ASTM D3606 Standard Test Method for Determination of Benzene and Toluene
ASTM D3606 Standard Test Method for Determination of Benzene and Toluene in Finished Motor and Aviation Gasoline by Gas Chromatography
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 An internal standard, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is added to the sample which is then introduced into a gas chromatograph equipped with two columns connected in series. The sample passes first through a column packed with a nonpolar phase such as dimethylpolysiloxane (8.1.1) which separates the components according to boiling point. After octane has eluted, the flow through the nonpolar column is reversed, flushing out the components heavier than octane. The octane and lighter components then pass through a column packed with a highly polar phase such as 1,2,3-tris(2-cyanoethoxy) propane (8.1.2) which separates the aromatic and nonaromatic compounds. The eluted components are detected by a thermal conductivity detector. The detector response is recorded, the peak areas are measured, and the concentration of each component is calculated with reference to the internal standard.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Benzene is classed as a toxic material. A knowledge of the concentration of this compound can be an aid in evaluating the possible health hazard to persons handling and using the gasoline. This test method is not intended to evaluate such hazards.
