5.1 The test method allows the quantitation of chemical species at low levels in marine fuel oils and cutter stocks. A great many types and concentrations of chemical species are found in marine fuel oils. A root cause relationship between the presence of such species or their concentration in fuels and any failure modes allegedly induced by the use of these fuels has not been established. This test method is necessary to establish test conditions required for future ISO 8217:2010 as defined in section 5.5 and Annex B item (d). Additional compounds may be determined by using the same conditions and by selecting required mass spectral selected ions, accordingly.

1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination of a variety of chemical species in marine fuel oil (bunker fuel oil) by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. By using the same conditions and by selecting required mass spectral selected ions, the test method may be used for the determination of other species than those for which precision statements and limits of detection have been established.

1.2 An example list of chemical species for which a limit of quantification has been determined by means of this test method is given in Table 1.

1.3 Other refinery hydrocarbon fractions and their mixtures may be tested using the same test method conditions. However, the precision of this test method reflects the compounds in Table 1.

1.4 Results are reported to the nearest 1.0 mg/kg.

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

1.6 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.