Shell Water Detector Usage Guide
Shell Water Detector Usage Guide
Using an expired Shell Water Detector capsule could lead to inaccurate water detection because the sensitivity might be compromised over time. This can be avoided by checking the expiry date marked on each tube of capsules and ensuring they are used within nine months of manufacture . Proper storage conditions also help maintain their efficacy .
The Shell Water Detector indicates the presence of suspended water in a jet fuel sample by a change in color from faint yellow to green in the centre portion of the detector capsule . The intensity of the green color increases with the water content .
Proper handling and storage of unused Shell Water Detector capsules are critical to maintaining their effectiveness. Capsules should be stored tightly sealed to prevent discoloration from humidity, as stated in their storage guidelines, and each capsule must only be used once . Handling them carefully ensures the yellow paper does not get contaminated or exposed to moisture before use .
To draw a sample using the Shell Water Detector, first, immerse the capsule and half of the syringe in a circular motion into the sample . This ensures a homogenous mix of fuel is sampled, minimizing sampling errors. Pull the plunger to draw 5 ml of the sample into the syringe . These steps ensure the accurate detection of suspended water by controlling the sample volume and exposure of the capsule to the fuel.
Recording 'trace' indicates only a few green speckles or a slight color change, suggesting a very low dispersed water concentration in the sample . In contrast, 'suspended water' refers to a distinct color change, indicating a significant presence of suspended water .
After completing a sample test with the Shell Water Detector, dispose of the used capsule safely since it can only be used once . Empty the contents of the syringe back into the sample container and return it to the recovery tank . Finally, complete the necessary documentation to record the test results .
To ensure accurate testing, the Shell Water Detector capsule should be fitted to the syringe with the plunger in the depressed position before drawing any sample. This prepares the syringe to draw the correct volume of sample efficiently without disturbing the capsule's initial state .
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting tests with the Shell Water Detector is crucial for safety due to the hazardous nature of fuel. PVC gloves protect the skin from the fuel, safety footwear prevents slip hazards, eye protection shields the eyes from splashes, and anti-static clothing minimizes static discharge risks . These measures protect against both chemical exposure and physical hazards.
When checking the equipment for using the Shell Water Detector capsule, you should examine the bottom of the tube to ensure capsules have not expired . Additionally, verify that the syringe operates freely and its nozzle is undamaged. Ensure the sample jar or closed circuit sample is clean and free from water .
Discarding a capsule if the yellow paper is not uniform is crucial because color inconsistency indicates possible pre-exposure to moisture, which can preemptively trigger a color change. This could result in false positives or unreliable test results . Ensuring uniformity guarantees that the capsule's sensitivity to water is intact prior to sample exposure.