RIA-JMTC trains and supports Warfighters on fuel testers around the globe

By CDT Lisa WendelJuly 29, 2014

Equipment
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Training
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Team
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Picture left to right : Joe White - USMC Field Service Representative, Dan Breitenstein - RIA-JMTC PQAS-E Program Manager, Amanda Badger - RIA-JMTC Chemist, CWO4 Paul Gill - USMC Project Manager, Greg Reynolds -- USMC Logistics Manager, SGT Roshawn ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

From the factory lines to the front lines, the Petroleum Quality Analysis System-Enhanced (PQAS-E) is a self-contained fuel laboratory designed for Soldiers. Developed in 2008 by the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing Technology Center (RIA-JMTC), PQAS-E has proven to be a valuable asset to the United States Military.

The PQAS-E is an advanced piece of equipment, featuring machines used to test fuel in areas such as density and purity. The individual machines all send data to one computer that is then able to assign a pass or fail value to the fuel. This automation allows for Soldiers to know if the fuel they are about to use is safe and going to help them achieve their mission.

"The PQAS-E is able to remove the human error in fuel testing, saving Soldiers both time and energy," said Dan Breitenstien, program manager for Aviation Fuel Laboratories at the Arsenal.

Having the ability to rapidly test fuel is especially critical when working with aviation fuel.

"On the ground if you are using bad fuel, it can slow you down. In the air, it can be devastating and dangerous," said Amanda Badger, a chemist who worked on the development of the PQAS-E system.

The PQAS-E is a complete unit removing the need for separate labs or areas to test fuel. Also, the system is mobile and can be moved by a truck.

Breitenstien added, "Because it is self-contained, it can be on the first plane going out and entirely packed up and on the last plane headed back when the mission is over. You leave nothing behind."

The PQAS-E is designed, built, implemented and supported all through RIA-JMTC. They also provide extensive new equipment training to ensure this tool will be nothing but successful out in the field. The class trains soldiers on everything from the initial setup to controlling the internal lab environment regarding temperature and humidity.

Recently, PQAS-E trainers returned home from Japan after leading a five-day-long class on the system. Although they have taught more than 50 classes, this class was unique in that it was the first overseas training class.

Trainers stressed how critical this in-person training was in order to have an understanding of the capabilities of PQAS-E.

"I love going out in the field and working with soldiers one-on-one. I don't think you would be able to fully understand PQAS-E without having hands-on experience," Badger said.

She went on to add that by helping soldiers in person, they are able to see how regular users work with the equipment and can provide further help or changes to the training.

RIA-JMTC not only provides initial training, but also offers contracted logistic support after implementation. If an issue arises, they are able to identify the issue and get any new parts needed to the final destination within five days.

"This is just one way RIA-JMTC can offer manufacturing solutions and logistics around the globe," said Col. David J. Luders, commander RIA-JMTC.

Today there are more than 80 PQAS-E systems being used by the United States Army and Marine Corps, connecting Soldiers everywhere to the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center.