Navy Coalescence Test on Petroleum F-76 Fuel with FAME Additive at 1%

The Navy Coalescence Test (NCT) is a fit-for-purpose test which uses a specially manufactured small filter/coalescer cell to simulate the performance of a full scale filter/coalesce system while utilizing a small volume of fuel. This testing is designed to predict the performance of the filter/coalescer systems currently in use in the fleet. F-76 diesel fuel used onboard USN vessels is procured throughout the world through DLA contracting. Recent DLA sponsored studies have shown that in many countries there may be an undesirable concentration of Fatty Acid Methyl-Ester (FAME) present in the F-76. This study was conducted to determine an upper limit to FAME content at which its presence would not affect the coalescence properties of the F-76. This study showed that at 1% (v/v), FAME would not affect the coalescence properties of F76 following a fuel system flush and a filter change out. This contamination level passed the NCT and is recommended for further fit for purpose testing.