The sulfur content of gaseous hydrocarbons, LPG, and LNG used for fuel purposes contributes to total SOx emissions and can lead to corrosion in engine and exhaust systems. Some process catalysts used in petroleum and chemical refining can be poisoned by trace amounts of sulfur-bearing materials in the feed stocks. This test method can be used to determine the total volatile sulfur content in process feeds, to control the total volatile sulfur content in finished products and, as applicable, to meet regulatory requirements. Practice D1072 has previously been used for the measurement of total sulfur in gaseous fuels.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of total volatile sulfur in gaseous hydrocarbons, Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). It is applicable to analysis of natural gaseous fuels, process intermediates, final product hydrocarbons and generic gaseous fuels containing sulfur in the range of 1 to 200 mg/kg. Samples can also be tested at other total sulfur levels using either pre-concentration methods or sample dilution using a diluent gas. The methodology for preconcentration and dilution techniques is not covered in this test method. The precision statement does not apply if these techniques are used in conjunction with this test method. The diluent gas, such as UHP nitrogen, zero nitrogen or zero air, shall not have a significant total sulfur concentration.

1.2 This test method may not detect sulfur compounds that do not volatilize under the conditions of the test.

1.3 This test method covers the laboratory determination and the at-line/on-line determination of total volatile sulfur in gaseous fuels, LPG, and LNG.

1.4 This test method is applicable for total volatile sulfur determination in gaseous hydrocarbons, LPG, and LNG containing less than 0.35 mole % halogen(s).

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard..

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. See Sections 4.1, 7.3, 7.4, 11.2, and Section 8.

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

D1070 Test Methods for Relative Density of Gaseous Fuels

D1072 Test Method for Total Sulfur in Fuel Gases by Combustion and Barium Chloride Titration

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

D3588 Practice for Calculating Heat Value, Compressibility Factor, and Relative Density of Gaseous Fuels

D3609 Practice for Calibration Techniques Using Permeation Tubes

D4150 Terminology Relating to Gaseous Fuels

D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

D4784 Specification for LNG Density Calculation Models

D5287 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Gaseous Fuels

D5503 Practice for Natural Gas Sample-Handling and Conditioning Systems for Pipeline Instrumentation

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

D6228 Test Method for Determination of Sulfur Compounds in Natural Gas and Gaseous Fuels by Gas Chromatography and Flame Photometric Detection

D6299 Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance

D7166 Practice for Total Sulfur Analyzer Based On-line/At-line for Sulfur Content of Gaseous Fuels

E617 Specification for Laboratory Weights and Precision Mass Standards

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

F307 Practice for Sampling Pressurized Gas for Gas Analysis

Keywords

analysis; at-line; butane; fluorescence; gases; hydrocarbon; laboratory; liquefied; LNG; LPG; on-line; petroleum; propane; sulfur; ultraviolet;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 75.060 (Natural gas)

Citing ASTM Standards

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