ASTM D6730 Test Method for Individual Components in Spark Ignition Engine Fuels
ASTM D6730 Standard Test Method for Determination of Individual Components in Spark Ignition Engine Fuels by 100-Metre Capillary (with Precolumn) High-Resolution Gas Chromatography
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of individual hydrocarbon components of spark-ignition engine fuels and their mixtures containing oxygenate blends (MTBE, ETBE, ethanol, and so forth) with boiling ranges up to 225°C. Other light liquid hydrocarbon mixtures typically encountered in petroleum refining operations, such as blending stocks (naphthas, reformates, alkylates, and so forth) may also be analyzed; however, statistical data was obtained only with blended spark-ignition engine fuels.
1.2 Based on the cooperative study results, individual component concentrations and precision are determined in the range from 0.01 to approximately 30 mass %. The test method may be applicable to higher and lower concentrations for the individual components; however, the user must verify the accuracy if the test method is used for components with concentrations outside the specified ranges.
1.3 This test method also determines methanol, ethanol, t-butanol, methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE), ethyl t-butyl ether (ETBE), and t-amyl methyl ether (TAME) in spark ignition engine fuels in the concentration range from 1 to 30 mass %. However, the cooperative study data provided insufficient statistical data for obtaining a precision statement for these compounds.
1.4 Although a majority of the individual hydrocarbons present are determined, some co-elution of compounds is encountered. If this test method is utilized to estimate bulk hydrocarbon group-type composition (PONA), the user of such data should be cautioned that some error will be encountered due to co-elution and a lack of identification of all components present. Samples containing significant amounts of naphthenic (for example, virgin naphthas) constituents above n-octane may reflect significant errors in PONA-type groupings. Based on the gasoline samples in the interlaboratory cooperative study, this test method is applicable to samples containing less than 25 mass % of olefins. However, some interfering coelution with the olefins above C7 is possible, particularly if blending components or their higher boiling cuts such as those derived from fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) are analyzed, and the total olefin content may not be accurate. Annex A1 of this test method compares results of the test method with other test methods for selected components, including olefins, and several group types for several interlaboratory cooperative study samples. Although benzene, toulene, and several oxygenates are determined, when doubtful as to the analytical results of these components, confirmatory analyses can be obtained by using the specific test methods listed in the reference section.
1.4.1 Total olefins in the samples may be obtained or confirmed, or both, if necessary, by Test Method D1319 (volume %) or other test methods, such as those based on multidimentional PONA-type of instruments.
1.5 If water is or is suspected of being present, its concentration may be determined, if desired, by the use of Test Method D1744 or equivalent. Other compounds containing oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and so forth, may also be present, and may co-elute with the hydrocarbons. If determination of these specific compounds is required, it is recommended that test methods for these specific materials be used, such as Test Methods D4815 and D5599 for oxygenates, and Test Method D5623 for sulfur compounds, or equivalent.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1319 Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption
D1744 Test Method for Determination of Water in Liquid Petroleum Products by Karl Fisher Reagent
D3700 Practice for Containing Hydrocarbon Fluid Samples Using a Floating Piston Cylinder
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4307 Practice for Preparation of Liquid Blends for Use as Analytical Standards
D4626 Practice for Calculation of Gas Chromatographic Response Factors
D4815 Test Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE, TAME, DIPE, tertiary-Amyl Alcohol and C1 to C4 Alcohols in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography
D5580 Test Method for Determination of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, p/m-Xylene, o-Xylene, C9 and Heavier Aromatics and Total Aromatics in Finished Gasoline by Gas Chromatography
D5599 Test Method for Determination of Oxygenates in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography and Oxygen Selective Flame Ionization Detection
D5623 Test Method for Sulfur Compounds in Light Petroleum Liquids by Gas Chromatography and Sulfur Selective Detection
E 355 Practice for Gas Chromatography Terms and Relationships
E 594 Practice for Testing Flame Ionization Detectors Used in Gas or Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
E 1510 Practice for Installing Fused Silica Open Tubular Capillary Columns in Gas Chromatography
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions - This test method makes reference to many common gas chromatographic procedures, terms, and relationships. Detailed definitions can be found in Practice E 355.
