1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the boiling range distribution of petroleum products. This test method is applicable to petroleum products and fractions having a final boiling point of 538C (1000F) or lower at atmospheric pressure as measured by this test method. This test method is limited to samples having a boiling range greater than 55C (100F) and a vapor pressure sufficiently low to permit sampling at ambient temperature. The applicable sulfur concentration range will vary to some extent depending on the boiling point distribution of the sample and the instrumentation used; however, in most cases, the method is applicable to samples containing levels of sulfur above 10 mg/kg. 1.2 This test method requires the use of both FID and SCD for detection. The hydrocarbon simulated distillation data obtained from the FID signal should be performed according to Test Method D2887. 1.3 The test method is not applicable for analysis of petroleum distillates containing low molecular weight components (for example, naphthas, reformates, gasolines, and crude oils). Materials containing heterogeneous components (for example, alcohols, ethers, acids, or esters) or residue are not to be analyzed by this test method. See Test Methods D3710, D7096, D5307, D7169, or D7500. 1.4 This test method does not purport to identify all sulfur species in a sample. The detector response to sulfur is equimolar for all sulfur compounds within the scope (1.1) of this test method. Thus, unidentied sulfur compounds are determined with equal precision to that of identied substances. Total sulfur content is determined from the total area of the sulfur detector 1.4.1 This test method uses the principles of simulated distillation methodology. 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 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.
This test method extends the scope of Test Method D2887 (538C) boiling range determination by gas chromatography to include the sulfur boiling range distribution in the petroleum distillate fractions. Knowledge of the amount of sulfur and its distribution in hydrocarbons is economically important in determining product value and determining how best to process or refine intermediate products. Sulfur compounds are known to affect numerous properties of petroleum and petrochemical products. The corrosion of metals and poisoning of catalysts is of particular concern. In addition, the content of sulfur in various refined products may be subject to governmental regulations. Test Methods, such as, D2622, D3120, D5504, and D5623, are available to determine total sulfur content or content of individual sulfur compounds in petroleum and petroleum products. Test Methods, such as, D86, D2887, D3710, and D2892, are also available to determine the hydrocarbon boiling ranges of such samples. The gas chromatographic determination of the sulfur boiling range assists in-process development, in treatment, and control of refining operations and is useful for assessing product quality. This determination produces detailed information about the sulfur distribution in a sample that cannot be obtained by either total sulfur analysis or analysis of sulfur in discreet distillation cuts.
Keywords
gas chromatography; petroleum; simulated distillation; boiling range distribution; distillation; sulfur chemiluminescence detection; sulfur distribution
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
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