Many nitrogen compounds can contaminate refinery catalysts. They tend to be the most difficult class of compounds to hydrogenate, so the nitrogen content remaining in the product of a hydrotreator is a measure of the effectiveness of the hydrotreating process. In lubricating oils the concentration of nitrogen is a measure of the presence of nitrogen containing additives. This test method is intended for use in plant control and in research.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of nitrogen in liquid hydrocarbons, including petroleum process streams and lubricating oils in the concentration range from 40 to 10 000 μg/g nitrogen. For light hydrocarbons containing less than 100 μg/g nitrogen, Test Method D 4629 can be more appropriate.

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. Specific warning statements are given in Section 6, 7.1, 8.2, and 8.2.2.