This European Standard specifies an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) method for the determination of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc concentrations of diesel fuels, including those containing up to 30%(V/V) fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), in the range detailed in Table1. These six elements are considered as the most essential ash forming elements. Table1 Application ranges for ash forming elements Element Range mg/kg Sodium 1,2 to 2,5 Potassium 0,9 to 2,5 Calcium 0,3 to 2,5 Phosphorus 0,9 to 2,5 Copper 0,2 to 2,5 Zinc 0,2 to 2,5 NOTE For the purposes of this European Standard, the term “%(V/V)?? is used to represent the volume fraction, φ. 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 European Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.