Wet propane can cause operational issues in customer equipment and in downstream processes for refineries, producers, pipeline operators, terminals and chemical plants. A proposed new standard under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants will be used for measuring the dryness of propane. 

ASTM WK35244, Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) Using Electronic Moisture Analyzers, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D02.H0 on Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

“The dryness of propane is critical for the reliable operation of LPG systems, especially in cold climates,” says Barbara Whittaker, technologist, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering, Products Research and Technology, and a D02 member. “And unlike other fuels, propane has to be sub-saturated with water to meet specifications and be suitable for use.”

According to Whittaker, liquefied petroleum gases can become contaminated with water during production, transportation and even in storage when tanks have been exposed to the atmosphere and condensation occurs. “Today, there is no easy way to determine how much moisture there is in LPG at any point in the process,” notes Whittaker. “This proposed standard, once it has been approved, will allow continuous measurement using online analyzers, or single analysis on samples taken from cylinders.”

A number of laboratories have expressed interest in developing the eventual interlaboratory study for ASTM WK35244. In addition to assistance with the study, all interested parties are welcome to join in the ongoing development of the initial ASTM WK35244 draft.


ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

For more news in this sector, visit astm.org/sn-energy or follow us on Twitter @ASTMEnergy.

ASTM Committee D02 Next Meeting: June 24-28, 2012, San Francisco, Calif.
Technical Contact: Barbara Whittaker, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering, Paulsboro, N.J., Phone: 856-224-2411; barb.a.whittaker@exxonmobil.com
ASTM Staff Contact: David Bradley, Phone: 610-832-9681; dbradley@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #9137