Some process catalysts used in petroleum and chemical refining may be poisoned when even trace amounts of nitrogenous materials are contained in the feedstocks. This test method can be used to determine bound nitrogen in process feeds and may also be used to control nitrogen compounds in finished products.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the trace total nitrogen naturally found in liquid hydrocarbons boiling in the range from approximately 50 to 400°C, with viscosities between approximately 0.2 and 10 cSt (mm²/s) at room temperature. This test method is applicable to naphthas, distillates, and oils containing 0.3 to 100 mg/kg total nitrogen. For liquid hydrocarbons containing more than 100 mg/kg total nitrogen, Test Method D 5762 can be more appropriate. This test method has been successfully applied, during interlaboratory studies, to sample types outside the range of the scope by dilution of the sample in an appropriate solvent to bring the total nitrogen concentration and viscosity to within the range covered by the test method. However, it is the responsibility of the analyst to verify the solubility of the sample in the solvent and that direct introduction of the diluted sample by syringe into the furnace does not cause low results due to pyrolysis of the sample or solvent in the syringe needle.

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

1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.9, and Section 7.