5.1  Ethanol is used as a blending agent added to gasoline. Sulfates are indicated in filter plugging deposits and fuel injector deposits. When fuel ethanol is burned, sulfates may contribute to sulfuric acid emissions. Ethanol acceptability for use depends on the sulfate content. Sulfate content, as measured by this test method, can be used as one measure of determination of the acceptability of ethanol for automotive spark-ignition engine fuel use.

1.1 This test method covers a potentiometric titration procedure for determining the existent inorganic sulfate content of hydrous, anhydrous ethanol, and anhydrous denatured ethanol, which is added as a blending agent with spark ignition fuels. It is intended for the analysis of denatured ethanol samples containing between 1.0–20 mg/kg existent inorganic sulfate.

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. Material Safety Data Sheets are available for reagents and materials. Review them for hazards prior to usage.