ASTM D8368-21

5.1?The determination of group type composition of diesel fuel is useful for evaluating quality and expected performance. Aromatics and polyaromatics, in particular, are related to combustion characteristics, cetane number, energy content, lubricity, water solubility and exhaust emissions.

1.1?This test method covers a standard procedure for the determination of group type totals of saturate, aromatic, polyaromatic, and FAME content in diesel fuel using gas chromatography and vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy detection (GC-VUV).

1.2?Concentrations of group type totals are determined by percent mass or percent volume. The applicable ranges are as follows:

1.3?Diesel fuel containing biodiesel, (FAME, that is, fatty acid methyl esters) can be analyzed by this test method. The FAME component completely elutes from the analytical column independent of feedstock; however, interim precision is determined only with soy methyl esters. FAME content in diesel fuel can be determined by Test Methods D7371 or D7861.

1.4?Individual hydrocarbon components are not reported by this test method; however, any individual component determinations are included in the appropriate summation of the totals of saturate, aromatic, polyaromatic, monoaromatic, diaromatic, tri-plus aromatic, or FAME groups.

1.5?This test method has been tested for diesel fuel, including renewable diesel fuels from hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and gas to liquid (GTL) processes, and biodiesel blends; this test method may apply to other hydrocarbon streams boiling between heptane (98 ?C) and triacontane (450 ?C), but has not been extensively tested for such applications.

1.6?UnitsThe 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 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.

1.8?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.