Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the operational life expectancy of the Facet® Teflon and Synthetic cartridge? What is the shelf life expectancy of Facet® cartridges? When do I change out my filter/separator coalescer? Is there a minimum flow rate for filter, filter/separators? What is the typical clean differential pressure drop for filter/separators, micronic filters, 2" monitors, and 6" monitors? What is the typical element change out recommendation at maximum rated flow for filter/separators, monitors, micronic filters, hay packs (HP), and clay bag/cartridges? What is the element rupture pressure for filter/separators, monitors, micronic filters, hay packs (HP), and clay bag/cartridges? What is the purpose of a Slug valve? What is the operation of a Water Probe? What is the reason for a Clay Treater? What is the function of the vessel heaters? What data do you need to know to size a vessel? Which style of clay should be used; bags or canisters? Can Facet® clay bags be used in Velcon® vessels? What colors are used for what fuels? Can dye (color) in fuels be removed? Why use horizontal versus vertical housing? Should a filter be installed upstream of a filter separator? How do we test for water? What is the difference between free, entrained, and dissolved water? What is the cleaning procedure for Facet® Synthetic Separators? How do you perform the water test on Facet® Synthetic Separators? Can you convert a filter/separator to a monitor unit? Which monitor cartridges would you use when converting a filter/separator and why? Is the delta (Δ) P gauge on a clay treater actually telling you anything? How many pounds of solids does the Facet® MP-Series filter element hold? With AVGAS, can you flow more through the same filter/separator compared to Jet A? What is the recommended sealing torque on screw base cartridges? What is the mesh size and micron rating of Facet® Synthetic Separators? What are the benefits of Facet®'s CIF Cartridge? What procedures need to be taken when requesting Similarity Data Sheets? After conversion from filter/separator to a monitor, if there any holes left, which holes do you plug and how do you space the monitors? How much water can the various Facet® monitors adsorb? Does the size of the water droplets indicate coalescing efficiency? How is the rated flow in gallons per minute (GPM) of the coalescer housing calculated? Can immersion heaters be wired for a signal light? Which cartridges should be used in converting a filter/separator to a monitor? Why are filter/separators being converted to use as monitors? What are Certificates of Similarity?
1. What is the operational life expectancy of the Facet® Teflon and Synthetic cartridge?
Facet® Teflon and Synthetic separator cartridges are cleanable and reusable. They should be inspected and tested before reusing. Cartridge service life should not be extended beyond five (5) years. <TOP>
2. What is the shelf life expectancy of Facet® cartridges?
Most elements are a minimum of five (5) years if sealed and in a temperature controlled environment. <TOP>
3. When do I change out my filter/separator coalescer?
Coalescer elements must be replaced when: Filter membrane (Millipore®) Test indicates elements are not performing. Differential pressure exceeds 15 psi (1.03 bar) or there is a sudden drop in differential pressure. Continuous sump samples indicate surfactants, microbial or solid contaminants. 12-month service life has expired and approved extension procedure is not accomplished. Coalescer Element Time Extension - Although normal coalescer element life is 12 months, the elements' life may be extended, providing all affected airlines approve the coalescer element life extension program. Station fueling agent, FBO, etc., will submit proposed time extension program in writing. If accepted, airlines will provide written approval, which must be available for review. Free water detection test indicates elements are nor performing. <TOP>
4. Is there a minimum flow rate for filter, filter/separators?
No, however, special consideration must be given to change out differential pressure. The only exception is the HP-style vessels, which should be operated within 15% of design flow. <TOP>
5. What is the typical clean differential pressure drop for filter/separators, micronic filters, 2" monitors, and 6" monitors?
Filter/separators	2 - 4 psi clean drop at ambient temperature (0.138 - 0.276 bar)
Micronic filters	0.5 - 4 psi clean drop at ambient temperature (0.034 - 0.276 bar)
2" monitors	6 - 7 psi clean drop at ambient temperature (0.414 - 0.483 bar)
6" monitors	3 - 4 psi clean drop at ambient temperature (0.207 - 0.276 bar)
	<TOP>
6. What is the typical element change out recommendation at maximum rated flow for filter/separators, monitors, micronic filters, hay packs (HP), and clay bag/cartridges?
Filter/separators	15 psid (1.03 bar)
Monitors	25 psid (1.72 bar) (current ATA 103 guidelines have reduced this to 15 psid)
Micronics	15 psid (1.03 bar)
HP	15 psid (1.03 bar)
Clays	Based on MSEP test results
	<TOP>
7. What is the element rupture pressure for filter/separators, monitors, micronic filters, hay packs (HP), and clay bag/cartridges?
Filter/separators	75 psid (5.17 bar)
Micronic filters	75 psid (5.17 par)
2" and 6" Monitors	180 psid (12.41 bar)
HP	15 psid (1.03 bar)
Clays	n/a
	<TOP>
8. What is the purpose of a Slug valve?
The slug valve stops the flow of product when excessive water is collected in the filter/separator sump. It works in conjunction with the float control valve. The slug valve can also be furnished with "rate of flow " control which is used to control flow through the filter/separator and with a check valve feature to prevent back-flow. <TOP>
9. What is the operation of a Water Probe?
The water probe detects the level of water in the sump electronically and then can open and close the auto water drain valve (if installed) or slug valve (if installed), shut down the pump and send an alarm to a control panel.
	It is important to periodically test the ability of the water probe to accurately detect the presence of water. Water probes have a test feature but this is only a circuit test of the electronics, not a test against a water challenge. Our Water Sensing Probe accessory uses actual water to test this function. <TOP>
10. What is the reason for a Clay Treater?
The clay treater removes surfactants from fuel to allow filter/separators to perform properly. One pound of clay (0.45 kg) has 15 acres (60,702 m²) of surface area! The surfactants will disarm the coalescer element. <TOP>
11. What is the function of the vessel heaters?
The heater keeps water in the sump and drain lines from freezing . <TOP>
12. What data do you need to know to size a vessel?
Complete the Liquid Filtration Application Information form and provide to your Facet representative. Complete the Liquid Separation Application Information form and provide to your Facet representative. <TOP>
13. Which style of clay should be used; bags or canisters?
Both have a rated flow of 5 - 7 gpm (19 - 27 lpm) per cartridge. Canisters have gaskets that improve sealing which lowers the potential of bypass. Bags hold more clay and cost about 40% less. <TOP>
14. Can Facet® clay bags be used in Velcon® vessels?
Not usually. Velcon® vessels are built similar to "M" series filter vessels except the do not have adaptors for cartridge sealing. They use center rods, center seals, and end caps. There are conversion kits but are cost prohibitive. <TOP>
15. What colors are used for what fuels?
Jet	Clear
AVGAS	Blue
High Sulfur Diesel	Red
<TOP>
16. Can dye (color) in fuels be removed?
In most instances, no. <TOP>
17. Why use horizontal versus vertical housing?
Space and ease of maintenance. Horizontal housing image Vertical housing image <TOP>
18. Should a filter be installed upstream of a filter separator?
It depends on the application. If there is a problem or expectation of solids in the product stream you should definitely use a micronic prefilter upstream of the filter/separator. The micronic filter is anywhere from a third to a fourth of the cost and has four times the surface area of a coalescer. It has a large solids handling capacity and can assist in maximizing the service life of the coalescer elements preventing premature failure as a result of excessive solid contaminant loading. <TOP>
19. How do we test for water?
For free water in Jet fuel - Aquaglo®. For total water in all fuels - Carl Fischer. <TOP>
20. What is the difference between free, entrained, dissolved , and total water?
Free water	Free water is created when fuel has more water present than it can completely dissolve (saturation point). The excessive water (not dissolved) is called the free water component. Free water is usually not visibly as a haze until you exceed 30 - 40 ppm free water. Removal: Coalescer and monitor elements. See Coalescence 101 for more information.
Entrained water	Another name for free water.
Dissolved water	This water is in solution and is not visible in the fuel. The amount of dissolved water varies with the ambient and liquid temperature. Fuels hold more water as the temperature increases. A rule of thumb is 1º F results in 1 ppm change free/dissolved water. See Solubility Chart for more information. Removal: none.
Total Water	The sum total of free (entrained) and dissolved water in a fuel stream.
<TOP>
21. What is the cleaning procedure for Facet® Synthetic Separators?
Synthetic separators can be cleaned in the same manner as Teflon® separators. See Separator Cleaning Procedures for more information. <TOP>
22. How do you perform the water test on Facet® Synthetic Separators?
First wet the cartridge with clean fuel. Using a very low flow, at a distance of not more then 3" (7.62 cm), place the cartridge under a facet or dripping hose and let the water drop (not spray) gently on the element. The water should bead and roll off the separator element. Continue testing the entire surface of the separator. Areas that do not bead indicate potential failure areas. See Separator Cleaning Procedure for more detailed information. <TOP>
23. Can you convert a filter/separator to a monitor unit?
Yes. However, if the system pressure can exceed 115 psi (7.92 bar), some type of surge suppressor would need to be installed upstream. Consideration should be given to relieve high-pressure build-up. Contact your Facet® representative to discuss specific application concerns. <TOP>
24. Which monitor cartridges would you use when converting a filter/separator and why?
Generally you would use the FuelGard® series monitor elements flowing inside to out (FG-I). There are several good reasons for using this series: First, all filter/separator vessels have more coalescer stools (holes) than separators. Therefore, you would be able to achieve the flow rate you are looking for. In some instances you may actually increase the vessel flow rate based on the elements used. Second, FuelGard® series monitors are readily available. <TOP>
25. Is the delta (Δ) P gauge on a clay treater actually telling you anything?
Not really, this is a common misconception. The only true way of testing if the clay is working is evaluation with the MSEP test. This test compares the product at the inlet and outlet of the clay treater. The outlet reading should be higher than the inlet value. Good quality fuel has a reading of 90 or higher, with 100 being the best quality fuel. If the inlet fuel and outlet fuel both have a reading of 80, the clay needs to be changed. <TOP>
26. How many pounds of solids does the Facet® MP-Series filter element hold?
Depending on the micron rating of the cartridge and the type of solids present, the MP-Series cartridges remove up to 3-5 pounds (1.36 - 2.27 kg) per 14" length (35.56 cm). <TOP>
27. With AVGAS, can you flow more through the same filter/separator compared to Jet A?
Yes. Approximately 20% more through the same vessel. <TOP>
28. What is the recommended sealing torque on screw base cartridges?
30 pound-force foot (13.61 kilogram-force meter) <TOP>
29. What is the mesh size and micron rating of Facet® Synthetic and Teflon® Separators ?
Synthetic	53 micron (μ) or 270 mesh (.0021")
Teflon®	74 micron (μ) or 200 mesh (.0029")
<TOP>
30. What are the benefits of Facet®'s CIF Cartridge?
Lower cartridge cost due to no metal components. Reduced waste volume and costs - crushable, incinerable element. No loss in quality - same high efficiency as M- Series elements. Requires one-time installation of a low cost CIF Kit. <TOP>
31. What procedures need to be taken when requesting Similarity Data Sheets?
Contact your Facet® representative. Provide vessel model, flow rate, and elements used. <TOP>
32. After conversion from filter/separator to a monitor, if there any stools (holes) left, which holes do you plug and how do you space the monitors?
Never an issue with monitor elements. No plugging of open stools is required. No special spacing is required. <TOP>
33. How much water can the various Facet® monitors adsorb?
As an example of several elements, given an influent water level of 50 ppm:
FG-I-214	14.37 ounces (425 ml)
FG-I-614	27.05 ounces (800 ml)
FG-O-614	31.28 ounces (925 ml)
<TOP>
34. Does the size of the water droplets indicate coalescing efficiency?
Downstream of the filter/separator larger droplets fall quickly to the sump area. Larger droplets are prevented from passing downstream by the separator element. See Coalescence 101 for more information. <TOP>
35. How is the rated flow in gallons per minute (GPM) of the coalescer cartridge calculated?
The flow per lineal inch for jet fuel cartridges is based on the API test. Dividing the required flow rate for a housing application by the rated flow for the cartridges is also used in determining the size of a vessel. Other variables may apply. Consult your Facet representative when sizing a vessel. <TOP>
36. Can immersion heaters be wired for a signal light?
Yes. <TOP>
37. Which cartridges should be used in converting a filter/separator to a monitor?
The appropriate lengths can be used on either the coalescer or separator stools. Without changing the flow direction of the housing, the FG-O monitor must be installed on the separator stools and the FG-I monitor must be installed on the coalescer stools. <TOP>
38. Why are filter/separators being converted to use as monitors?
Besides the fail safe feature of a monitor (adsorptive element) versus a coalescer/separator (physical separation) some reasons are: Increased flow rates, less expensive elements, no single element test required, no water detection sensor required, adsorptive nature of element design assures dry fuel. <TOP>
39. What are Certificates of Similarity?
Certificates of Similarity are provided as a certification of test data in similar types of vessels using flow rates that determine the correct number of coalescer and separator elements to be used in the target vessel. Common scenarios: When upgrading an older vessel to API 1581 current edition. When converting a competitor vessel to Facet® cartridges. <TOP>