ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ASTM International Proficiency Testing Center is pleased to offer a Proficiency Testing Program on Aromatic Hydrocarbons to laboratories who need a statistical quality assurance tool that will enable them to improve, and maintain a high level of performance in conducting routine ASTM aromatic hydrocarbon tests by comparing their results with other laboratories worldwide doing the same testing.

As a program participant, you will receive a mixed xylene, p-xylene and benzene sample and all the necessary instructions necessary for the test trial. Your laboratory performs the tests that you normally conduct within your own facility using the specified ASTM methods cited for each program sample. Single determinations by each laboratory are required; not replicate determinations.

Upon completion of tests, each laboratory electronically submits their data to ASTM via a secure website. The statistical summary report for the test will be electronically delivered to each participant. The reports will contain:

• "Coded" laboratory test results
  
• Statistical analyses of test data
  
• Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code
  
• Other great information

WHY SHOULD YOUR LABORATORY PARTICIPATE?

You will receive extremely valuable test results that are only available to data submitting registered laboratories. Your participation will help you monitor strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance, periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories and compare test data for a given quality parameter with laboratories conducting the same ASTM standard tests! PLEASE NOTE: Participation is not contingent upon performing all program tests on all products.

TEST MATERIALS

Each participating lab will receive a quart of mixed xylene and a one ounce sample of p-xylene and benzene for each of the two test trials conducted each year in APRIL AND OCTOBER.

The list of program test parameters is as follows:

Mixed Xylene ONLY Tests:
Acidity	D847
Acid Wash Color	D848
Benzene	D4534
Bromine Index	D1492,D5776
Color	D1209,D5386
Copper Corrosion	D849
Chlorine	D5194
	D5808
Density	D4025
	D2935
Distillation	D850
GC	D6563
Water Content	D6304,E1064

p-Xylene ONLY Tests:
Nitrogen	D6069, D4629
	D6366
Sulfur	D6212, D5453
	D6313, D7183
GC	D5917, D3798

Benzene ONLY Tests:
GC	D4492, D5713
Thiophene, Trace	D4735, D7011

NOTE: List of Methods Subject to Change.


PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The annual subscription fee of $520 will be for April and October 2008 testing.
Samples, electronic instructions and data report sheets are available to each participant each test cycle. Labs have six weeks to electronically submit their data to ASTM. Final summary reports are electronically delivered to all participants in 20-25 business days after the test cycle.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES

Test samples will be prepared and distributed for ASTM-PTP by AccuStandard of New Haven, CT. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping test materials to domestic and foreign laboratory participants.

IMPORTANT: International & Non-continental U.S. participants have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent. Please complete address and phone number of your designated U.S Trans-Shipping Agent who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. You will be responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements to receive samples directly with your shipping agent.
  
• Check to see if your samples can be shipped Directly from Distributor to Your Lab via UPS, FedEx, or DHL. You must provide ASTM with your shipper account number to cover shipping charges.