ASTM D6334-12(2017)e1 - 1.5.2017
 
Significance and Use

4.1 Knowledge of the presence of sulfur in petroleum products, especially fuels, helps predict performance characteristics, potential corrosion problems, and vehicle emission levels. In addition, some regulatory agencies mandate reduced levels of sulfur in reformulated type gasolines.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination of total sulfur in gasoline and gasoline-oxygenate blends. The Pooled Limit of Quantitation (PLOQ) was determined to be 15 mg/kg. Therefore, the practical range for this test method is from 15 mg/kg to 940 mg/kg.

Note 1: This concentration range is based on that used in the interlaboratory round robin, which shows that the range of sulfur in the round robin samples was from 1.5 mg/kg to 940 mg/kg; however, below 15 mg/kg, the reproducibility approaches 100 % of the concentration.

1.2 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitation prior to use.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The preferred units are mg/kg sulfur.

1.4 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D5453-25

Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition Engine Fuel, Diesel Engine Fuel, and Engine Oil by Ultraviolet Fluorescence

D4294-24

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum and Petroleum Products by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

D5842-23

Standard Practice for Sampling and Handling of Fuels for Volatility Measurement

D5854-25

Standard Practice for Mixing and Handling of Liquid Samples of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

D6299-26a

Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance (Includes all amendments and changes 8/4/2026).

D4057-22

Standard Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

D3210-95(2023)

Standard Test Method for Comparing Colors of Films from Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes

D2622-26

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

D4045-25

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Hydrogenolysis and Rateometric Colorimetry

D4177-22e1

Standard Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Includes all amendments and changes 3/24/2023).

D6792-25

Standard Practice for Quality Management Systems in Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants Testing Laboratories