Product Depletion Tests – Aircraft Refuellers

Product Depletion Tests – Aircraft Refuellers (PDF, 33 KB, 1 page)

The purpose of this information bulletin is to inform interested parties of Measurement Canada's (MC) intention to require product depletion tests be done on all mobile aircraft refuelling equipment at the time of inspection. MC would like to know if any of the interested parties have concerns with this proposed change.

Background

It is a common problem for mobile metering systems to continue to pump air through the meter when the product supply has been exhausted. This results in significant measurement errors against the buyer. MC requires a product depletion test be conducted on all mobile metering systems (except LPG and NH3). This test ensures the air elimination equipment is adequate to minimize the measurement errors.

In 1999, MC was made aware of an explosion hazard that could occur when the filter cartridges of aircraft refuellers were emptied during the product depletion test. On this basis, the requirement to conduct the test was removed for safety reasons pending further investigation.

In 2009, MC was informed that the explosion hazard had been dealt with through improved grounding of the filters and/or via the use of low level switches which prevented the emptying of the filter chambers. At that time, it was agreed by the Volumetric Standing Committee to reinstate the product depletion test for mobile aircraft refuelling equipment.

Proposal

MC plans to reinstate the product depletion test for all mobile aircraft refuelling equipment inspected after . This test will determine whether the air elimination equipment is adequate to prevent the excessive passage of air through the meters, or whether the low level switches are functioning correctly.

If you have any comments or concerns regarding this matter, please direct them to Dennis Beattie on or before .

Dennis Beattie
Senior Program Officer, Volume
Program Development Directorate
Measurement Canada
4th floor, 400 St. Mary Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K5
Telephone: 204-983-8910
Fax: 204-983-5511