SETA Model 12200-3 Jet Evaporation Apparatus for Actual Gum Determination
| Key | Brand: SETA |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | 12200-3 |
| Temperature Range | 140–260 °C (±5 °C) |
| Heating Power | 2 × 1 kW |
| Over-Temperature Cut-Off | Adjustable at 280 °C |
| Dimensions | 45 × 35 × 50 cm |
| Weight | 45 kg |
| Test Positions | 5 |
| Evaporation Medium | Compressed Air or Steam |
| Integrated Steam Generator | Yes |
| Control Type | Digital Temperature Controller |
Overview
The SETA Model 12200-3 Jet Evaporation Apparatus is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the quantitative determination of actual gum content in gasoline, aviation turbine fuels, and other volatile petroleum distillates. It operates on the principle of controlled jet evaporation—where a standardized volume of sample is evaporated under specified thermal and airflow conditions, leaving behind non-volatile residue (actual gum), which is then gravimetrically quantified. This method is fundamental to fuel quality assurance, as excessive gum formation correlates directly with engine deposit accumulation, carburetor fouling, and injector coking. The apparatus strictly complies with internationally harmonized test standards including ASTM D381, IP 131, ISO 6246, and GB/T 8019, ensuring method equivalence across global refineries, third-party testing laboratories, and regulatory compliance facilities.
Key Features
- Five independent test positions enabling parallel analysis of multiple samples without cross-contamination or thermal interference.
- Digital temperature controller with ±5 °C accuracy across the full operational range (140–260 °C), calibrated traceably to NIST-traceable references.
- Integrated steam generation system eliminates external boiler dependency—providing consistent, dry-saturated steam supply for IP 131 and ISO 6246-compliant procedures.
- Dual 1 kW heating elements ensure rapid thermal stabilization and uniform chamber temperature distribution, critical for reproducible evaporation kinetics.
- Adjustable high-temperature cut-off set at 280 °C provides fail-safe thermal protection, meeting IEC 61010-1 requirements for laboratory electrical equipment safety.
- Robust stainless-steel construction with insulated chamber walls minimizes ambient heat loss and improves energy efficiency during extended operation cycles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SETA 12200-3 accommodates standard 50 mL glass beakers (ASTM D381 specification) and supports all fuel types covered by referenced methods: motor gasoline (including ethanol-blended E10/E15), aviation gasoline (AVGAS), jet fuel (Jet A/A-1), and naphtha fractions. Each test position includes individual air/steam inlet nozzles calibrated to deliver flow rates per ASTM D381 Annex A1 (air) or IP 131 Clause 7.2 (steam). The unit is supplied with full compliance documentation—including Declaration of Conformity (CE), UKCA marking (for UK market), and factory calibration certificate aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 metrological traceability requirements. It supports GLP-compliant workflows through unambiguous parameter logging and operator-defined test protocols.
Software & Data Management
While the 12200-3 operates as a standalone benchtop instrument with analog/digital hybrid control, it integrates seamlessly into modern LIMS environments via RS-232 serial output (optional USB-to-serial adapter available). Temperature setpoints, dwell times, and cut-off thresholds are stored in non-volatile memory. For laboratories requiring electronic records under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11, optional firmware upgrade enables audit-trail-enabled operation with timestamped event logging (power-on, temperature ramp, cut-off activation, and manual override). All calibration data and maintenance logs can be exported in CSV format for archival and internal QA review.
Applications
- Quality control of finished gasoline and jet fuel prior to dispatch from refinery terminals.
- Monitoring gum formation stability during fuel storage and transportation logistics.
- Supporting research into antioxidant efficacy and additive package optimization in fuel formulation.
- Regulatory testing for national petroleum product specifications (e.g., China’s GB 17930, USA’s ASTM D4814, EU’s EN 228).
- Third-party certification testing accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 for contract laboratories serving OEMs and aviation authorities.
FAQ
What standards does the SETA 12200-3 fully support?
It is validated for ASTM D381 (Method A and B), IP 131, ISO 6246, GB/T 8019, BS 2000-131, DIN 51784, NF M07-004, FTM 791.3302, and JIS K2261.
Can the instrument operate exclusively with compressed air?
Yes—air-only mode satisfies ASTM D381 Method A; steam mode (via built-in generator) satisfies IP 131 and ISO 6246 requirements.
Is routine calibration required, and how is it performed?
Annual verification using traceable PT100 probe and certified reference thermometer is recommended; procedure is documented in the operator manual per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.
Does the unit meet electrical safety requirements for use in Zone 2 hazardous areas?
No—it is rated for general laboratory use (non-hazardous location); explosion-proof variants are not available for this model.
What maintenance intervals are advised for the steam generator?
Descaling every 200 test cycles using 5% citric acid solution is recommended to prevent mineral buildup and ensure consistent steam quality.
