Rationale

When metrological methods for evaluating ASTM D3241 heater tubes were developed it was the intention of Subcommittee J to have these methods replace the Visual Tube Rating (VTR) determinations. VTR has long been the standard for evaluating heater tube condition of D3241; however, as a subjective visual inspection method the repeatability and reproducibility of VTR are inadequate. Years of data published by ASTM, CRC, and others establishes VTR’s significant lack of precision. In addition, the ASTM PTP data continually demonstrates VTR’s poor precision. Additionally, the VTR technology is unsupportable as the manufacturing and importing of incandescent lightbulbs have been banned in some countries. Due to subjectiveness, and history of poor repeatability and reproducibility, it was agreed at the December ASTM International D02.J0.03 meeting in Anaheim, CA to ballot a note stating the intention to remove Visual Tube Rating (VTR) as an acceptable means of evaluating heater tubes as of 2030. This ballot seeks to add a footnote to Table 1 and Table A1.1 and a note in section 11 indicating this intention. Inclusion of these notations is necessary to give the industry time to prepare for this change of equipment requirements for evaluating jet fuel to ASTM D1655.