4.1 The sulfur content of LPG, used for fuel purposes, contributes to SOx emissions and can lead to corrosion in engine and exhaust systems. Some process catalysts used in petroleum and chemical refining can be poisoned by sulfur bearing materials in the feed stocks. This test method can be used to determine sulfur in process feeds, to measure sulfur in finished products, and can also be used for compliance determinations when acceptable to a regulatory authority.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of total volatile sulfur in gaseous hydrocarbons and liquefied petroleum (LP) gases. It is applicable to analysis of natural, processed, and final product materials. Precision has been determined for sulfur in gaseous hydrocarbons in the range of 1 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg and for sulfur in LP gases in the range of 1 mg/kg to 196 mg/kg (Note 1).

Note 1: An estimate of pooled limit of quantification (PLOQ), information regarding sample stability and other general information derived from the interlaboratory studies on precision can be referenced in the ASTM research reports.2^,3

1.2 This test method may not detect sulfur compounds that do not vaporize under the conditions of the test.

1.3 This test method is applicable for total volatile sulfur determination in LP gases containing less than 0.35 % (mass/mass) halogen(s).

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See 3.1 and Sections 6 and 7 for specific warning statements.

1.6 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.