1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the total nonaromatic hydrocarbons and trace monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in toluene, mixed xylenes, and p -xylenes by gas chromatography. The purity of toluene, mixed xylenes, or p -xylenes can also be calculated. Calibration of the gas chromatographic system is done by the external standard calibration technique. A similar test method, using the internal standard calibration technique, is Test Method D 2360.

1.2 Total aliphatic hydrocarbons containing 1 through 10 carbon atoms (methane through decanes) can be detected by this test method at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 2.500 weight %.

1.2.1 A small amount of benzene in mixed xylenes or p -xylenes may not be distinguished from the nonaromatics and the concentrations are determined as a composite (see 6.1).

1.3 Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon impurities containing 6 through 10 carbon atoms (benzene through C ₁₀ aromatics) can be detected by this test method at individual concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 1.000 weight %.

1.4 The following applies to all specified limits in this test method: for purposes of determining conformance with this test method, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off 'to the nearest unit' in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E 29.

1.5 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. For specific hazard statement, see Section 9.

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

D841 Specification for Nitration Grade Toluene

D2360 Test Method for Trace Impurities in Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Gas Chromatography

D3437 Practice for Sampling and Handling Liquid Cyclic Products

D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter

D4307 Practice for Preparation of Liquid Blends for Use as Analytical Standards

D4790 Terminology of Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Chemicals

D5136 Specification for High Purity p-Xylene

D5211 Specification for Xylenes for p-Xylene Feedstock

D6526 Test Method for Analysis of Toluene by Capillary Column Gas Chromatography

D6563 Test Method for Benzene, Toluene, Xylene (BTX) Concentrates Analysis by Gas Chromatography

D6809 Guide for Quality Control and Quality Assurance Procedures for Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Materials

E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

E260 Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography

E355 Practice for Gas Chromatography Terms and Relationships

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

E1510 Practice for Installing Fused Silica Open Tubular Capillary Columns in Gas Chromatographs

Keywords

aromatics; external standard; gas chromatography; impurities; purity; p -xylene; toluene; xylenes;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 71.040.50 (Physicochemical methods of analysis); 71.080.15 (Aromatic hydrocarbons)

DOI: 10.1520/D5917-02

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