1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for the rapid determination of phenalenes and phenalenones in middle distillate fuels, including marine, automotive, heating, and gas turbine fuel such as those specified in Specifications D 396 , D 975 , D 2069 , and D 2880 . Phenalenes and phenalenones affect the potential instability of fuels, leading to fuel degradation products during storage, which may cause performance problems.

1.2 This test method is applicable to both dyed and undyed fuels at all points in the distribution chain from refinery to end-user. It is not applicable to fuels containing residual oil. The portable apparatus allows the whole test to be conducted on site or in a laboratory and does not require the test sample to be heated.

1.3 This test method is suitable for testing samples with a relative absorbance of up to 5.00 absorbance units (AU).

Note 1The precision of the test method has been established on relative absorbance up to 1.00 AU. For relative absorbance above 1.00 AU the precision may not apply.

1.4 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

D396 Specification for Fuel Oils

D975 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils

D2069 Specification for Marine Fuels

D2880 Specification for Gas Turbine Fuel Oils

D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

D4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for Tests Affected by Trace Contamination

D4625 Test Method for Middle Distillate Fuel Storage Stability at 43C (110F)

D5854 Practice for Mixing and Handling of Liquid Samples of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

D6468 Test Method for High Temperature Stability of Middle Distillate Fuels

E131 Terminology Relating to Molecular Spectroscopy

E275 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrophotometers

Keywords

absorbance units; burner fuel; diesel fuel; infrared; infrared spectrophotometer; marine fuel; middle distillate fuel; potential instability; spectrometer; spectrophotometer; storage stability; turbine fuel; visible spectrophotometer;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 75.160.20 (Liquid fuels)

DOI: 10.1520/D6748-02AR07

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