5.1 Accurate quantitative compositional information on hydrocarbon types can be useful in determining the effects of processes in the production of various finished fuels. Producers may require additional determinations such as n-paraffins, i-paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics for process optimization. This information also may be useful for indicating the quality of fuels and for assessing the relative combustion properties of finished fuels. This test method can be used to make such determinations.

1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination of total n-paraffins, total i-paraffins, total naphthenes (cycloparaffins), total one ring (1R) and total two ring plus (2R+) aromatic hydrocarbons in hydrocarbon liquids having a boiling point between 36 °C and 343 °C by GCxGC (flow modulated comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography). The method has been applied to aviation turbine fuels and is applicable to other low olefinic fuels in the stated boiling point range.

1.2 This test method has an interim precision. An expanded full interlaboratory study is to be completed in <5 years. The test method working concentration ranges in mass percent for which the interim precision has been determined are as follows:

Hydrocarbon Type

Lower limit
(mass percent)

Upper limit
(mass percent)

Total i-paraffins

22.0

24.3

Total n-paraffins

19.0

21.9

Total naphthenes (cycloparaffins)

34.3

36.7

Total one ring aromatics

18.7

21.8

Total two ring plus aromatics

0.5

1.9

1.3 This test method is applicable to other group type concentration ranges, to other hydrocarbon types such as selected individual components, for example, benzene, toluene, or n-paraffins by carbon number, or to other hydrocarbon streams; however, precision has not been determined at this time. A future ILS will include a variety of sample types and extend the reporting.

1.4 This test method is not intended to determine unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as olefins, content which may interfere with the cycloparaffins; this test method is applicable to samples with < 1% by mass total olefins as determined by D1319.

1.5 This test method is not intended to determine FAME (fatty acid methyl esters). For such applications, Test Method D7797, IP 585, or equivalent test methods are available.

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

1.7 This standard test method does not mandate or describe a specific software package for data processing and display. Any commercially available GCxGC software used for data processing and display shall meet the requirements for the calculation of the results. Appendix X1 provides some guidelines.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.