5.1 The hydrocarbon component distribution of gaseous mixtures is often required for end-use sale of this material. Applications such as chemical feedstock or fuel require precise compositional data to ensure uniform quality. Trace amounts of some hydrocarbon impurities in these materials can have adverse effects on their use and processing. Certain regulations may require use of such method.

5.2 The component distribution data of gaseous mixtures can be used to calculate physical properties such as relative density, vapor pressure, and heating value calculations found in Practice D3588. Precision and accuracy of compositional data is extremely important when this data is used to calculate various properties of petroleum products.

1.1 This test method is intended to quantitatively determine the non-condensed hydrocarbon gases with carbon numbers from C₁ to C₅+ and non-hydrocarbon gases, such as H₂, CO₂, O₂, N₂, and CO, in gaseous samples. This test method is a companion standard test method to Test Method D1945 and Practice D1946 differing in that it incorporates use of capillary columns instead of packed columns and allows other technological differences.

1.2 Hydrogen sulfide can be detected but may not be accurately determined by this procedure due to loss in sample containers or sample lines and possible reactions unless special precautions are taken.

1.3 Non-hydrocarbon gases have a lower detection limit in the concentration range of 0.03 to 100 mole percent using a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) and C₁ to C₆ hydrocarbons have a lower detection limit in the range of 0.005 to 100 mole percent using a flame ionization detector (FID); using a TCD may increase the lower detection limit to approximately 0.03 mole percent.

1.3.1 Hydrocarbon detection limits can be reduced with the use of pre-concentration techniques and/or cryogenic trapping.

1.4 This test method does not fully determine individual hydrocarbons heavier than benzene, which are grouped together as C₇+ When detailed analysis is not required the compounds with carbon number greater than C₅ may be grouped as either C₆+, or C₇+. Accurate analysis of C₅+ components depends on proper vaporization of these compounds during sampling at process unit sources as well as in the sample introduction into the analyzer in the laboratory.

1.5 Water vapor may interfere with the C₆+ analysis if a TCD detector is used.

1.6 Helium and argon may interfere with the determination of hydrogen and oxygen respectively. Depending on the analyzer used, pentenes, if present, may either be separated or grouped with the C₆+ components.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 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.