ASTM D6920-03

All sulfur present in petroleum products is converted to sulfur oxides upon combustion, which is a significant pollutant of the atmosphere. This test method can be used to monitor the total sulfur levels in these fuels.

Note 1—Virtually all sulfur compounds will be detected by this technique.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of total sulfur in liquid hydrocarbons, boiling in the range from approximately 25 to 400°C, with viscosities between approximately 0.2 and 10 cSt (mm/S) at room temperature. This test method is applicable to naphthas, distillates, and motor fuels such as gasolines, reformulated gasolines, gasohols, diesels and biodiesels containing approximately 1 to 100 mg/kg total sulfur in gasoline type products, and approximately 1 to 40 mg/kg sulfur in diesel type products.

1.2 The detector response for this technique within the scope of this test method is linear with sulfur concentration.

1.3 Based on interlaboratory study, the pooled limit of quantitation of this test method is 3 mg/kg for gasoline and 0.5 mg/kg for diesel samples.

1.4 This test method meets the U.S. EPA requirements for measuring sulfur in ultra low sulfur diesel fuels by the designated Test Method D 6428, as published in the U.S. Federal Register 80.520(a)(1).

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 statements, see Sections 8 and 9.