This European Standard specifies a fluorescent indicator adsorption method for the determination of hydrocarbon types over the concentration ranges from 5 % (V/V) to 99 % (V/V) aromatic hydrocarbons, 0,3 % (V/V) to 55 % (V/V) olefinic hydrocarbons, and 1 % (V/V) to 95 % (V/V) saturated hydrocarbons in petroleum fractions that distil below 315 ºC. This method may be applicable to concentrations outside these ranges, but the precision has not been determined.
When samples containing oxygenated blending components are analysed, the hydrocarbon type results can be reported on an oxygenate-free basis or, when the oxygenate content is known, the results can be corrected to a total-sample basis.
This test method is for use with full boiling range products. Cooperative data have established that the precision statement does not apply to petroleum fractions with narrow boiling ranges near the 315 °C limit.
Such samples are not eluted properly, and results are erratic.
Samples containing dark-coloured components that interfere with reading the chromatographic bands cannot be analysed.
NOTE 1 The oxygenated blending components methanol, ethanol, tert-butyl methyl ether (MTBE), methyl tert-pentyl ether (TAME) and tert-butyl ethyl ether (ETBE) do not interfere with the determination of hydrocarbon types at concentrations normally found in commercial blends. These oxygenated compounds are not detected since they elute with the alcohol desorbent. The effects of other oxygenated compounds should be individually verified.
NOTE 2 For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms “% (m/m)” and “% (V/V)” are used to represent respectively the mass fraction and the volume fraction.
WARNING — The use of this European Standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This European Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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.