5.1 High-purity propylene is required as a feedstock for various manufacturing processes, and the presence of trace amounts of certain hydrocarbon impurities may have adverse effects on yield or catalyst life. This test method is suitable for use as a benchmark in setting commercial specifications, for use as an internal quality control tool, and for use in development or research work.

1.1 This test method is used for the determination of hydrocarbon impurities in propylene (propene) material of 97 % by mass or greater purity (concentrates). These impurities are determined in the concentration range of 0.35 mg/kg to 8575 mg/kg and includes the following components: methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, acetylene, isobutane, propadiene, normal butane, trans-2-butene, butene-1, isobutylene, cis-2-butene, isopentane, methylacetylene, normal pentane, and 1,3-butadiene.

Note 1: Optionally, the analysis may include the determination of pentenes/hexanes and heavier components, see 6.3.

1.2 This test method does not determine non-hydrocarbon impurities, and additional tests may be necessary to fully characterize the propylene sample. However, for the purposes of this test, the purity of propylene is determined as the difference between the total of the determined analytes and 100 % (by difference).

1.3 When this test method is being used for the determination of trace level impurities in high-purity propylene, the use of this test method for the analysis of propylene samples at lower purities is not recommended due to the potential for cross contamination between samples.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This 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.

1.5.1 The user is advised to obtain LPG safety training for the safe operation of this test method procedure and related activities. The eLearning training course “Liquefied Petroleum Gases Sampling Safety” is available on the ASTM.org website.

1.6 This 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.