Many sources of natural gas and petroleum gases contain varying amounts and types of sulfur compounds, which are odorous, corrosive to equipment, and can inhibit or destroy catalysts used in gas processing. Their accurate measurement is essential to gas processing, operation, and utilization.

Small amounts, typically, 1 to 4 ppmv of sulfur odorant compounds, are added to natural gas and liquefied petroleum (LP) gases for safety purposes. Some odorant compounds can be reactive and may be oxidized, forming more stable compounds having lower odor thresholds. These gaseous fuels are analyzed for sulfur odorants to help ensure appropriate odorant levels for safety.

This test method offers a technique to determine individual sulfur species in gaseous fuel and the total sulfur content by calculation. Gas chromatography is used commonly and extensively to determine other components in gaseous fuels including fixed gas and organic components (see Test Method D1945). This test method dictates the use of a specific GC technique with one of the more common detectors for measurement.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of individual volatile sulfur-containing compounds in gaseous fuels by gas chromatography (GC) with a flame photometric detector (FPD) or a pulsed flame photometric detector (PFPD). The detection range for sulfur compounds is from 20 to 20 000 picograms (pg) of sulfur. This is equivalent to 0.02 to 20 mg/m³ or 0.014 to 14 ppmv of sulfur based upon the analysis of a 1-mL sample.

1.2 This test method describes a GC method using capillary column chromatography with either an FPD or PFPD.

1.3 This test method does not intend to identify all individual sulfur species. Total sulfur content of samples can be estimated from the total of the individual compounds determined. Unknown compounds are calculated as monosulfur-containing compounds.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all 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 (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1265 Practice for Sampling Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases, Manual Method

D1945 Test Method for Analysis of Natural Gas by Gas Chromatography

D3609 Practice for Calibration Techniques Using Permeation Tubes

D4468 Test Method for Total Sulfur in Gaseous Fuels by Hydrogenolysis and Rateometric Colorimetry

D4626 Practice for Calculation of Gas Chromatographic Response Factors

D5287 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Gaseous Fuels

D5504 Test Method for Determination of Sulfur Compounds in Natural Gas and Gaseous Fuels by Gas Chromatography and Chemiluminescence

E840 Practice for Using Flame Photometric Detectors in Gas Chromatography

Keywords

flame photometric detection; gas chromatography; pulsed flame photometric detector; sulfur compounds, odorants; Odorants; Flame photometry; Fuel sulfur; Gas chromatography (GC)--gaseous fuels; Gaseous fuels; Natural gas service systems

ICS Code

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]