FOR PUBLIC DISSEMINATION

9 June 2010

New developments in global aviation fuel handling equipment standards

Effective I July 2010, the Energy Institute (EI) will take over as the sole provider of a portfolio of
equipment standards and operational recommended practices to facilitate the safe and efficient
handling of aviation fuel worldwide.

For over 50 years the EI has provided publications for use by the international aviation fuel
handling industry. Over the last decade, 15 of these titles have been produced and published
jointly with the American Petroleum Institute (with a further six titles published by EI only, and two
by API only).

After an organisational review, API has confirmed the responsibility for the aviation fuel handling
portfolio will be transferred to the EI.

The jointly branded titles will be superseded by technically identical EI reprints (document
reference numbers and edition numbers will remain the same), made available through the EI only.

The EI is committed to continue to provide the global forum for the standardisation of aviation fuel
handling equipment, and operational recommended practices, ensuring that they reflect the
consensus agreement of international technical specialists and stakeholders.

The equipment standards in particular are followed worldwide by manufacturers, and adopted by
international airlines, major and national oil companies, into-plane companies and aviation fuel
hydrant operators.

The use of equipment that meet the standards is mandated in operational documents such as
those provided by the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) and the Joint Inspection Group
(JIG), and referenced in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Guidance materials for
aviation turbine fuels specifications.

The EI is committed to maintaining and developing the standards, and all users of the documents
are encouraged to visit www.energypublishing.org for details of latest editions, reaffirmations,
withdrawals and addenda.

For further information on the EI aviation fuel handling portfolio please contact Martin Hunnybun
mh@energyinst.org

Page 1 of 3
FOR PUBLIC DISSEMINATION
Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What will be the difference between API/EI 15xx and EI 15xx (of the same edition)?
A: API branding will have been removed. The technical content will remain identical.

Q2: If I have already purchased API/EI 15xx do I need to purchase the EI rebranded version?
A: No. The technical content will be identical, unless a new edition has been produced (e.g. EI
1583 6th edition (laboratory testing of filter monitors) and EI 1582 2nd edition (similarity for
filter/water separators)).

Q3: If an operational document (e.g. ATA 103, JIG 1, 2, 3) references the use of equipment that
meets API 15xx, or API/EI 15xx (e.g. 1581), does that document require revision to update
the reference to EI 15xx?
A: The reference in the operational document will be incorrect from 1 July 2010. It is
recommended that as documents that reference the former API/EI portfolio are updated, the
references should be updated to EI 15xx.

Q4: Will EI publications remain relevant and valid in North America?

A: EI will continue to fully engage with international stakeholders, including those in the US,
producing publications that are applicable globally.

Q5: Will EI publications be as technically robust as API/EI publications?

A: The same industry specialists/stakeholders will continue to provide input to the EI publication
development process, which is open to any technical specialists wishing to contribute.

Q6: Is the way the EI produces publications different to API?

A: No. For the aviation fuel handling documents, stakeholder input to the content has been in
accordance with API procedures, and this will continue.

Q7: If I am a North American operator will I have to follow EI publications/use equipment tested
in accordance with EI laboratory testing publications in future?
A: The use of any EI (or API) publication is optional. Their use only becomes mandatory
(anywhere in the World) if they are referenced in another publication that has to be complied
with under contract (e.g. ATA 103, JIG 1,2,3), or in regulation/legislation. If you are
contracted to follow ATA 103, and that document mandates the use of filter/water separators
that meet EI 1581 5th edition, then only that equipment can be used.

Q8: If I have equipment in operations that is marked as being compliant with an API/EI or API
publication does the equipment marking need to be changed?
A: No. Inspectors (e.g. from JIG, airlines) have been briefed on the transition to EI publications.
It is understood that API markings on equipment will continue to be seen in the field for many
years. Over time it is expected that API branding of equipment will diminish.

Q9: API used to operate a scheme for the witnessing of filter qualification tests. What has
happened to that?
A: The scheme is no longer being offered by API. The EI is implementing a similar scheme to
provide witnesses for filter qualification tests.

Page 2 of 3
FOR PUBLIC DISSEMINATION
Notes to editors: The Energy Institute (EI) is the leading chartered professional membership body
for the international energy industry, responsible for the development and dissemination of
knowledge, skills and good practice, working towards a safe, secure and sustainable energy
system. Supporting all those studying and working in energy, and with over 14,000 individuals and
300 companies in membership, it offers learning and networking opportunities to support career
development. Delivering professionalism and good practice, the EI addresses the depth and
breadth of energy in all its forms and applications, providing a scientific and technical bank of
knowledge for industry. For more information, please visit www.energyinst.org

Aviation Fuel Handling Titles

General
EI 1540 Design, construction, operation and maintenance of aviation fuelling facilities, 4th edition
EI 1541 Performance requirements for protective coating systems used in aviation fuel storage
tanks and piping, 1st edition
EI 1542 Identification markings for dedicated aviation fuel manufacturing and distribution facilities,
airport storage and mobile fuelling equipment, 8th edition
EI 1585 Guidance in the cleaning of aviation fuel hydrant systems at airports, 2nd edition
EI 1594 Initial pressure strength testing of airport fuel hydrant systems with water, 2nd edition
EI 1597 Procedures for overwing fuelling to ensure delivery of the correct fuel grade to an aircraft,
1st edition
EI HM 20 Meter proving: Aviation fuelling positive displacement meters, 1st edition

Equipment (excluding filtration)

EI 1529 Aviation fuelling hose and hose assemblies, 6th edition
EI 1584 Four-inch hydrant system components and arrangements (hydrant pit valves and intake
couplers), 3rd edition
EI 1598 Considerations for electronic sensors to monitor free water and/or particulate matter in
aviation fuel, 1st edition
EI Research Report: Review of methods of bonding a hydrant dispenser (servicer) to an aircraft for
refuelling

Filtration equipment
EI 1550 Handbook on equipment used for the maintenance and delivery of clean aviation fuel, 1st
edition
EI 1581 Specification and qualification procedures for aviation jet fuel filter/separators, 5th edition
EI 1582 Specification for similarity for EI 1581 aviation jet fuel filter/separators, 1st edition
EI 1583 Laboratory tests and minimum performance levels for aviation fuel filter monitors, 6th
edition
EI 1590 Specifications and qualification procedures for aviation fuel microfilters, 2nd edition
EI 1596 Design and construction of aviation fuel filter vessels, 1st edition
EI 1599 Laboratory tests and minimum performance levels for aviation fuel dirt defence filters, 1st
edition
EI Research Report: Electrostatic discharges in 2-inch fuel filter monitors
EI Research Report: Electrostatic discharges in 2-inch aviation fuel filter monitors Phase 2:
Properties needed to control discharges
EI Research Report: Investigation into the effects of lubricity additives on the performance of
filter/water separators

North American fuel handling

API 1543 Documentation, monitoring and laboratory testing of aviation fuel during shipment from
refinery to airport, 1st edition
API 1595 Design, construction, operation, maintenance, and inspection of aviation pre-airfield
storage terminals, 1st edition

Page 3 of 3
EI 1581 Specifications and qualification procedures for aviation jet fuel filter/separators, 5th
Edition

Addendum 15 August 2011

HiTEC E-580 is replaced by DCI-4A conforming to the requirements of EI 1581 5th edition 4.2.4.1 (b)
and 4.2.4.2 (c).

Page 23
Table 2 is replaced with the following:

Table 2 - Compatibility tests for filter/coalescer elements

Test Test Fluid Test Specimen Needed in Analyses Requireda)
Container?
1 Jet A or Jet A-1 Yes ABCDE
2 Jet A or Jet A-1 with 15 mg/l of DCI-4A and Yes BCDE
3 mg/l of Stadis 450
3 100 % fuel system icing inhibitor (Di-EGME) Yes D
4 30 % toluene/70 % iso-octane Yes BDE
a) A = MSEP (ASTM D 3948); B = Existent gum (ASTM D 381 (Steam jet)); C = Water reaction (ASTM D 1094); D =
Detailed inspection and description of all component parts; E = Color (ASTM D 156).

1
Pages 24 and 25
Replace Table 3 with the following:

Table 3 - Report form for compatibility results

EXISTENT GUM
Test Test Fluid Test Hours Comments
Initial Soak Second Soak
0 336 0 336
1 Jet A or Jet A-1
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
2 Jet A or Jet A-1 with
15 mg/l of DCI-4A
and 3 mg/l of Stadis
450
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
4 30 % toluene / 70 %
iso-octane
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
MSEP
Test Test Fluid Test Hours Comments
Initial Soak Second Soak
0 336 0 336
1 Jet A or Jet A-1
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
WATER REACTION TEST
Test Test Fluid Test Hours Comments
Initial Soak Second Soak
0 336 0 336
1 Jet A or Jet A-1
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
2 Jet A or Jet A-1 with
15 mg/l of DCI-4A
and 3 mg/l of Stadis
450
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
Note: To report separator results, substitute "separator" for "element" above.

2
Table 3 continued

DETAILED VISUAL INSPECTION

Test Test Fluid Comments
1 Jet A or Jet A-1
2 Jet A or Jet A-1 with
15 mg/l of DCI-4A
and 3 mg/l of Stadis
450
3 100 % Fuel system
Inhibitor(Di-
EGME)

4 30 % toluene / 70 %
iso-octane
COLOUR
Test Test Fluid Test Hours Comments
Initial Soak Second Soak
0 336 0 336
1 Jet A or Jet A-1
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
2 Jet A or Jet A-1 with
15 mg/l of DCI-4A
and 3 mg/l of Stadis
450
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
4 30 % toluene / 70 %
iso-octane
No element
With element NA NA
Difference NA NA
Note: To report separator results, substitute "separator" for "element" above.

3
EI 1581 Specifications and qualification procedures for aviation jet fuel filter/separators, 5th
Edition

Addendum 20th December 2006

Page 3
2.1.2 is amended to read:

A filter/coalescer is an element that is capable of removing dirt and of coalescing fine droplets of water
in the fuel to sizes that can be removed in the filter/separator vessel. Filter/coalescers are classified as
Type S, Type S-LD (low dirt) and Type S-LW (low water) according to the amount of dirt and water the
elements are capable of removing as defined in Section 2.3.

Page 5
Add new Section 2.3.4 and renumber existing Sections 2.3.4, 2.3.4.1 and 2.3.4.2 to Sections 2.3.5,
2.3.5.1 and 2.3.5.2

2.3.4 Type S-LW filter/separators

Type S-LW filter/separators (also known as coalescer/separators) shall only be used for mobile
applications where minimal amounts of water can be expected in the jet fuel. The qualification
requirements for Type S-LW filter/separators are:

(a) The Type S-LW filter/separator shall be able to maintain rated flow when it is contaminated with
particulate to the level specified in Section 4 without the contamination in the effluent fuel
exceeding the level specified in Section 3.1.1.
(b) The Type S-LW filter/separator shall be able to effectively remove water from fuel without
exceeding the effluent free-water levels specified in Section 3.1.1 when 0,5 % water is added
according to the procedures specified in Section 4.

Page 5
2.4.1.2 (a) is amended to read:

(a) Filter/separators qualified by testing to Category M100 do not qualify for Category M. Separate
tests shall be conducted independently of any Category M100 tests to qualify filter/separators for
Category M.

Page 5
2.4.2 is amended to read:

Filter/separators qualified as Type S by testing also qualify as Type S-LD and S-LW at the tested flow
rate and conditions.

1
Page 9
Add new second paragraph to 3.2.2.7 before the ‘Note’:

Water shall drain freely from the entire vessel and sump. A sump having a flat, level base does not
meet this requirement. Vessel designs (i.e. lid sealing schemes) that create void spaces that can trap
water do not meet this requirement.

Page 9
3.2.2.14 is amended to read:

Unless special installation conditions require otherwise, access to the elements shall be provided by a
hinged or pivoted vessel cover. The use of swing bolts is recommended to facilitate quick access to
the interior of the vessel. To permit access to the far end of a vertical vessel for maintenance
purposes, a vertical vessel’s length-to-diameter ratio shall be limited by the following expressions,
unless otherwise specified by the purchaser:

For vessels ≤ 61 cm (24 inch) diameter: L/D ≤ 1,75

For vessels > 61 cm (24 inch) diameter: L/D ≤ 2,5

where:
L is the distance from the deck plate or manifold to the lid opening, and
D is the inside diameter of the vessel.

Page 20
The last paragraph of 4.4.5.4 is amended to read:

Although normally filter/separator vessels are qualified to remove 3 % water, vessels may exist in
conditions where there is limited potential for water contamination (e.g. systems with independent
water detection) and less performance may be acceptable. For such applications, filter/coalescer and
separator systems cans be qualified as Type S-LW by reducing the water injection rate during
qualification to 0,5 % by volume instead of 3 %. Vessels so qualified should be clearly marked as Type
S-LW. For more information see Annex B.

Page 40
Add new Annex B:

ANNEX B

INFORMATIVE ANNEX

This Annex is provided for information. The following are not mandatory requirements of this
specification.

This specification details laboratory testing requirements and acceptable levels of selected aspects of
performance for three Types of filter/coalescer and separator systems: Type S, S-LD and S-LW.

A premise of API 1581 3rd edition was that fuel should be cleaner as it passed through the distribution
system thus lower levels of dirt and water removing performance were acceptable as the fuel
approached aircraft. This premise was reviewed in the process of preparing API/IP 1581 4th edition

2
and rejected as inappropriate. The specification writers selected Class B systems as offering a
dependable level of dirt and water removal performance and derived the requirements for 4th/5th
edition Type S systems from 3rd edition Class B systems.

Systems of two other Types are defined by EI 1581 5th edition as amended: Type S-LD (low dirt) and
S-LW (low water). S-LD systems are envisioned for use in historically clean systems and in
applications immediately downstream of microfilters where elements are essentially never changed
out because of high differential pressure. The premise for this Type was that a more efficient product
might be developed if unnecessary dirt holding capacity was relaxed. At this time no Type S-LD
products have been developed and consideration will be given to dropping this Type in a future
revision of the specification.

Type S-LW systems have less continuous water handling capacity then Type S systems. Type S-LW
systems are tested with a 0,5 % water challenge instead of 3 %. It is anticipated that a coalescer and
separator combination can be used for both Type S-LW and Type S systems. The main difference
being that the Type S will have a lower rated flowrate than the Type S-LW system to compensate for
the extra water loading.

The advantage of Type S-LW over Type S systems is that the Type S-LW systems can be smaller and
lighter rendering them easier to use in mobile applications. Users should appreciate that it is not
appropriate to use Type S-LW systems in all mobile applications. A user should conduct an
appropriate risk assessment before specifying Type S or Type S-LW. Some general guidelines are:

— Hydrant servicers intended for use with hydrant systems known to periodically be wet should use
Type S systems to maximize water handling capability.
— Mobile applications which have an independent system to detect water (e.g. water probe, optical
sensor or appropriate procedure) may normally use Type S-LW filter/coalescer and separator
systems even when used on wet hydrant systems. (Note that the use of online water sensors
could permit a dual-rated Type S/S-LW system to, by lowering the flowrate when water is detected,
switch from Type S-LW to Type S operation.)
— Refuellers operated such that free water content is well-controlled normally would be fitted with
Type S-LW systems.
— Type S-LW systems are not intended for, and should not be used in, fixed applications.

Note: EI is developing a new Recommended Practice to provide users with guidance concerning the
application of aviation filtration products. It is intended that the information in this Annex will be moved
to the Recommended Practice in a future revision of EI 1581.

3
EI 1581 Specifications and qualifications procedures for aviation jet fuel filter/separators, 5th
Edition

Addendum February 2003

Page 14
4.2.1.7 j) is amended to read:

‘The vessel diameter in end-opposed single-element test vessels is controlled by the test vessel area
ratio requirement in paragraph 4.2.1.7. k) (ii). No additional limitation on single-element test vessel
diameter is defined by this specification.’

Page 19
4.4.3 Fuel Volume is amended to read:

‘The volume of the test fuel shall be not less than 5 % of the total fuel volume circulated through the
filter/separator vessel. Because additives may be depleted during testing, test fuel shall not be
recirculated through the test vessel more than twenty times in Category C and ten times in Category M
and M100 testing. When necessary, the test may be interrupted near the mid-point while the fuel is
cleaned of all additives then readditized. When a test is interrupted, the test vessel shall be isolated
from the flowing system by closing a downstream valve then an upstream valve. The vessel shall be
undisturbed and protected from thermal shock until the test is resumed, with the pump on, by opening
the upstream valve then the downstream valve to re-establish flow. Any reverse flow through the test
vessel voids the test. When more than one fuel tank is used, the flow from any tank shall not differ by
more than ± 10 % of the flow from any other tank.’
EI Specification 1581

Specifications and qualification procedures for

aviation jet fuel filter separators

5th edition
SPECIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES
FOR AVIATION JET FUEL FILTER/SEPARATORS

EI SPECIFICATION 1581

Fifth edition
July 2002
SPECIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES
FOR AVIATION JET FUEL FILTER/SEPARATORS

EI SPECIFICATION 1581

Fifth edition
July 2002

Published by
ENERGY INSTITUTE, LONDON
The Energy Institute is a professional membership body incorporated by Royal Charter 2003
Registered charity number 1097899
Copyright © 2010 by the Energy Institute, London:
The Energy Institute is a professional membership body incorporated by Royal Charter 2003.
Registered charity number 1097899, England
All rights reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, or transmitted or translated into a machine language without the written permission of
the publisher.

The information contained in this publication is provided as guidance only and while every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy
of its contents, the Energy Institute cannot accept any responsibility for any action taken, or not taken, on the basis of this information. The
Energy Institute shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage which may arise from the use of any of the information contained in any
of its publications.

The above disclaimer is not intended to restrict or exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by own negligence.

ISBN 978 0 85293 575 0

Published by the Energy Institute

Further copies can be obtained from Portland Customer Services, Commerce Way,
Whitehall Industrial Estate, Colchester CO2 8HP, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1206 796 351
email: sales@portland-services.com

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Documents can be purchased online as downloadable pdfs or on an annual subscription for single users and companies. For more information,
contact the EI Publications Team.
e: pubs@energyinst.org.uk
 CONTENTS

Page

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Referenced publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Uses and qualification requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Qualification for other category and/or type systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Mechanical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4 Testing and qualification procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.1 Qualification by similarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2 Test materials and facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3 Single-element test for filter/separators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.4 Full-scale test method for filter/coalescers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.5 Structural test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.6 Environmental tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.7 Test sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.8 Test data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Annex A - Solids addition procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

v
vi
 FOREWORD

This publication is designed to provide comprehensive specifications and qualification test procedures for
filter/separators used in systems that handle aviation jet fuel and is the result of collaboration between the American
Petroleum Institute and the Institute of Petroleum. This publication is one of a series of joint standards related to
aviation fuel handling.

The specifications in this publication are provided for the convenience of purchasers and manufacturers in
fabricating and supplying filter/separators, but in no way prohibit either purchasers or manufacturers from
purchasing or manufacturing equipment that meets other requirements.

Changes in construction, media, cross section of elements or in vessel design (general, profile and flow pattern) from
that tested and qualified shall constitute a redesign, thereby nullifying previous approvals. Redesigned units shall
be requalified.

Once an element model has been qualified, the manufacturer shall not change any aspect of element design or
materials without prior approval from the purchaser(s) or requalifying the element in accordance with the conditions
defined in this specification.

If the purchaser(s) is requested to approve a change to an element model then the purchaser(s) has the right to request
a partial or complete retest of the filter/separator by the manufacturer to confirm its performance still complies with
these specifications. Purchasers may also request partial or complete retests should they have reasonable grounds
for believing the performance of the filter/separator has deteriorated from the original qualification tests.

A product quality assurance program shall be in place. As a minimum, such a program shall include the annual
single-element testing of each element model by the test procedure in this publication using the fuel of the most
stringent category for which the element was qualified. The test results shall be filed with the results of the
qualification tests for the subject elements and shall be made available upon request.

Purchasers buying equipment in accordance with this publication should be aware that they have the right to conduct
their own inspection independently of any supervisory inspection furnished by the manufacturer. Such an inspection
should be based on the specifications of this publication. In addition, purchasers should avail themselves of audit
reports of qualification tests and facilities inspections that may have been undertaken as part of an industry
certification program.

The main change included in this 5th edition of EI 1581 is to remove Petronate L from all the test chemistries. Testing

vii
has shown that products currently qualified to the 4th edition meet 5th edition requirements for the category tested
so that re-qualification is not required. This read-across from the 4th to the 5th edition applies only to the category
tested and does not reduce the performance requirements of products produced to this publication.

The 4th edition of API/IP 1581 included a number of significant changes from the 3rd edition. While changes in the
first three editions served mainly to improve the consistency of aviation filtration equipment, changes in the 4th
edition were primarily designed to raise the level of performance and reduce the uncertainty inherent in aviation
filtration. Specifically:

— The classes (A-C) of performance levels were eliminated. The analysis of data from the field indicated that
product contained approximately the same magnitude of particulate through the entire handling system. This
resulted in the conclusion that filtration needed to be equally effective at all points in the handling system.
Water handling capacity of new systems on refuelling equipment was also enhanced. Finally, a coalescer
element with minimal dirt handling capacity was specified, known as S–LD for low dirt, for use in intrinsically
clean systems or in concert with microfilter systems.

— The group classification (I without and II with additives) of filter/separator systems was eliminated in favour
of three new categories (M100 for JP-8+100, M for JP-8/JP-5, and C for Jet A/A1). That change brought
commercial and military filtration requirements into a single specification.

— The composition of the test dirt was changed to ensure that it is a more consistent size (about 1 :m) than the
dirt in the first three editions. This reduces the effect of agglomeration and provides for more consistent and
realistic results.

— The inclusion of one or more additional stages to a filter/coalescer and separator system was explicitly
permitted. Additional stages envisioned included a water absorbing or fuse stage located inside separators,
and/or a prefilter stage located inside filter/coalescers.

— The testing protocol was changed to reduce the effort needed to qualify new elements. The individual runs are
longer (water, dirt, water, 3 % water) but only one single-element test is needed for each model and
configuration of filter/separator system. Multiple full-scale tests may reference one single-element test.

— Access to the information about the vessel and contents was improved by defining specific information on
permanent labels affixed to the vessel.

— Access to the baseplate of new vessels was improved by decreasing the length versus diameter ratio of vessels.

— The similarity system was split into a separate document (EI 1582 Specification for similarity for EI 1581
aviation jet fuel filter/separators, February 2001) to permit the development of a more robust system.

As a result of the extensive changes from the 3rd to 5th editions, which enable significantly improved aviation
filtration performance, delay is expected between the publication of this edition and the availability of elements
qualified to it. The API Monogram Program will recognise the previous edition for one year after the publication
of this edition. However, because of the benefits of this technology, it is recommended that EI 1581 5th edition
elements be qualified and offered as soon as practical.

The Energy Institute is not undertaking to meet the duties of employers, manufacturers or suppliers to warn and
properly train and equip their employees, and others exposed, concerning health and safety risks and precautions,
nor undertaking their obligations under local and regional laws and regulations.

Nothing contained in any Energy Institute publication is to be construed as granting any right, by implication or
otherwise, for the manufacture, sale, or use of any method, apparatus, or product covered by letters patent. Neither
should anything contained in the publication be construed as insuring anyone against liability for infringement of
letters patent.

viii
It is hoped and anticipated that this publication will assist both the manufacturers and purchasers of jet fuel
filter/separators. Every effort has been made by the Energy Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data
contained in this publication; however, the EI makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with
this publication and hereby expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its
use or for the violation of any local or regional laws or regulations with which this publication may conflict.

Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the Technical Department, The Institute of Petroleum,
61 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7AR (e: technical@energyinst.org).

ix
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This publication was prepared on behalf of the EI Aviation Fuel Filtration Committee by Mr D. Hoskin (ExxonMobil
Research and Engineering). Technical review and feedback were provided by representatives of the following
companies:

AgipPetroli
Air BP Limited
Air Total
Aviation Fuel Services & Management GmbH
Caltex Corporation
Chevron Products Co.
Conoco Limited
Equilon Enterprises
ExxonMobil Aviation International Ltd.
ExxonMobil Research & Engineering
Facet International
Faudi Aviation Fuel Filtration GmbH
Fuel Technology Associates, L.L.C.
Kuwait Petroleum International Aviation Company Limited
Pall Corporation
Parker Hannifin Corporation
Phillips 66 Company
Shell Aviation Ltd.
Shell Global Solutions
Texaco Ltd.
United Airlines
Velcon Filters
Vic Hughes Associates Ltd.

x
 1
GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE
(a) This publication specifies the minimum
performance and mechanical requirements and the
testing and qualification procedures for aviation jet
fuel filter/separators with flow rates ranging up to
9 500 lpm (2 500 gpm).
(b) This specification defines procedures to qualify
filter/separators with and without multi-stages. It
does not qualify the actual multi-stage device(s).
(c) The inclusion of additive packages in this
publication is for testing purposes only and does
not constitute acceptance or rejection of these
additives in jet fuels by the EI.
(d) The performance specifications in this publication
are for testing purposes only and do not necessarily
constitute recommendations by the EI for
specifications in any application of the
filter/separators.
(e) Filter/separator systems currently qualified to the
4th edition of this specification are qualified as
meeting the performance requirements of this
1
ASME International, 3 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016-5990, www.asme.org
2
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428, www.astm.org
1
edition for the category tested. This provision does
not reduce the performance requirements of
products stated to meet this specification.
1.2 REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS
The following publications are cited in this publication:
Note: For this standard, the latest available edition of
each referenced publication applies.
ASME1
Boiler and pressure vessel code, Section VIII: Rules for
construction of boilers and pressure vessels
ASTM2
D 156 Test method for saybolt color of petroleum
products (Saybolt chromometer method)
D 381 Test method for existent gum in fuels by jet
evaporation
D 1094 Test method for water reaction of aviation
fuels
D 1655 Specification for aviation turbine fuels
D 2276 Test method for particulate contaminant in
aviation fuel by line sampling
 SPECIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR AVIATION JET FUEL FILTER/SEPARATORS

D 2624 Test method for electrical conductivity of
aviation and distillate fuels
D 3240 Test method for undissolved water in aviation
turbine fuels
D 3948 Test method for determining water separation
characteristics of aviation turbine fuels by
portable separometer
D 4171 Standard specification for fuel system icing
inhibitors
EI3
1582 Specification for similarity for EI 1581
aviation jet fuel filter/separators
1583 Specifications and qualification procedures for
aviation fuel filter monitors with absorbent
type elements
Joint Inspection Group Specifications4
AFQRJOS Aviation fuel quality requirements for
joint operating systems
U.S. Military Specifications5
MIL-PRF-4556: Coating kit, epoxy, for interior of
steel fuel tanks
MIL-C-5541: Chemical conversion coatings on
aluminum and aluminum alloys
MIL-PRF-25017: Inhibitor, corrosion/lubricity
improver, fuel soluble
MIL-DTL-83133: Turbine fuels, aviation, kerosene
types, NATO F-34 (JP-8), NATO F-
35, and JP-8+100
MIL-DTL-5624: Turbine fuel, aviation, grades JP-4,
JP-5, and JP-5/8 ST

3
Available from Portland Customer Services. Commerce Way, Whitehall Industrial Estate, Colchester, CO2 8HP.
Tel: +44(0)1206 796 351, email: sales@portland-services.com; or www.energypublishing.org.
4
Available from the Joint Inspection Group, c/o 35 Abercorn Place, London, NW8 9DR, UK.
5
Available from Commanding Officer, Naval Publications and Forms Center, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19120. U.S. military specifications are also available online from the ASSIST database at
http://astimage.daps.dia.mil/quicksearch