Proposed ASTM standard aims to provide accurate information on hydrocarbons
Photo courtesy of Phillips 66.

Proposed ASTM standard aims to provide accurate information on hydrocarbons

A proposed ASTM International standard will be used to help determine the effects of petroleum processes in the production of finished fuels. ASTM Committee D02 on petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants  is developing the proposed standard.

“The proposed standard gives accurate quantitative information on hydrocarbon types, such as n-paraffins, i-paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics in middle distillates, such as jet and diesel fuels,” says Leonarda Kouwenhoven, standardization manager of PAC Analytical Controls and ASTM International member. 

“This information is helpful in determining the effects of petroleum processes in the production of various finished fuels and quality control. The test method results can also be useful for indicating the quality of fuels and for assessing the relative combustion properties of finished fuels.” 

According to Kouwenhoven, the proposed test method is the first proposed ASTM D02 standard based on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC), a powerful separation technique that is suitable for the analysis of complex mixtures.

This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7 on affordable and clean energy.

Interested parties are invited to join in the development of the proposed standard (WK71675). The committee is looking for laboratories interested in helping to determine a precision statement for the standard by analyzing a variety of samples. Additionally, labs and experts are encouraged to help develop new applications based on the technology covered by the proposed standard. Interested participants may contact Frank DiStanzo, chair of the gas chromatography methods subcommittee (D02.04.0L).

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.