ASTM D2163 Standard Test Method for Determination of Hydrocarbons in Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases and Propane/Propene Mixtures by Gas Chromatography
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 An LPG sample is analyzed via either liquid or gas sampling valves by gas chromatography and compared to corresponding components separated under identical operating conditions from a reference standard mixture of known composition or from use of pure hydrocarbons. The chromatogram of the sample is interpreted by comparing peak retention times and areas with those obtained for the reference standard mixture or pure hydrocarbons.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The hydrocarbon component distribution of liquefied petroleum gases and propene mixtures is often required for end-use sale of this material. Applications such as chemical feed stocks or fuel require precise compositional data to ensure uniform quality. Trace amounts of some hydrocarbon impurities in these materials can have adverse effects on their use and processing.
5.2 The component distribution data of liquefied petroleum gases and propene mixtures can be used to calculate physical properties such as relative density, vapor pressure, and motor octane (see Practice D2598). Precision and accuracy of compositional data are extremely important when these data are used to calculate various properties of these petroleum products.
