5.1 The hydrogen content represents a fundamental quality of a petroleum product that has been correlated with many of the performance characteristics of that product.

5.2 This test method provides a simple and more precise alternative to existing test methods, specifically combustion techniques (Test Methods D5291) for determining the hydrogen content on a range of petroleum products.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the hydrogen content of petroleum products ranging from atmospheric distillates to vacuum residua using a continuous wave, low-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. (Test Method D3701 is the preferred method for determining the hydrogen content of aviation turbine fuels using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.)

1.2 Three test methods are included here that account for the special characteristics of different petroleum products and apply to the following distillation ranges:

Test Method

Petroleum Products

Boiling Range, °C (°F)
(approximate)

A

Light Distillates

15–260 (60–500)

B

Middle Distillates

200–370 (400–700)

 Gas Oils

370–510 (700–950)

C

Residua

510+ (950+ )

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. The preferred units are mass %.

1.4 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. For specific warning statements, see Sections 7.2 and 7.4.

1.5 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.