Standards & Publications
BULLETIN 132 - PHASE OUT OF FILTER MONITORS FROM JIG STANDARDS
Bulletin 132 – 10/2020
Phase out of Filter Monitors from the JIG Standards
This bulletin announces the wtihdrawal of EI1583 (7th Edition) qualified Filter Monitors from the JIG Standards in July 2023. A number of actions are detailed including the planning of phase out in airport operations.
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Bulletin 132
Since the IATA Special Interest Group’s (SIG) 2017 report on Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) migration, the aviation industry has worked continuously to develop and evaluate new technology to replace SAP-based filter monitors (FM), without the need for vessel configuration changes. The availability of drop-in solutions was identified as the fastest way to eliminate SAP-based filtration from all aviation fuel handling applications for the reasons explained in JIG Bulletin 105 and the documents referenced therein.
It should be noted that the mitigating actions set out in JIG Bulletin 105 (Actions to mitigate SAP migration) when followed by Operators do not completely eliminate the risk of SAP migration. As the SIG’s work demonstrated, some migration could take place even when fuelling using SAP FMs at low differential pressures. This is why JIG Bulletin 105 sets out the industry’s agreed roadmap towards phase-out of FMs.
A joint industry programme designed and funded by JIG, IATA and A4A – the Joint Industry Filtration Field Trial Group – has been working since 2018 to conduct field evaluation of new Energy Institute qualified or evaluated (as applicable) filtration/sensing technology being presented for adoption into the Standards as a viable replacement for SAP FMs. Since August 2020, the drop-in option of DDF/EWS has been adopted in the JIG Standards (see JIG Bulletin 130) in addition to the already accepted Filter Water Separator (FWS – EI 1581) and Microfilter (MF – EI 1590) Technologies (see Appendix 1).
As a consequence of these positive developments, the widespread availability of existing proven technology and the ongoing work conducted by JIG, IATA and A4A via the Joint Industry Filtration Field Trial Group, JIG is now able to set a withdrawal date for SAP FMs from its Standards, allowing Members and Operators/Users to complete implementation of their transition plans towards accepted replacement technologies.
The Joint Field Trials Group are continuing to evaluate new technologies though Users are reminded that it is not guaranteed that these technologies will prove suitable for adoption into the JIG Standards.
FMs will be withdrawn from the JIG Standards with effect from 1st July 2023. Users of JIG Standards shall replace FMs with the accepted technology listed in Appendix 1. (Noting that further technology options could be added to Appendix 1)
Operators should have transition plans for the removal of FM technology in place by no later than end of Q1 2021. It is recognised that operators may need to update their transition plans in line with any future developments. Transition plans shall ensure adequate time to execute the change and corresponding MOC to meet the July 2023 deadline. The JIG Inspection Checklist will contain additional questions to verify the existence of phase out plans and timing of such plans.
Recognising that some regions and operators may face logistical challenges and that new technologies may not be available for purchase or retrofitting as rapidly as currently anticipated, JIG Bulletin 105 will remain an active document. JIG Bulletin 105 will be withdrawn in July 2024 and will no longer be valid for use in conjunction with the JIG Standards at that time.
Users are reminded of the importance of following the mitigating actions detailed in Bulletin 105.
CHANGE TO STANDARDS
Operators to phase out Filter Monitors no later than 1st July 2023
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE
Operators should have transition plans for the removal of FM technology in place by 31st March 2021