(3) Stability. Stability is a measure of the product's tendency to retain its physical and chemical
properties. This characteristic helps determine the effects of storage on the product and its performance at high
temperatures.
(4) Corrosiveness. Corrosiveness is a measure of the product's tendency to slowly wear away objects
in contact with it by chemical action.
(5) Quality Control (Cleanliness). While this category does not really measure a characteristic of a
product, it is an important group of tests. This group of tests can aid in the early detection of contamination or
deterioration of products before their characteristics change. They are also a measure of good petroleum handling
techniques or the lack of them.
c. The mishandling, weathering, or contamination of a petroleum product can cause physical and/or
chemical changes in the product. Changing any characteristic of the product can cause it to be unsuitable for its
intended use. To ensure product suitability at all times, the military monitors the product from manufacture to
consumption. This is done by taking samples and having them analyzed at a petroleum laboratory.
d. The laboratory will perform tests that determine critical properties, or characteristics, of the product.
Some of the possible tests are: flash point, vapor pressure, sediment, and water, viscosity, and distillation.
7.
Determining Sampling and Testing Requirements.
a. The minimum sampling and testing frequency of the product is depends on the type of product,
location, type of storage, and when it was last tested. For sampling dormant stocks, see MIL-HDBK-200, Table
II, and for moving stocks, see Table III. Petroleum product mandatory sampling and testing fall into five
categories: before acceptance of delivery from a manufacturer; whenever contamination or deterioration is
suspected; after movement of products in bulk; before issue to individual pieces of equipment; or as a periodic
check on filter effectiveness. Each of these categories are covered by a specified test series.
(1) Type A Test Series. This test series is done on all petroleum products prior to the manufacturer
loading the product for shipment to the military and immediately before the military takes possession of the
product. All tests listed in the specification for the product are performed.
(2) Type B-1 Test Series. This test series is done to check the characteristics most likely to have
been affected by moving bulk products.
(3) Type B-2 Test Series. This series is done to verify the characteristics of products that have
deteriorated due to age.
(4) Type B-3 Test Series. This series is done when a product is suspected of being contaminated.
10-5
QM5200
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