ASTM D 4294 : 2021

1.1This test method covers the determination of total sulfur in petroleum and petroleum products that are single-phase and either liquid at ambient conditions, liquefiable with moderate heat, or soluble in hydrocarbon solvents. These materials can include diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosine, other distillate oil, naphtha, residual oil, lubricating base oil, hydraulic oil, crude oil, unleaded gasoline, gasoline-ethanol blends, biodiesel (see Note 2), and similar petroleum products.

1.2Interlaboratory studies on precision revealed the scope to be 17 mg/kg to 4.6 % by mass. An estimate of this test method’s pooled limit of quantitation (PLOQ) is 16.0 mg/kg as calculated by the procedures in Practice D6259. However, because instrumentation covered by this test method can vary in sensitivity, the applicability of the test method at sulfur concentrations below approximately 20 mg/kg must be determined on an individual basis. An estimate of the limit of detection is three times the reproducibility standard deviation, and an estimate of the limit of quantitation2 is ten times the reproducibility standard deviation.

1.3Samples containing more than 4.6 % by mass sulfur can be diluted to bring the sulfur concentration of the diluted material within the scope of this test method. Samples that are diluted can have higher errors than indicated in Section 17 than non-diluted samples.

1.4Volatile samples (such as high vapor pressure gasolines or light hydrocarbons) may not meet the stated precision because of selective loss of light materials during the analysis.

1.5A fundamental assumption in this test method is that the standard and sample matrices are well matched, or that the matrix differences are accounted for (see 6.2). Matrix mismatch can be caused by C/H ratio differences between samples and standards (see Section 6) or by the presence of other heteroatoms.

1.6The 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.