Aerospace Filtration Division
Velcon Business Unit
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PRODUCT SAFETY AWARENESS BULLETIN
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CDFX Water Barrier Filters Manufactured between
July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
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Identification
Parker Velcon has been notified of a few instances where operators observed a blue hue in fuel discoloration immediately after installing new CDFX-2XXB elements in the filter vessel and conducting a Clear & Bright test. This issue specifically affects filters manufactured between July 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.
Cause
The blue discoloration has been traced back to a manufacturing defect in the black outer screen of the CDFX element. The manufacturer reported a rare failure in the dyeing process, which resulted in improper dye setting. Consequently, remnants of the dye washed off the CDFX elements into the fuel, leading to the observed discoloration.
- The discoloration stops after a very short time with no signs of discoloration in continuous operation as confirmed in lab soak and rated flow testing.
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- The CDFX filters still meet the performance requirements of EI 1588 specification despite the initial discoloration.
Remediation Measures
To address this issue, Parker Velcon has implemented the following measures:
- Inventory Inspection: All batches of screen inventory at our factory have been quarantined, thoroughly inspected, and tested. We have confirmed that all product meets our quality standards and do not exhibit similar failures.
- Corrective Action Plan: A Corrective Action Plan was initiated in early 2024, immediately after identifying the root cause. This plan includes testing the screen prior to their application in the final fabrication of the CDFX elements.
- Process Improvement: In collaboration with our supplier, we have enhanced the yarn dyeing process to prevent future occurrences. The new method employs a robust solution dyeing technique that ensures dye retention.
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Actions Required – Step 1
- Manufacturing Date Verification: Pay particular attention to the manufacturing dates of the CDFX elements being installed. These dates are printed on the shipping carton, element sealed polybag and end cap of each element. The date format is MM-DD-YY (i.e.: 10-31-24).
- Do Not Install Affected Elements: If any CDFX elements are within the manufactured dates of July 1, 2023, and Dec 31, 2023, DO NOT install them. Please contact Parker Velcon or your distributor as soon as possible for assistance. Replacement CDFX filters will be provided.
- Post-July 1, 2024, Elements: CDFX elements with manufactured dates after July 1, 2024, require no additional testing and can be installed following standard Parker Velcon CDFX installation instructions.
See attached.
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Actions Required - Step 2
Manufactured: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024
Testing Requirement: While we do not anticipate any issues with CDFX elements manufactured between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024, it may be essential to perform a minimum of one of the two additional safety measure options below to confirm that bluish fuel discoloration is not occurring. Make sure to consult your company’s fuel handling procedures and other relevant industry safety guidelines as additional instructions may also need to be followed:
Option 1: Soak Test
- Preparation: Use clean fuel in a clean bucket.
- Soaking: Submerge the entire CDFX elements and let them soak for a minimum of 20 minutes.
- Inspection: Periodically check for any signs of dye leaching from the outer screen.
- Final Check: After 20 minutes, remove the elements and inspect the fuel for discoloration.
Option 2: Wipe Test
- Preparation: Use a clean white cloth dampened with jet fuel.
- Wiping: Vigorously wipe the length of each CDFX element in several areas for at least 30 seconds.
- Inspection: Observe the cloth for any color leaching. A faint bluish spot indicates dye leaching.
If any CDFX elements release dye, or if there’s evidence of a discolored white cloth or fuel, please do not install elements and report immediately.
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If presoaking or performing a wipe test is not feasible, follow these minimum manufacturer recommendations:
Manufacturer Recommendation
1.Installation Guidance:
- Follow Parker Velcon’s instructions carefully.
- Remove the CDFX from its sealed packaging and handle with care to keep them clean and undamaged.
2. Installation Guidance:
- After sealing the filter vessel, with the outlet valve closed, open the inlet valve slowly to start filling the vessel with fuel.
- Once filled, close the inlet valve, and let the unit remain idle for a minimum of 20 minutes. This ensures the CDFX elements are adequately wetted, allowing any dye leaching to be detected during the sump sample test.
3. Monitoring Fuel Quality:
- Document and report immediately if the flushed fuel shows a bluish hue.
4. Fuel Handling:
- Do not pump discolored fuel downstream. Discard any discolored fuel to prevent it from entering the fueling system.
5. Filter Removal:
- Do not use affected filters. Remove them from service and set them aside.
- Contact Parker Velcon or your distributor for assistance and replacement filters.
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CDFX Replacement Procedure:
- Preparation:
- Clean the Vessel: Before installing new CDFX elements, ensure the vessel is wiped and cleaned to remove any potential contaminated fuel residual.
- Filter Replacement:
- Install New Filters: Replace the filters with a new set of CDFX elements.
- Repeat Testing: If the replacement filters are dated between Jan 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024, repeat the procedures in Step 2 until a Clear & Bright sample is achieved.
- Commissioning: Once clear samples are confirmed, proceed with the commissioning process.
- Compliance Testing:
- Perform Tests: Conduct the necessary flushing, recirculation, and sampling tests in accordance with ATA-103, JIG 1, CSA B836-22, or other applicable operating standards.
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Please contact our office at vfsales@parker.com
or call 800-531-0180 should you have
any questions or concerns.
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