A knowledge of the hydrocarbon composition of process streams and petroleum products boiling within the range of 400 to 650°F (204 to 343°C) is useful in following the effect of changes in process variables, diagnosing the source of plant upsets, and in evaluating the effect of changes in composition on product performance properties.

1.1 This test method covers an analytical scheme using the mass spectrometer to determine the hydrocarbon types present in virgin middle distillates 204 to 343C (400 to 650F) boiling range, 5 to 95 volume % as determined by Test Method D 86. Samples with average carbon number value of paraffins between C12 and C16 and containing paraffins from C10 and C 18 can be analyzed. Eleven hydrocarbon types are determined. These include: paraffins, noncondensed cycloparaffins, condensed dicycloparaffins, condensed tricycloparaffins, alkylbenzenes, indans or tetralins, or both, CnH2n-10(indenes, etc.), naphthalenes, C nH2n-14(acenaphthenes, etc.), CnH2n-16(acenaphthylenes, etc.), and tricyclic aromatics. Note 1This test method was developed on consolidated Electro-dynamics Corp. Type 103 Mass Spectrometers.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.

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. For a specific hazard statement, see .