tutorial to get started and more.

B) Small fuel container, eventually.

3) TESTING PROCEDURE
All procedures are contained in a operating instructions or CD-ROM of the instrument.
Below are reported only a data for our specific fuel test.

A) Adjustment and calibration
- see operating instruction and use standard equipment
- for our fuel test only pure or distilled water are used.
- Simple distilled water for battery use is ok
- Is possible find the density of pure water for calibration in reference of temperatures to
the appendix 13.1 of the operating instruction
- At the temperature of 20°C this value is 0,9982 g/cm3

B) Units
The following units are used for our fuels test
Density = g/cm3 = kg/dm3
Temperature= °C
Reference temperature = 20°C

C) Measurement
Only temperature-compensated density mode are used
Density measurement in g/cm3 at a reference temperature.
All results at the same reference temperature (To e.g. 20°C), regardless of the measuring
temperature (T).
Compensated density=measured density .(1+a . (T-To))
10 temperature-compensation coefficients can be saced.
The following input is required:
Comp. No Number of the temperature-compensation coefficient (0…9)
Comp. Temp. Reference temperature (To)
a x 1000 Temperature-compensation coefficient
For typical temperature-compensation coefficients, see Chapter 13.2; calculation of a, see
page 11 of the operating instruction.
For our test we use the below value:
Comp. Temperature = To=20°C
Temperature-compensation coefficient : a .1000/°C = 1,1 gasoline

a x 1000/°C = 1,18 Methanol or alcohol base fuel
For more precision value is possible make a calculation see page 11 of operating
instruction.

D) Rules value of reference
- Gasoline = 0,771 kg/dm3 max permissible density at 20°C (68° F) for all classes
- Non-gasoline-Alcohol base fuels = 0,83 kg/dm3 AT 20°C (68° F) max permissible density
for "O" classes up 700cc (reference art. 508.09 – 2)

E) Correlation values measurement
Before actions are done to disqualify the driver, the technical officer can make a
comparison value measurement between driver fuel and reference fuel.
Reference fuel are:
- the organiser delivers fuel to the race
- fuel of the distributor supplier indicated
- is possible determinate the value of the density of fuel+oil (for 2 stroke engine).
In this case is necessary making a comparison of the fuels with the same quantity and
types of oil.
Oil type and quantity must be indicated from driver.
- maximum difference reading is within +/- 0,008 g/cm3.

Procedure for Fuel testing at the laboratory

The four fuel samples (drivers sample A and B and fuel sample Ref A and Ref B of the

same fuel as was demanded to use by the organiser, the Reference Fuel), should be

transported from the proper storage to the independent laboratory. A member of the UIM

appeal committee appoints the independent laboratory, in cooperation with all the involved

parties. The commissioner also ensures a safe and objective transport from the

organiser’s storage to the laboratory. If the organiser has the samples in his storage, the

organiser may do this transportation.

Before any testing may start, the laboratory must have received the following: Drivers fuel

sample(A and B), Reference fuel sample (Ref A and Ref B) and a fresh sealed bottle of

the oil, which the driver used. The oil must be registered to the UIM commissioner at the

race in question. If possible, the UIM commissioner or the laboratory should obtain this oil

from a commercial source. If the oil is difficult to obtain the driver’s representative may

bring the fresh, sealed bottle of the two-stroke oil in question.

The testing of A samples (Drivers fuel A and Reference fuel A) may be done by the

laboratory without the driver’s representative presented. If sample A shows illegal fuel, a

representative for the driver may be present during testing of the B samples.

Three parties, representing the organiser, the driver and the Appeal committee should be

present during the breaking of any seal and testing of the B samples.

The procedure at the laboratory must be:

1. Approval of an intact seal of the containers and identification of signature/sample.
2. Test of pure fuel sample (Reference fuel). Fingerprint by Gas chromatograph.
3. Test of drivers fuel sample. Fingerprint by Gas chromatograph.
The next step is to blend the oil into the pure fuel sample (reference fuel) in the same
mixing ratio as is mentioned in the appeal or by the driver’s representative.
4. Test of fuel sample with the described Reference fuel/oil mixture.
In case of a significant difference between the results from the test 3 and 4 because of
different components present in any of the samples, the driver is disqualified. The only
accepted difference is some accuracy in the blending ratio of fuel/oil. No additional
components must be present in any of the samples. The chemist at the laboratory does
this judgment only and the result is final.