ASTM D 6839 : 2021 : REV A

1.1This test method covers the quantitative determination of saturates, olefins, aromatics, and oxygenates in spark-ignition engine fuels by multidimensional gas chromatography. Each hydrocarbon type can be reported either by carbon number (see Note 1) or as a total.

1.2This test method is not intended to determine individual hydrocarbon components except benzene and toluene.

1.3This test method is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B.

1.4Oxygenates as specified in Test Method D4815 have been verified not to interfere with hydrocarbons. Within the round robin sample set, the following oxygenates have been tested: MTBE, ethanol, ETBE, TAME, iso-propanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol and methanol. Applicability of this test method has also been verified for the determination of n-propanol, acetone, and di-isopropyl ether (DIPE). However, no precision data have been determined for these compounds.

1.5The method is harmonized with ISO 22854.

1.6This test method includes a relative bias section for U.S. EPA spark-ignition engine fuel regulations for total olefins reporting based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D6839 and Test Method D1319 as a possible Test Method D6839 alternative to Test Method D1319. The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for fuels in the total olefins concentration range from 0.2 % to 18.2 % by volume as measured by Test Method D6839. The applicable Test Method D1319 range for total olefins is from 0.6 % to 20.6 % by volume as reported by Test Method D1319.

1.7This test method includes a relative bias section for reporting benzene based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D6839 and Test Method D3606 (Procedure B) as a possible Test Method D6839 alternative to Test Method D3606 (Procedure B). The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for fuels in the benzene concentration range from 0.52 % to 1.67 % by volume as measured by Test Method D6839.

1.8This test method includes a relative bias section for reporting benzene based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D6839 and Test Method D5580 as a possible Test Method D6839 alternative to Test Method D5580. The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for fuels in the benzene concentration range from 0.52 % to 1.67 % by volume as measured by Test Method D6839.

1.9This test method includes a relative bias section for reporting benzene based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D6839 and Test Method D5769 as a possible Test Method D6839 alternative to Test Method D5769. The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for fuels in the benzene concentration range from 0.52 % to 1.67 % by volume as measured by Test Method D6839.

1.10This test method includes a relative bias section for reporting total aromatics based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D6839 and Test Method D1319 as a possible Test Method D6839 alternative to Test Method D1319. The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for fuels in the total aromatics concentration range from 14.3 % to 31.2 % by volume as measured by Test Method D6839.

1.11 This test method includes a relative bias section for reporting total aromatics based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D6839 and Test Method D5580 as a possible Test Method D6839 alternative to Test Method D5580. The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for fuels in the total aromatics concentration range from 14.3 % to 31.2 % by volume as measured by Test Method D6839.

1.12This test method includes a relative bias section for reporting total aromatics based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D6839 and Test Method D5769 as a possible Test Method D6839 alternative to Test Method D5769. The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for fuels in the total aromatics concentration range from 14.3 % to 30.1 % by volume as measured by Test Method D6839.

1.13 This test method includes a relative bias section for reporting total olefins based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D6839 and Test Method D6550 as a possible Test Method D6839 alternative to Test Method D6550. The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for fuels in the total olefins concentration range from 1.5 % to 17.2 % by volume as measured by Test Method D6839.

1.14The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.15This 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.

1.16This 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.