The Shell Water Detector is a device for determining the presence of finely dispersed undissolved water in jet fuels at concentrations lower than those normally detectable by visual examination. Water dispersions of this type can result from the emulsification of a water/fuel mixture during pumping or from precipitation of dissolved water due to a fail in fuel temperature.

Why is it important to use the Shell Water Detector?

Ensuring that jet fuels are free from dispersed or free water is a crucial part of the quality assurance process. All jet uels contain some dissolved water which invariably comes out of solution as the fuel cools during high altitude flights. Aircraft fuel systems are designed to deal with these trace amounts and normally no operational problems are encountered. In addition to this dissolved water, jet fuels can contain significant levels of dispersed water.

The Shell Water Detector is a reliable, convenient and cost effective means to verify that the concentration of this dispersed water is below the IATA recommended limit of 30ppm. If higher levels of water are loaded with jet fuel it is possible that aircraft safety could be compromised.