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AEROSPACE ARP868™ REV. D

RECOMMENDED PRACTICE Issued 1966-06

Reaffirmed 2013-08
Revised 2020-05

Superseding ARP868C

(R) Method-Pressure Drop Tests for Fuel System Components

RATIONALE

This revision expands the scope of the original document content beyond the use of piezometer rings for the measurement
of pressure in fuel system applications. Further details are provided for measurement of flow and pressure in general
applications with the use of industry standard instrumentation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SCOPE .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 3

3. RECOMMENDED PRACTICES ................................................................................................................... 3

3.1 General.......................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.1.1 Test Liquid ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.1.2 Units of Measurement ................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Instrumentation and Equipment .................................................................................................................... 3
3.2.1 Flowmeters .................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2.2 Pressure Measurement Devices ................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 Test Setups ................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3.1 Testing using Piezometer Tubes .................................................................................................................. 6
3.3.2 Testing Using Pressure Transducers ............................................................................................................ 7
3.3.3 Setup Effects ................................................................................................................................................. 8
3.4 Running the Test .......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.5 Data Reduction ............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.5.1 Data Reduction for Single Piezometer Tube, Pressure Transducer, or Dial Gage Tests ............................ 9
3.5.2 Data Reduction for Double Piezometer Tube Tests ..................................................................................... 9
3.5.3 Analyzing and Normalizing the Test Data Results ....................................................................................... 9
3.6 Data Correction ............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.6.1 Data Correction for Velocity Differentials .................................................................................................... 10
3.6.2 Data Correction for Elevation Differentials .................................................................................................. 12
3.6.3 Data Correction for Different Liquid ............................................................................................................ 13
3.6.4 Data Correction for Flow Rates .................................................................................................................. 14
3.7 Error Analysis .............................................................................................................................................. 14

4. NOTES ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
4.1 Revision Indicator........................................................................................................................................ 14

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SAE INTERNATIONAL ARP868™D Page 2 of 18

Figure 1 Test setup – pressure tap design ................................................................................................................ 15

Figure 2 Diaphragm based pressure sensor ............................................................................................................. 16
Figure 3 Test Setup - fuel pressure drop measurement ........................................................................................... 17
Figure 4 Data reduction computation for double piezometer tubes .......................................................................... 18
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SAE INTERNATIONAL ARP868™D Page 3 of 18

1. SCOPE

This document describes recommended methods, associated equipment, and test setups to assist in understanding and
conducting pressure drop tests on fuel system components. Background information and suggestions are provided to
improve accuracy and repeatability of test results. Although written specifically for fuel system components, the methods,
equipment, and suggestions presented herein apply equally to pressure drop tests conducted on any equipment utilizing
incompressible fluids.

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of conducting a pressure drop test on a component is to establish the energy (pressure) loss resulting from
flowing liquid into one port and out another port under stated conditions such as flow rate, attitude, degree of flow obstruction
or opening, flow direction, fluid density, viscosity, and temperature. Resulting pressure drop data may be used to predict or
compare relative pressure drop of similar devices, or it may be used as input to flow simulation analyses in conjunction with
pressure drop data of associated piping and other components.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The following publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. The latest issue of SAE publications
shall apply. The applicable issue of other publications shall be the issue in effect on the date of the purchase order. In the
event of conflict between the text of this document and references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence.
Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific examption has been
obtained.

2.1 Handbook of Hydraulic Resistance, Coefficients of Local Resistance and of Friction, I.E. Idelchik, 1960.

2.2 Hydraulic Institute Standards for Centrifugal, Rotary, and Reciprocating Pumps, Twelfth Edition, 1969.

3. RECOMMENDED PRACTICES

3.1 General

3.1.1 Test Liquid

Any test liquid having specific gravity and viscosity similar to the liquid intended for use in the final application may be used.
Upon completion of testing, the observed pressure drop value may be numerically corrected for other operating conditions.
Actual values of test liquid specific gravity and viscosity should be measured and recorded at the time of testing.

3.1.2 Units of Measurement

The units of measurement such as flow, pressure, density, etc. will be stated or implied in the performance requirements
for the component being tested. Ideally, these units will be used uniformly throughout all test readings, recordings, and
mathematics. When conversions are necessary, they must be performed using appropriate universal conversion factors
and equations. Paragraph 3.6 addresses such conversions.

3.2 Instrumentation and Equipment

In order to determine the pressure drop characteristics of a component assembly, it is necessary to subject the unit under
Test (UUT) to a known flow rate and subsequently measure the drop in static pressure from the inlet port to the outlet port.
To achieve this end, a flow meter will be needed to determine the through flow and a type of pressure gage will be needed
to determine the differential pressure from inlet to outlet.

Pressure gages and flowmeters are sensitive test instruments, and the accuracy of test data depends upon several factors.
Before each test, observe each instrument for evidence of appropriate storage, handling, calibration and installation. During
testing, be sure to follow all instructions and/or guidelines for safe and accurate operation.