Insulating Fluid Quality (IFQ)

Fee: $384

Schedule: March, September

• About the Program
• Why Should Your Laboratory Participate
• Test Materials
• Test Paramters
• Program Schedule
• Distribution of Samples
• About ASTM Committee D27
• Program Registration Form
• For More Information

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ASTM International Proficiency Testing Center is pleased to offer a Proficiency Testing Program on Insulating Fluid Quality Testing to laboratories who need a statistical quality assurance tool that will enable them to improve, and maintain a high level of performance in conducting routine ASTM tests on insulating fluid oils by comparing their results with other laboratories worldwide.

As a program participant, you will receive either a sample of an in-service or a new mineral insulating fluid plus test instructions for each test cycle. Your laboratory performs the tests that you normally conduct within your own facility using the specified ASTM methods cited in the program. Single determinations by each laboratory are required, as the program does not allow the reporting of averages of replicate determinations.

Upon completion of tests, each laboratory returns their test data to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. Reports contain:

• Coded laboratory test results
• Statistical analyses of test data
• Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code
• Other Information

WHY SHOULD YOUR LABORATORY PARTICIPATE?

You will receive test results, available only to participating laboratories that will help you:

• Monitor strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance
• Periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories
• Compare test data for a given quality parameter with laboratories using the same D3612 Method

NOTE: Participation is not contingent upon performing all program test.

TEST MATERIALS

Each participating lab will receive a ½ gallon can containing either an In-Service Mineral Insulating Fluid sample or a New Mineral Insulating Fluid sample for one of the two test cycles conducted during the year.

NOTE: List of Methods Subject to Change.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Test cycles are scheduled for March and September. The annual fee is $384.00.

Samples, test instructions, and electronic submittal forms are distributed to each participant proceeding the testing month. Labs have approximately six weeks to return test data to ASTM with final summary reports electronically sent to participants within 20-25 business days following receipt of test data.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM by Clark Laboratories, LLC in Jefferson Hills, PA. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping test materials to continental U.S. participants.

IMPORTANT: Non-continental U.S. participants have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent. Provide ASTM with the complete address and phone number of your designated U.S. Trans-Shipping Agent who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. You will be responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements to receive samples directly with your shipping agent.
• Ship directly from sample distributor via DHL, UPS, or Fedex. Provide ASTM with your DHL, UPS, or Fedex account number to cover shipping charges (subject to any restriction DHL may have for certain locations.)

ABOUT ASTM COMMITTEE D27

Committee D27 on Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases has 92 members and over 66 published ASTM standards. This committee provides the technical direction for the PTP program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D27 to determine if modifications to ASTM standard tests are warranted. Data submitted to Committee D27 from the ASTM-PTP are coded to maintain lab confidentiality.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Jamie Huffnagle at 610-832-9682 or at jhuffnag@astm.org.