ASTM D5983 Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) for Downstream Blending for Use in Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel
4. Performance Requirements
4.1 Methyl tertiary-butyl ether utilized in commerce, terminal blending, or downstream blending with fuels for ground vehicles equipped with spark-ignition engines shall conform to the requirements of Table 1.
NOTE 1 - Individual applications may require a more restrictive sulfur limit. These requirements are to be negotiated between buyer and seller.
5. Workmanship
5.1 The MTBE shall be visually free of undissolved water, sediment, and suspended matter. It shall be clear and bright at the ambient temperature or 21°C (70°F), whichever is higher.
5.2 The specification defines only a basic purity for this product. The product shall be free of any adulterant or contaminant that may render the material unacceptable for its commonly used applications.
6. Sampling
6.1 Samples may be obtained by an appropriate procedure of Practice D4057 or Practice E 300. Do not use soldered metal containers although they are specified in 11.3 of Practice E 300, because the soldering flux in the containers may contaminate the sample. Some soldered cans, such as those conforming to the requirements of 7.1 of Practice D4057 are acceptable, but because they cannot readily be distinguished from cans which do not meet this specification, the use of metal containers is to be avoided.
6.2 Sample Size - A minimum of about 2 L or 2 U.S. quarts is recommended.
6.3 Lot Size - A lot shall normally consist of the amount contained in a tanker compartment or other bulk container in which it is delivered. If this definition does not apply, the definition of a lot must be agreed upon between the supplier and purchaser.
