Some petroleum products are treated with mineral acid as part of the refining procedure. Obviously, any residual mineral acid in a petroleum product is undesirable. The absence of a positive indication in the test for acidity of the distillation residue or aqueous extract of a hydrocarbon liquid is an assurance of the care used in refining the fuel or solvent.

1.1 This test method covers the qualitative determination of the acidity of hydrocarbon liquids and their distillation residues. (Warning-Many hydrocarbon liquids are extremely flammable. Harmful if inhaled. Hydrocarbon liquid vapors can cause a flash fire.)

1.2 If desired to determine the basicity of a hydrocarbon liquid, proceed in accordance with 9.2 or 9.3, but substitute 3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator solution for the methyl orange indicator. A pink or red color in the aqueous solution when phenolphthalein is used indicates basicity.

1.3 The results obtained by this method are qualitative expressions. However, for the preparation of reagents and in the procedure, acceptable SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.