ASTM D7551 Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum Gases and Natural Gas by Ultraviolet Fluorescence

The ASTM D7551 standard, which was withdrawn without replacement in 2024, outlines the test method for determining total volatile sulfur in gaseous hydrocarbons, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) using UV fluorescence. This method is applicable to natural gaseous fuels, process intermediates, final product hydrocarbons, and generic gaseous fuels containing sulfur in the range of 1 to 200 mg/kg. 

Monitoring of the total volatile sulfur content is essential for ensuring that the hydrocarbons meet the required specifications for various industrial processes, preventing catalyst poisoning and fouling. When being used as fuel, LPG and LNG undergo the same strict limitations for sulfur emissions as classic liquids fuels do. To ensure adherence of legal emission limits the same method is applied. 

ASTM D7551 offers a reliable and standardized approach to measure sulfur content in gaseous hydrocarbons, LPG, and LNG using ultraviolet fluorescence accurate and consistent. Besides the active ASTM D7776 is an alternative to measure sulfur in various organic gases.

With the elemental analyzers of the multi EA 5100 and compEAct series, Analytik Jena offers powerful analysis systems for safe and precise measurement of sulfur in gases and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). Thanks to their matrix-optimized gas sampling systems and integrated safety features, such as self check system and leak check, operation is safe and convincingly easy.

Sources

• ASTM D7551 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum Gases and Natural Gas by Ultraviolet Fluorescence