The ASTM D5917 standard can detect total aliphatic hydrocarbons (methane via decane) containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 2.500 % by weight.
Meaning and use

5.1 It is usually necessary to determine the type and amount of hydrocarbon impurities remaining in the manufacture of toluene, mixed xylene and paraxylene used as chemical intermediates and solvents. This test method is suitable for setting specifications and as an internal quality control tool for the production or use of these products. Typical impurities are: alkanes containing 1-10 carbon atoms, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene (EB), xylene, and aromatics containing 9 carbon atoms.

5.2 Purity is usually reported by subtracting the identified expected impurity from 100.00. However, if the tested material contains unknown or undetected components, gas chromatography cannot determine absolute purity.

5.3 This test method is similar to test method D2360, however, inter-laboratory testing has shown that there may be bias between the two methods. Therefore, users are reminded that the two methods may not give comparable results.

ASTM D5917-2015 Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Impurities in Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Gas Chromatography and External Calibration

Step 1: Scope

1.1 The test method includes the determination of total non-aromatic hydrocarbons and trace monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in toluene, mixed xylene and paraxylene by gas chromatography. The purity of toluene, mixed xylene or paraxylene can also be calculated. The calibration of gas chromatography system is completed by external standard calibration technology. A similar test method using the internal standard calibration technique is test method D2360.

1.2 Total aliphatic hydrocarbons (methane via decane) containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms can be detected by this test method at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 2.500 % by weight.

1.2.1 Small amounts of benzene in mixed xylene or paraxylene may differ from non-aromatics and concentrations are determined in complex form (see 6.1).

ASTM D5917-2015 Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Impurities in Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Gas Chromatography and External Calibration

1.3 This test method enables the detection of monO impurities (benzene to C10 aromatic compounds) containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms at individual concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 1.000 weight %.

1.4 When determining the consistency of test results with applicable specifications, the results shall be rounded according to the rounding method of Practice E29.

1.5 Values expressed in SI units shall be treated as standard values. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard is not intended to address all safety concerns (if any) associated with its use. It is the responsibility of users of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory restrictions prior to use. See Section 9 for specific hazard descriptions.