5.1 The total fluorine, chlorine and sulfur contained in aromatic hydrocarbon matrices can contribute to emissions, be harmful to many catalytic chemical processes, and lead to corrosion. This test method can be used to determine total sulfur and halogens in aromatic hydrocarbons and their mixtures. The results can be used for compliance determinations when acceptable to a regulatory authority using performance based criteria.

1.1 This test method covers the individual determination of total fluorine, chlorine and sulfur in aromatic hydrocarbons and their mixtures. Samples containing 0.10 to 10 mg/kg of each element can be analyzed.

1.2 This method can be applied to sample concentrations outside the range of the scope by dilution of the sample in an appropriate solvent to bring the total concentrations of fluorine, chlorine and sulfur within the range covered by the test method. However, it is the responsibility of the analyst to verify the solubility of the sample in the solvent and that the diluted sample results conform to the precision and accuracy of the method.

1.2.1 Special considerations must be made in order to attain detection limits below 1.0 mg/kg in a sample. The instrument must be clean and properly maintained to address potential sources of contamination, or carryover, or both. Multiple sequential injections shall be completed until a stable background is attained. A stable background is considered to be achieved when the analysis of a minimum of three consecutive system blanks have area counts equal to or less than 5 % RSD for the anions of interest.

1.3 In determining the conformance of the test results using this method to applicable specifications, results shall be rounded off in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Section 9.