This test method is suitable for setting specifications on benzene and for use as an internal quality control tool where benzene is either produced or used in a manufacturing process.

This test method was found applicable for determining thiophene in refined benzene conforming to the specifications described in Specification D2359 and may be applicable toward other grades of benzene if the user has taken the necessary precautions as described in the text.

This test method was developed as an alternative technique to Test Method D1685.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of thiophene in refined benzene in the range from 0.80 to 1.80 mg/kg for the Flame Photometric Detector (FPD), and from 0.14 to 2.61 mg/kg for the Pulsed Flame Photometric Detector (PFPD). For the PFPD, the minimum level of quantitation (LOQ) is 0.14 mg/kg and the minimum level of detection (LOD) is 0.04 mg/kg, as described in ASTM Research Report RR: D16-1038. The range of the test method may be extended by modifying the sample injection volume, split ratios, calibration range, or sample dilution with thiophene-free solvent.

1.2 This test method has been found applicable to benzene characteristic of the type described in Specifications D2359 and D4734 and may be applicable to other types or grades of benzene only after the user has demonstrated that the procedure can completely resolve thiophene from the other organic contaminants contained in the sample.

1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this test method: for purposes of determining conformance to applicable specification using this test method, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.5 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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.