1.1 This test method covers the determination of the mass of particulate contamination in a middle distillate fuel by filtration. This test method is suitable for all No. 1 and No. 2 grades in Specifications D396, D975, D2880 and D3699 and for grades DMA and DMB in Specification D2069. 1.2 This test method is not suitable for fuels whose flash point as determined by Test Methods D56, D93 or D3828 is less than 38 °C. Note 1: Middle distillate fuels with flash points less than 38 °C have been ignited by discharges of static electricity when the fuels have been filtered through inadequately bonded or grounded membrane filter systems. See Test Methods D2276 and D5452 for means of determining particulate contamination in Specification D1655 aviation turbine fuels and other similar aviation fuels. See Guide D4865 for a more detailed discussion of static electricity formation and discharge. 1.3 This test method has not been validated for testing biodiesel, such as meeting Specification D6751 or blends