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 -xylene by gas chromatography. The purity of toluene, mixed xylenes, or p -xylene can also be calculated. Similar test methods, using the internal standard calibration technique and the external standard calibration technique, are Test Method D 2360 and D 5917 respectively.

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 0.0001 to 2.5000 weight %. The limit of detection is 0.00003 weight % and the limit of quantitation is 0.0001 weight %.

1.2.1 A small amount of benzene in mixed xylenes or p -xylene may not be distinguished from the non-aromatics 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 0.0001 to 1.0000 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 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.

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

D1555M Test Method for Calculation of Volume and Weight of Industrial Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Cyclohexane [Metric]

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

D3437 Practice for Sampling and Handling Liquid Cyclic Products

D3797 Test Method for Analysis of o-Xylene by Gas Chromatography

D4492 Test Method for Analysis of Benzene by Gas Chromatography

D4790 Terminology of Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Chemicals

D5060 Test Method for Determining Impurities in High-Purity Ethylbenzene by Gas Chromatography

D5135 Test Method for Analysis of Styrene by Capillary Gas Chromatography

D5136 Specification for High Purity p-Xylene

D5211 Specification for Xylenes for p-Xylene Feedstock

D5917 Test Method for Trace Impurities in Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Gas Chromatography and External Calibration

D6229 Test Method for Trace Benzene in Hydrocarbon Solvents by Capillary 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

E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods

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; benzene; ECN; ethylbenzene; gas chromatography; impurities; mixed xylenes; purity; o -xylene; p -xylene; styrene; toluene; Effective carbon number; Gas chromatography (GC); Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Trace impurities

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 71.080.15 (Aromatic hydrocarbons)

DOI: 10.1520/D7504-09

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