Operations Bulletin

Bulletin No 123 Operation of Closed-Circuit Samplers and Testing Terminology June 2019

Background
‘Visijars’ (also known as closed-circuit samplers) are clear glass containers with a lid, which are
permanently connected to a sample point to facilitate the Visual Appearance Check and other field
quality control testing. Their use has become increasingly popular for drawing samples, particularly
during aircraft fuelling operations.
Closed-circuit sampling systems are often preferred to open sampling into containers as the potential
for fuel to be spilled or come into contact with operators is minimised, thus reducing the HSE risks
associated with sampling activities (especially on the apron). However, if not used or maintained
properly, closed-circuit sampling systems can lead to an increase in other risks related to fuel quality
such as:
- failure to identify contaminants and non-conforming fuel
- inadvertent addition of contaminants to what would otherwise have been a clean fuel
sample
This Bulletin introduces changes to the JIG standards and recommends actions for users of ‘Visijars’.
The Bulletin shall be read in conjunction with the associated Technical Information Document (TID)
No3, which highlights the common types of improper use / operation of closed-circuit sampling systems
and provides further guidance on the best practices that should be followed.
The TID No3, entitled “Design, Use, and Maintenance of ‘Visijars’ (closed-circuit samplers) for sampling
and testing” is attached to this Bulletin and will also be available from JIG’s website
(Extranet/Publications).

Update to Testing Terminology

The JIG standards currently use the following terms & definitions;
Appearance Check – Appearance of fuel by visual assessment
Visual Check – Appearance Check + Chemical Water Detector test (CWD)
It is recognised that this terminology is not consistent with the major fuel specifications where both
terms, ‘Visual’ and ‘Appearance’, are used to describe an assessment to verify that the fuel is “Clear
and Bright, free of undissolved water, sediment, and suspended matter”.
In addition to this, the separation of the terms ‘visual’ and ‘appearance’ in the current JIG standards is
seen by many as being ambiguous, causing confusion as to which quality control checks are required,
therefore often resulting in a CWD test being done when it is not required.
To address this issue, the term ‘Visual Check’ will be removed, and ‘Appearance Check’ will be updated
to ‘Visual Appearance Check’.

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Bulletin No 123 Operation of Closed-Circuit Samplers and Testing Terminology June 2019

Current JIG wording Updated JIG wording Description of requirement

Appearance Check Visual Appearance Check Appearance of fuel by visual
assessment
Visual Check Term removed Appearance of fuel by visual
assessment + CWD
(Tests will be referred to
independently, e.g. Visual
Appearance Check plus CWD)

There is currently no action required as these changes will not take effect until the next issue of the JIG
operating standards. However, they are aligned with the terminology used in EI 1530 2nd edition which
was released in May 2019.
Note: it is now acceptable in the JIG standards to use an EI 1598 qualified inline water sensor to monitor
free water content in place of performing CWD testing (in accordance with Bulletin 110).

Use of ‘Visijars’

The JIG standards refer to ‘Visijars’ as a ‘field sampling container’ used for product examination
in connection with Visual Appearance Check procedures. They are not intended for flushing of
bulk contaminants (e.g. tank low point flushing), but it may necessary for some sampling
pipework to be flushed / displaced into the ‘Visijar’ before sampling.
They should not be used for flushing activities for the following reasons:
• There is usually insufficient flow velocity and volume to effectively mobilise and flush
contaminants
• Contamination of the closed-circuit sampling system lines which can be difficult to
remove
Samples should only be drawn into ‘Visijars’ for product examination after flushing activities
have been performed.
Where their use for flushing is unavoidable, procedures shall demonstrate that the potential
issues associated with this practice have been addressed to enable representative samples to
be drawn. Further information on which can be found in the Technical Information Document
No3 - Design, Use, and Maintenance of ‘Visijars’ (closed-circuit samplers) for sampling and
testing) (e.g. additional flushing before a sample is drawn for testing). Flushing via a ‘Visijar’
from a location where contaminants are expected to accumulate for removal (e.g. a tank low

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Bulletin No 123 Operation of Closed-Circuit Samplers and Testing Terminology June 2019

point drain) is not recommended. However, this practice may be deemed sufficient where
there isn’t expected to be a significant level of contaminants (e.g. into plane sampling).

Maintenance of ‘Visijars’
Fuels, particularly Jet fuel, inherently attract dirt, so any fuel-wetted surface is likely to
accumulate dirt very quickly. Consequently, ‘Visijars’ collect a layer of contaminants,
particularly those located on vehicles as they collect dirt during driving operations.
It is essential that they are kept in a clean condition by regular cleaning and appropriate
maintenance. Section 7 of the TID contains additional guidance on maintenance best practices.

Update to Field Sampling Container

To clarify the existing requirements for field sampling containers, the ‘field sampling containers’
section of the JIG standards is hereby updated as outlined below:
“Clear, clean glass jars of at least 1 litre capacity with wide necks and screw caps or closed
sampling clear glass containers or ‘Visijars’ shall be used for product examination in connection
with Visual Appearance Check procedures but should not be used for flushing activities before
sampling. Sampling containers shall be kept clean at all times by routine cleaning and
appropriate maintenance.”

Correct operation
Closed-circuit sampling systems shall be designed such that a vortex is created as this is an
essential requirement for the Visual Appearance Check to be effective. The vortex assists any
solid contaminants or free water that may be present, to gather at the centre of the base of
the container, making it easier to observe them. Anything that disrupts the formation of this
vortex or obscures the operator’s view of the sample has the potential to reduce the
effectiveness of the test, which is a critical quality control check.
Therefore, any such accessories shall not be installed in a ‘Visijar’ during sampling or Visual
Appearance Checks. Examples of items that can disrupt vortex creation and / or impact the
effectiveness of test include:
• Gauze / mesh screens to catch chemical water detector (CWD) capsules.

These screens are often locally made to collect CWD capsules that may accidentally
drop into the sample. Where a device to catch CWD capsules is required then a ‘capsule
catcher’ of the type shown below in Picture 1 may be installed.

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Bulletin No 123 Operation of Closed-Circuit Samplers and Testing Terminology June 2019

Picture 1
A ‘capsule catcher’ device of this type may be used

• Thermometer and Hydrometer inserts

Although these inserts may be supplied by the manufacturer to assist with density
measurement, they have a significant effect on the vortex formation and obscure the
view of the sample during the Visual Appearance Check. Therefore, these inserts shall
be removed when performing sampling and Visual Appearance Checks. Where fuel
density and / or conductivity testing is required, they may be re-inserted only after the
Visual Appearance Check has been completed.

• Bottom / drain ball valve kept open during the sampling and Visual Appearance Check.

The bottom valve shall be kept closed throughout sampling and testing as the vortex is
likely to drive any contaminants present down into the ‘Visijar’ outlet pipework,
therefore invalidating the Visual Appearance Check.

An informative video has been produced to illustrate the effect of these accessories on vortex
creation. This video can be viewed on the following link: https://youtu.be/LXOriOLQkcA

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Bulletin No 123 Operation of Closed-Circuit Samplers and Testing Terminology June 2019

Update to Visual Appearance Check

To highlight the importance of good vortex creation and an unobscured view of the sample
when performing a Visual Appearance Check, this section of the JIG standards is hereby
updated to include the following text:
“A vortex shall be created in the sample and the fuel assessed according to the criteria below.
Where ‘Visijars’ are used, they shall not contain any accessories that could disrupt the vortex
formation or obscure the operator’s view of the fuel sample drawn for testing. The bottom ball
valve shall be in the closed position.”

Spring loaded valves

It is the intent of JIG that at the next revision of the standards (JIG 1 & 2 – Issue 13, and JIG 4 –
Issue 5), the requirement that all drain and sample lines should have self-closing valves (e.g.
spring-loaded), will become mandatory (e.g. the should will change to a shall).

Actions to Implement this Bulletin (See Table 1 for Action Type Codes)

Action Description Action Target Completion Date

Type
1. Review the setup and operation of all closed-circuit sampling
systems to confirm that current flushing and sampling RP 31st December 2019
procedures are in accordance with the principles of this bulletin
(e.g. flushing activities should not be performed via a ‘Visijar).
2. ‘Visijars’ shall always be kept in a clean condition by routine
cleaning and appropriate maintenance. JS 31st December 2019
Note: For additional guidance on maintenance best practices
see section 7 of the Technical Information Document “Design,
Use, and Maintenance of ‘Visijars’ (closed circuit samplers) for
sampling and testing”.
3. Operations to review their Visual Appearance Check procedures
to confirm there is a requirement that a vortex shall be created JS 31st December 2019
in the sample. Procedures to be updated and training given as
required.
4. ‘Visijars’ shall be operated in accordance with this Bulletin and
shall be kept free of accessories that can disrupt vortex JS 31st December 2019
formation, such as gauze/mesh screens or integrated
hydrometer/thermometer wells during sampling and Visual
Appearance Checks.

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Bulletin No 123 Operation of Closed-Circuit Samplers and Testing Terminology June 2019

Table 1 Action Type Codes

Action Types JIG Bulletin Action Type Definition

JS Change to JIG Standard – to be adopted by JV and/or Operator to continue to meet the JIG
Standard(s) (JIG 1, 2, 4, EI/JIG 1530 and the JIG HSSE Management System).
RA Required Action to implement one off verification or checks outlined in the table of actions.
RP JIG Recommended Practice which the JV should consider adopting as its own practice (**).
I Issued for information purposes only.
Note (**) - If the JV agreements require any of the JIG Standards and/or any of the JIG Common Processes as
the governing operational standard then adoption of changes to applicable JIG Standards and/or Common
Processes should not be considered optional by the JV Board.

Note: This document is intended for the guidance of Members of JIG and companies affiliated with Members of JIG, and does not
preclude the use of any other operating procedures, equipment or inspection procedures. The information contained in this
publication is subject to constant review in the light of changing government requirements and regulations. Although efforts are
made to keep this information up-to-date, accurate, complete, and free from error, we make no representation, warranty or
guarantee, whether express or implied, that the information is up-to-date, accurate, complete, free from error, or in compliance
with applicable law and regulations. No subscriber or other reader should act on the basis of any such information without
referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without taking appropriate professional advice. None of JIG, its Members, the
Companies affiliated with its Members accepts responsibility for any loss or damage, whether in contract, tort (including
negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, even if foreseeable, arising under or in connection with your use, adoption or
reliance on the information in this document. You use this information at your own risk, but for the full terms and conditions
concerning use of this document, please refer to http://www.jigonline.com/legal-and-copyright/
JIG is the owner of the copyright and all intellectual property rights in the publication.
IATA uses such rights with permission from JIG.

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