Field Testing Procedures Fuel

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1 Field Testing Procedures Fuel

2 Contents Background... 3 Safety Considerations... 3 Technical Inspectors Findings Report... 3 Questioning of Participants... 4 Using the Digatron... 4 Calibrating the Digatron... 4 Digatron & Hydrometer Fuel Test... 5 Equipment Required... 5 Procedure Digatron Testing... 5 In Tank Testing... 5 Parc Ferme Testing... 5 Procedure Hydrometer... 6 Prosecution... 6 Water Migration Testing Rationale:... 7 Equipment Required:... 7 Procedure:... 7 Prosecution:... 8 Exhibit Handling Procedures... 9 Equipment required:... 9 Procedure... 9 At the Track:... 9 Competitors Sample...11 Procedure Following the meeting...11 Testing Facilities...12 Reference Material...13 Consumables...13 Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 2

3 Background The allegations and rumours of people achieving results because they are cheating is a common issue in a lot of sports. In Go Karts the most common allegation is in relation to fuel. The current regime of testing using a Digatron has been around since the early 1990 s at least and was modified in 1994 to include Specific Gravity upon the advice of a Bob Campbell from Victorian Karting Association. With the method of fuel testing largely unchanged for over 20 years, competitor have found new and improved ways of beating the testing regime. Mixing Unleaded fuel with racing fuel and 1,4 Dioxane are both methods of gaining a benefit with a negligible difference in reading evident using the current testing. To address changes in methodologies, fuel testing needs to also evolve and change. The perfect solution would be to use a Gas Chromatograph and test all fuel and identify its component parts, but this is an expensive process and something that is not easily duplicated at any track. Preliminary investigations using Water Migration Testing has shown that results are repeatable and have been verified by Laboratory analysis. The Field Spot Test for 1,4 Dioxane was developed by Germaine Engineering in USA and is a specific test for this additive. It should be noted that 1,4 Dioxane is poisonous on skin contact. Safety Considerations Some additives suspected of being used in Go Kart Fuels are poisonous on contact with skin while some people may suffer allergic reactions to exposure to fuel products. It is highly recommended that disposable gloves be used when removing samples from competitor s tanks or when conducting fuel analysis. Fuel Testing should only be conducted in open, well ventilated areas to avoid exposure to fumes. Fuel Testers should take regular breaks away from the area they are conducting testing to ensure they do not become overwhelmed or intoxicated from fumes. Technical Inspectors Findings Report For any non-complying fuels the following should be noted it the report on findings section: Technical Rules, Chapter 5, Rule 6 Kart contains non-conforming fuel. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 3

4 Questioning of Participants The purpose of questioning participants is to obtain information that may explain a finding. Questioning is to a fact finding process and not an inquisition. In relation to fuel anomalies, questioning may include: When and where the fuel was purchased and request the receipt. Whether they mixed the fuel or use a team supplied fuel. Where the fuel was stored. If early in the meeting, whether the tank was empty prior to the meeting. Whether they have change oil during the meeting and have mixed oils. Whether they have mixed any other fuel into the control fuel Whether they have placed anything in their fuel apart from the approved oil This is not an exhaustive list, if the competitor says anything that doesn t make sense ask about it until you understand the answer. Note the answers to any questions Using the Digatron The most common fuel test meter used by KQ clubs is the Digatron DT-47. Whist this manual refers to this device, any other device which works on the same principles may be used. The Digatron DT- 47 consists of 3 parts, being the display unit, the multi plate sample probe, and a temperature probe. Assemble the two probes to the display, and power up the display unit. The display unit will run through a power up check, and will then stabilize at a reading, usually about The unit will now be ready for calibration with a raw sample of fuel. Calibrating the Digatron 1. Fully submerge the assembled multi plate and temperature probes into a sample of raw fuel, and jiggle the probes to remove any air bubbles from the multi plate probe. 2. Once the display reading has stabilized, the unit is ready for calibration. If the display reading is not equal to zero, then calibration is required. 3. Simultaneously hold down the TEMP & POWER buttons for approximately 2 seconds, then release. The display unit will then run through a calibration setup. 4. Use the DC button to reduce the display reading to zero, or the TEMP button to raise the display reading to zero, as necessary. 5. Once a zero reading is attained, press the POWER/EXIT button once to return to sampling mode. NOTE 1:- the Digatron DT-47 displays temperature in Fahrenheit. For a valid test, the sample fuel temperature and competitor s fuel temperature must be within ± 3 o C (± 5 o F) of each other. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 4

5 Digatron & Hydrometer Fuel Test This method of fuel testing has been utilised by Karting Australia since the early 1990 s (at least). The results of this testing method when conducted correctly can be used for a prosecution in relation to non-compliant fuel. The Digatron is used to measure the electrical conductivity of a fuel sample. Additives, such as oil, octane boosters, and ethanol when added to raw fuel alter the conductivity of the fuel. The hydrometer is used to test the specific gravity of a competitor s fuel. Some additives may alter the Specific gravity (SG) of the fuel, and there may be noticeable differences depending on the source of the fuel. However, where a control fuel has been specified, the fuel hydrometer can serve a useful purpose in detecting fuel sourced other than from the specified source. Once mixed with oil, the SG of the control fuel will increase slightly, generally in the range of to 0.01 increase. Equipment Required Digatron Hydrometer Vacuum Pump Sample Bottles Clear Glass Testing Cylinder Procedure Digatron Testing 1. Zero the Digatron in the control fuel. This should be repeated regularly through the day as the ambient temperature changes. In Tank Testing 2. Fully submerge the Digatron probe into the fuel and jiggle to remove any air bubbles (avoid touching the metal components of the probe while testing) 3. Note the reading and temperature 4. A sample outside the range of -5 to 40 should be considered non-compliant and directed to Parc Ferme for further testing. Parc Ferme Testing 2. Draw a sample of the competitor fuel into a sample bottle using a Vacuum pump or by draining from the fuel line. 3. Fully submerge the Digatron probe into the fuel sample and jiggle to remove any air bubbles. This can either be done in the sample bottle or test cylinder. NOTE: Readings will vary between glass and plastic container or if the testers hand is touching the sample bottle. Care should be taken to conduct the tests in the same manner every time. 4. Ensure the probe is not touching the sides of the container when taking the reading. 5. Record the reading and temperature. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 5

6 6. A valid sample should read between -5 and 40 on the Digatron. 7. If a sample is outside the valid range, a. Rinse the testing cylinder with control fuel to remove any contaminates b. Rinse the Digatron probe in control fuel c. Check the calibration of the Digatron in the control fuel d. Repeat the testing. 8. Where the sample is still outside the valid range, note the temperature of the control fuel against the sample. a. If there is a variance of greater than 5 o F (3 o C) between the control and the sample fuel b. Draw sufficient fuel samples to repeat a further two tests. c. Seal the fuel with masking tape or similar and have the competitor or participant sign the seals. d. Place the samples and control fuel in a secure shaded location to allow the samples to settle to the same temperature. Advise the Competitor to return at a later time to retest the fuel once temperatures have returned to within the tolerance. Procedure Hydrometer 1. Pour a sample of control fuel into the Testing Cylinder sufficient that the hydrometer will float in the fuel without touching the bottom. 2. Place the hydrometer into the fuel (bulb down) so it floats on the fuel and then gently spin it so it does not touch the sides of the cylinder. 3. While the hydrometer is spinning read the measurement at the point the hydrometer scale is level with the top of the fuel. Note: ensure the hydrometer is not touching the bottom or sides of the cylinder when the reading is taken. 4. Note the reading for the control fuel. 5. Using the Digatron, check and record the temperature of the control fuel. Note: These steps can be done at the same time as calibrating the Digatron at Step 1 of the Digatron Procedures. 6. The above should be repeated during the day as temperatures change (ideally in conjunction with calibrating the Digatron) 7. The same procedure as above is used to test the competitor s fuel. Prosecution A fuel sample outside the tolerances in this section is deemed non-compliant and a Technical Findings Report should be completed and referred to the Stewards of the meeting. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 6

7 Water Migration Testing. Rationale: A basic concept is that fuels and water don t mix. This testing process involves a fuel sample from the competitor s kart being tested using a Digatron Fuel Tester which measures the dielectric current and direct current conductivity of the sample. Additives, such as oil, octane boosters, and ethanol when added to raw fuel alter the conductivity of the fuel. The fuel is then mixed in a sample of demineralised water. Because two stroke fuels are not water soluble, when allowed to settle the fuel will separate to the top of the water. In a compliant fuel/oil sample, there will be a clear distinction between the water and the fuel mix. While the time to settle varies between oils, typically results are visible within 1 minute. Non Polar additives are often used as a masking agent in conjunction with a performance enhancing additive. The performance enhancing additive increases the dielectric current, while the non-polar additive reduces the dielectric current without affecting the performance improvement of the additive. Non-polar additives have a stronger affinity to water. When a fuel mix containing these additives is mixed with water, they will separate out of the fuel/oil mixture. When the additive is removed from the fuel sample in this process, the Digatron reading changes between the original reading and the second reading. As well as a change in reading there may also be visible changes such as clouding of the mixture and the separation point of the water and fuel in the testing container may change. Testing has found that this methodology detects the same additives as the Digatron test, but also picks up Toluene, Xylene, 1,4 Dioxane, and Klotz Coxoc quite conclusively. As this test compares the fuel sample of the competitor pre and post being mixed with water, there is no requirement for a control fuel to be used at the event. Whilst it is not necessary, it is still desirable to use control fuel, so if an initial reading is out of scope for a Digatron Test this can still be identified. Equipment Required: Digatron meter Vacuum Pump Demineralised Water Control Fuel Sample Bottles Procedure: 1. Zero the Digatron against the control fuel for the meeting. This should be done regularly during the meeting as temperatures change. 2. Prepare a testing container with a known quantity of demineralised water. Ideally the water sample should measure to a known spot on the outside of the testing container and be no more than 40% of the capacity of the container. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 7

8 3. Draw a sample of the competitor s fuel from their tank. The sample should be at least twice the volume of the water prepared in step Measure and record the Digatron reading and temperature of the original fuel sample. 5. Pour a sample of the fuel into the container with water. The sample should be about the same as the volume of water. 6. Seal the bottle and gently agitate the mixture. (NOTE: the harder you mix the solution, the longer it will take to settle) 7. Allow the mix to settle. 8. While waiting for the sample to settle, record the competitors kart number and class, the type of oil used and the mix ratio. Compare the oil to the Approved Oils list. 9. While the mix is settling watch for a clear separation between the fuel mix and water. The two solutions should separate at the same mark that the water was originally filled to. 10. Once the solution has settled and there are no bubbles, foam or movement in the solution the fuel portion of the sample can be measured with the Digatron. Ensure when taking the sample that the Digatron probe does not enter the water portion of the sample. 11. Record the reading and temperature and compare against the original reading. 12. Note any change in colour or water levels in solution. Any combination of the below are considered to be non-conforming fuels: A difference of more than 5 between the two Digatron readings No clear line of separation Murky or cloudy water after the process compared to the original sample A change in the water level after mixing. Where any of the above are noted the results should be recorded and the testing process repeated. During the second test ensure that only unused test bottles or test bottles that have been washed in control fuel are used to ensure no cross contamination. If the second test is still considered to be non-compliant: Photograph the mixed and unmixed fuel samples (especially if there is a colour change). If satisfied that the sample is still non-compliant, take a sample of the competitors fuel for laboratory test as per Exhibit Handling Procedures. Complete a Technical Findings Report and contact the Steward of the meeting to arrange a hearing time. Prosecution: As this is a screening test only, the results should not be considered conclusive. Unless the competitor makes admissions or chooses to plead guilty to the matter any Stewards Hearing should be suspended until such time as the results of Laboratory analysis are known. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 8

Exhibit Handling Procedures The following procedure is to be followed where a sample of a competitor s fuel is being impounded for the purpose of Laboratory Testing.

9 Exhibit Handling Procedures The following procedure is to be followed where a sample of a competitor s fuel is being impounded for the purpose of Laboratory Testing. The procedure should be followed in the presence of the participant: Prior to taking any samples the competitor should be advised that they are entitled to receive a sample of the fuel and may have the fuel tested independently if desired. If the competitor requests a sample of the fuel, a third sample should be obtained in the same method as below. Equipment required: Procedure At the Track: 3 unused sample containers 3 tamper evident bags Control fuel 1. Two sample of fuel (approx mL) are to be drawn into unused sample containers. Ideally this sample should be taken by removing the fuel line from the carburettor and draining directly into the container to avoid allegations of contamination from vacuum pumps and bottles. 2. Write the following details on the contents section of two tamper evident bags. a. Date b. Location c. License No d. Type of Fuel (e.g. 2 stroke fuel / 4 stroke fuel) 3. Place one fuel samples into each of the tamper evident bag. The serial number on the bags should be recorded on the Technical Findings report. The serial number is located on the front of the bag and should match the receipt portion at the top of the bag. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 9

Once the bags are sealed, remove the receipt section and give to the participant. Receipt portion at top of bag 6.

10 4. Seal the bag by folding the red portion forward and removing the silver backing. Press the red tape flat against the bag to seal. NOTE: once sealed the bag is difficult to open without ripping and a warning displays on the tape as below. Seal after attempting to open. 5. Once the bags are sealed, remove the receipt section and give to the participant. Receipt portion at top of bag 6. If the competitor has obtained a sample of fuel, the receipt portion from that sample is to be kept by the Chief Scrutineer and the serial number noted on the Technical Findings report as the Participants sample. 7. If facilities exist at the track, a control sample is to be mixed for comparative purposes using a sample of the control fuel and the competitor s oil and placed into a sample container. The oil should either come from a bottle newly purchased by the official of the meeting or from a bottle previously purchased and controlled by the Scrutineer of the meeting. 8. If there is no capacity to prepare a control sample at the track, a sample of the control fuel is to be obtained in a sample container. 9. The control sample should be sealed in a tamper evident bag with the following details recorded on the contents section of the bag: a. Date b. Location c. CONTROL FUEL or d. CONTROL SAMPLE i. If a control sample include oil type and mix ratio. 10. The serial number should be noted on the Technical Findings report as the control fuel/sample. 11. The Chief Scrutineer should take possession of the 3 samples and store in a location where they cannot be accessed. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 10

11 Competitors Sample When supplying the competitor with a sample of their fuel they should be advised of the following 1. if they wish to get their fuel tested they will be responsible for any costs incurred 2. any findings will be deemed as inadmissible unless evidence is provided by the testing location of the integrity of the seal and the serial number of the tamper evident bag 3. An acknowledgement along the following lines is recommended: Competitors Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that I have obtained a sample of fuel which has been sealed by the KA official in my presence in a tamper evident bag serial number. If I choose to have the sample of fuel tested I will ensure the testing facility verifies the integrity of the seal and the receipt number in any report they generate, or such report will not be admissible in evidence at any subsequent hearing. Name:... Signature:... Witness:... Signature: The acknowledgement may either be printed and supplied to the Chief Steward with the Technical Inspectors Findings Report or hand written on the back of the white copy of the report. Procedure Following the meeting 1. One sample is to be kept by the Chief Scrutineer in a cool environment. This sample if for analysis at an independent facility in the event there is an appeal to any decision made at a Steward Hearing. 2. One sample is to be forwarded by the Chief Scrutineer for analysis. 3. A request is to be made by to KA via the State Secretary to have the Parc Ferme conditions for the meet extended under Technical Rules, Chapter 6, Rule 3, d)(iii). should contain the following information: a. Date of meeting b. Location of the meeting c. Competitors Name and License No d. Where fuel is being sent for analysis e. Anticipated dispatch date f. Information from analysis location of estimated time to complete analysis. Refer to Testing Facilities below for procedures for delivery of samples. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 11

12 Testing Facilities Where a sample is being forwarded for analysis as a result of Field Testing, contact: Fuel Screening Australia Ph luke.carter@fuelscreeningaustralia.com.au Fuel Screening Australia will provide assistance in arranging shipping of the Dangerous Goods and will include the costs in the total invoice for testing. NOTE: It is an offence to ship dangerous goods without the appropriate documentations. Australia Post will NOT ship fuel or fuel products. As at January 2018 the costs for testing are: o o o 20 Samples or under - $56.00 ex GST each More than 20 samples - $44.00 ex GST each Shipping (each batch) - $ ex GST Cost of testing is the responsibility of the hosting club with the exception of State Championship or National Championship rounds Where a sample is being forwarded as a result of an appeal, contact: Intertek Testing Services Australia (Pty) Ltd, Building 1, Paramount Road, West Footscray, VIC 3012 Office Intertek will provide a quote for analysis which will need to be accepted prior to forwarding fuel for analysis. Costs of comparative analysis in 2017 was $1500 plus GST for the first analysis and $500 for each subsequent analysis. Shipping of Dangerous Goods can either be arranged via local contacts or via brokerage. The below has been used previously. Mar Air Ph ops@marair.com.au Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 12

13 Reference Material Consumables The below prices were current as at January 2018 MicroDrums (Sample Containers) can be purchased from Perennial Packaging Product Code Product Type Product Description Min Order Qty Packing Quantity Unit Price * D250W44SN SCGOLD44 250ml UN DG Approved Microdrum Tinplate Microdrum + 44mm Neck + Gold Screw Cap /carton 4320/pallet $1.44 (Minimum order of 120 drums) Tamper Evident bags can be obtained in lots of 100 or 500 from Tamper Evident Tel Code Item Name Quantity Total (ExGST) BAG_TEB A4 Tamper Evident Security Bag (Box of 500) 1 $ BAG_TEB A4 Tamper Evident Security Bag (Pack of 100) 1 $ Some stores may be held by SKC, contact should be made with the State Secretary in the first instance. Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 13

14 Field Testing Procedures Fuel P a g e 14

2018 CAMS MANUAL OF MOTOR SPORT

2018 CAMS MANUAL OF MOTOR SPORT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF AUTOMOBILES Schedule G - Fuel CONFEDERATION OF AUSTRALIAN MOTOR SPORT WWW.CAMS.COM.AU Modified Article Date of Application Date of Publication 1.