BS EN 15553:2021

This document specifies a fluorescent indicator adsorption method for the determination of hydrocarbon types over the concentration ranges from 5 % (V/V) to 99 % (V/V) aromatic hydrocarbons, 0,3 % (V/V) to 55 % (V/V) olefins, and 1 % (V/V) to 95 % (V/V) saturated hydrocarbons in petroleum fractions that distil below 315 °C. This method can apply to concentrations outside these ranges, but the precision has not been determined. When samples containing oxygenated blending components are analysed, the hydrocarbon type results can be reported on an oxygenate-free basis or, when the oxygenate content is known, the results can be corrected to a total-sample basis. This test method is applicable to full boiling range products. Cooperative data have established that the precision statement does not apply to petroleum fractions with narrow boiling ranges near the 315 °C limit. Such samples are not eluted properly, and results are erratic. It does not apply to samples containing dark-coloured components that interfere with reading the chromatographic bands that cannot be analysed. NOTE 1 The oxygenated blending components methanol, ethanol, tert-butyl methyl ether (MTBE), methyl tert-pentyl ether (TAME) and tert-butyl ethyl ether (ETBE) do not interfere with the determination of hydrocarbon types at concentrations normally found in commercial petroleum blends. These oxygenated compounds are not detected since they elute with the alcohol desorbent. The effects of other oxygenated compounds are individually verified. NOTE 2 For the purposes of this document, the terms “% (m/m)” and “% (V/V)” are used to represent respectively the mass fraction and the volume fraction. WARNING — The use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This document does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this document to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.