Excessive levels of hydrogen sulfide in the vapor phase above residual fuel oils in storage tanks may result in a health hazard, OSHA limits violation, and public complaints about odors. Control measures to maintain safe levels of H₂S in the tank atmosphere for those working in the vicinity require a consistent method for the assessment of potentially hazardous levels of H₂S in fuel oils (Warning—H₂S is a highly toxic substance. Use extreme care in the sampling and handling of samples that are suspected of containing high levels of H₂S.).

This test method has been developed to provide refineries, fuel terminals, and independent testing laboratories, which do not have access to analytical instruments such as a gas chromatograph, with a simple and consistent field test method for the rapid determination of H₂S in the vapor phase of residual fuel oils.

This test method does not necessarily simulate the vapor phase H₂S concentration of a fuel storage tank. It does, however, provide a level of consistency so that the test result is only a function of the residual fuel oil sample and not the test method, operator, or location. No general correlation can be established between this field test and actual vapor phase concentrations of H₂S in residual fuel oil storage or transports. However, a facility that produces fuel oil from the same crude source under essentially constant conditions might be able to develop a correlation for its individual case.

1.1 This test method covers the field determination of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in the vapor phase (equilibrium headspace) of a residual fuel oil sample.

1.2 The test method is applicable to liquids with a viscosity range of 5.5 mm²/s at 40°C to 50 mm²/s at 100°C. The test method is applicable to fuels conforming to Specification D 396 Grade Nos. 4, 5 (Heavy), and 6.

1.3 The applicable range is from 5 to 4000 parts per million by volume (ppm v/v) (micro mole/mole).

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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.