This test method provides for the precise measurement of the chlorine content of aromatics with minimal sample preparation and analyst involvement. The typical time for each analysis is five or ten minutes.

Knowledge of the chlorine content of aromatics is important for process control as well as the prediction and control of operational problems such as unit corrosion and catalyst poisoning, and in the blending of products to commodity specifications.

Various federal, state, and local agencies regulate the chlorine content of some petroleum products, including aromatics. Unbiased and precise determination of chlorine in aromatics is critical to compliance with regulatory standards.

When the elemental composition of the samples differ significantly from the calibration standards used to prepare the calibration curve, the cautions and recommendation in Section 6 should be carefully observed.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of chlorine by monochromatic, wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (MWDXRF) spectrometry in aromatic hydrocarbons, their derivatives, and related chemicals.

1.2 This test method is applicable to samples with chlorine concentrations from 0.5 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg. Higher chlorine concentrations can be determined by quantitatively diluting the sample with a suitable solvent. In a preliminary robustness study, the limit of detection was estimated to be 0.06 mg/kg.

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 E 29.

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. For specific hazard information, see Section 9.