ASTM D6667 Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases by Ultraviolet Fluorescence

The ASTM D6667 standard describes a standard analytic test method used for determination of total volatile sulfur in gaseous hydrocarbons and hydrocarbons that have been liquefied under pressure (gases, pressurized gases, liquefied pressurized gases, so-called LPG). The method described relies on oxidative combustion of the gaseous samples in an oxygen-rich atmosphere. Combustion forms SO₂ from the sulfur compounds in the sample which is then detected by UV fluorescence. The method can be used for gases in a concentration range of 1 to 100 mg/kg of sulfur (S) and for liquefied pressurized gases with a content of between 1 and 196 mg/kg. 

The ASTM D6667 test method can be used to measure the sulfur content in gaseous feedstocks and final products. The sulfur content of gases and liquefied pressurized gases can cause corrosion and fouling in plants during processing. Some process catalysts used in refineries and crackers, e.g., in hydrogenation processes and reforming, can be poisoned by sulfur content in the feedstock materials. In quality control in refineries and the chemical industry is just one application of sulfur determination. Monitoring of compliance with legal limits for gaseous fuels (LPG, CNG, natural gas) and combustibles (methane, natural gas, butane) by government inspection bodies, environmental protection bodies and contract laboratories to reduce sulfur emissions (SO_x) is another important application. 

The standard applies to the analysis of a wide spectrum of gaseous hydrocarbons and their gas mixtures, including natural, renewable, processed, and synthetically produced hydrocarbons – provided they contain 0.35% halogens by mass or less.

With the elemental analyzers of the multi EA 5100 and compEAct series, Analytik Jena offers powerful analytic devices for safe and precise measurement of sulfur in gases and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). 

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• ASTM D6667 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum Gases by Ultraviolet Fluorescence