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DO-160-Section-11-Fluids-Susceptibility

RTCA DO-160 Section 11.0 Fluids Susceptibility Testing

The RTCA DO-160 fluids susceptibility test standard determines whether equipment can withstand the effects of fluid contaminants. The DO-160G fluids susceptibility test should only be conducted in certain situations. Those situations are when the equipment will be installed in an area where fluid contamination would commonly occur.

The fluids to test with are those commonly used in airborne and ground operations. Any fluids not listed in the RTCA DO-160G susceptibility test standard and for which susceptibility tests are indicated, shall be included in the relevant equipment specification.

The Section 11 fluids susceptibility test lab must take precautions during this testing. Many contaminants have flash points within the test temperature range. The DO-160G test lab must take care to ensure that adequate safety measures are taken to limit the possibility of fire or explosion. Some contaminants may be toxic. Plus, some fluids may become toxic when mixed with other contaminants. Due to this, the fluids susceptibility test lab must consult with the equipment manufacturer prior to the start of testing.

RTCA DO-160 Liquid Susceptibility Test Equipment Categories:

The DO-160G Section 11 test standard specifies just one category of equipment.

Equipment Category F:

Equipment that has passed the tests covered in RTCA DOO-160 Section 11 are identified as Category F. It is required that the details of the test fluids involved and the methods used to be provided. This information is provided in an environmental qualification form that is included as an appendix to this military test standard. Equipment meeting this description must go through RTCA-DO-160 fluid susceptibility testing.

The RTCA/DO-160G test lab will complete two tests when following this standard. The first test is a spray test. The second test is an immersion test. The DO-160G fluid susceptibility tests can involve a number of different fluid classes. The classes include fuels, hydraulic fluids, lubricating oils as well as solvents and cleaning fluids. Some other liquids that could be involved in testing include de-icing fluids, insecticides, sullage and disinfectants.

As an RTCA DO-160G accredited test lab, we have the resources to meet every fluid susceptibility test need. In addition to being accredited to complete RTCA-DO-160G testing, Keystone is also accredited to all previous versions of the standard as well. Please contact us to see firsthand why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to be their RTCA DO-160 test lab.

Looking for other testing to other sections of RTCA DO-160 testing? Click on the links below:

Modifications from one Version of RTCA DO-160 to the Next:

Changes from DO-160C Fluids Susceptibility Testing to DO-160D Fluids Susceptibility Testing

Table 11-1 eliminated reference to fire extinguishants and add additional de-icing fluid, propylene glycol.  Aircraft fire extinguishants are gaseous and do not exist in liquid form under normal conditions.  De-icing fluid added to reflect current industry practices.

Changes from DO-160D Fluids Susceptibility Testing to DO-160E Fluids Susceptibility Testing

Updated list of fluids and added inspection.

Changes from DO-160E Fluids Susceptibility Testing to DO-160F Fluids Susceptibility Testing

No changes were made.

Changes from DO-160F Fluids Susceptibility Testing to DO-160G Fluids Susceptibility Testing

Added 2 new fluids – Cleaning fluid- 1-2 Dichloroethylene; and Fire extinguishant, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (ATTF) to fluids list. Changed spray test to align with MIL STD 810G – spray 8 hours, followed by 16 hours of drying, repeated 3 times.  Change operation of unit while wet after 24-hour spray to while wet at end of third 8-hour spray segment, and third change requirement of operation of unit at end of each fluid drying period from 2 hours to 30 minutes minimum or unit stabilized.