ASTM D8368-22a

5.1The determination of group type composition of diesel fuel is useful for evaluating quality and expected performance. Aromatics and polyaromatics, in particular, are related to combustion characteristics, cetane number, energy content, lubricity, water solubility and exhaust emissions.

1.1This test method covers a standard procedure for the determination of group type totals of aromatic, polyaromatic, and FAME content in diesel fuel using gas chromatography and vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy detection (GC-VUV).

1.2Concentrations of group type totals are determined by percent mass or percent volume. The applicable working ranges are as follows:

1.3Diesel fuel containing biodiesel, (FAME, that is, fatty acid methyl esters including soy methyl esters, rapeseed methylesters, tallow methylesters and canola methylesters) can be analyzed by this test method. The FAME component completely elutes from the analytical column independent of feedstock.

1.4Individual hydrocarbon components are not reported by this test method; however, any individual component determinations are included in the appropriate summation of the totals of aromatic, polyaromatic, monoaromatic, diaromatic, tri-plus aromatic, or FAME groups.

1.5This test method may apply to other hydrocarbon streams boiling between heptane (98 C) and triacontane (450 C), but has not been extensively tested for such applications.

1.6UnitsThe values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7This 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.