ASTM D8305-19

Standard Test Method for The Determination of Total Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Total Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Aviation Turbine Fuels and other Kerosene Range Fuels by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The aromatic hydrocarbon content of aviation turbine fuels is a factor that can affect their density, elastomer compatibility, system durability and exhaust emissions. The aromatic hydrocarbon content and the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon such as naphthalene content of aviation turbine fuels affect their combustion characteristics and smoke-forming tendencies. These properties are controlled by maximum aromatics and naphthalene content specifications for refined aviation turbine fuels (see Specification D1655) and by both minimum and maximum aromatic content, and maximum naphthalene content, for semi synthetic aviation turbine fuels (see Specification D7566).  
5.2 The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the aromatic content of aviation fuels, thus requiring an appropriate analytical determination to ensure compliance with the regulations. Producers of aviation fuels will require similar determinations for process and quality control. This test method can be used to make such determinations.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the concentration of total aromatics, and total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in aviation turbine fuels and other kerosenes by supercritical fluid chromatography within the working range as listed below:    
Prop. (mass %)  
Method Working RangeA  
Valid Test Result RangeB  
PolyArom  
0.3017 to 3.443  
0.144 to 3.893  
Tot Arom  
0.2863 to 24.6256  
0.004 to 25.375  
1.2 This test method may also be used for the analyses of jet fuels, such as Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosenes (SPK) that contain not less than 0.29 % total aromatics by Test Method D2425.  
1.3 This test method includes correlations to test methods Test Method D1319 for total aromatics and to Test Method D1840 for total naphthalenes content.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are for information only.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2019
• ICS: 75.160.20 - Liquid fuels
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.04.0C - Liquid Chromatography

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1655-24 - Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D7566-24a - Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D6300-24 - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias Data for Use in Test Methods for Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D6708-24 - Standard Practice for Statistical Assessment and Improvement of Expected Agreement Between Two Test Methods that Purport to Measure the Same Property of a Material
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D7566-24 - Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D6299-23a - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D6300-23a - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias Data for Use in Test Methods for Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D2425-23 - Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Middle Distillates by Mass Spectrometry
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D6792-23c - Standard Practice for Quality Management Systems in Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants Testing Laboratories
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D6792-23b - Standard Practice for Quality Management Systems in Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants Testing Laboratories
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D7566-23b - Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D1655-23a - Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D7566-23a - Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2023
• Refers: ASTM D7566-23 - Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2023
• Refers: ASTM D7566-19b - Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019

Overview

ASTM D8305-19 is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the concentration of total aromatic hydrocarbons (TAH) and total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in aviation turbine fuels and other kerosene-range fuels using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). This method offers precise measurement of aromatic content, which directly influences fuel properties such as density, elastomer compatibility, durability, and exhaust emissions. Given that regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) control aromatic content in aviation fuels, ASTM D8305-19 provides a reliable and consistent protocol for ensuring compliance with industry requirements and specifications.

Key Topics

• Aromatic Hydrocarbon Content: Measurement and control of both monoaromatic and polynuclear (multi-ring) aromatics, crucial for fuel performance and environmental considerations.
• Significance of Analysis: Aromatic content affects combustion, smoke formation, emissions, and material compatibility in engine systems.
• Scope of Method: Applicable to aviation turbine fuels, kerosene-range fuels, and synthetic paraffinic kerosenes (SPK) with more than 0.29% total aromatics.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports adherence to FAA and other international regulations regarding maximum limits for aromatics and naphthalene in fuel.
• Correlation to Other Methods: Includes correlation with ASTM D1319 (total aromatics) and ASTM D1840 (naphthalene content), enhancing versatility of results.
• Quality Assurance: Recommends ongoing quality control using reference materials and proficiency testing per ASTM guidelines.

Applications

• Aviation Fuel Quality Control: Refineries and aviation fuel suppliers use ASTM D8305-19 to quantify aromatic hydrocarbons, ensuring fuel batches meet performance and regulatory specifications.
• Regulatory Compliance Testing: Analytical labs and producers verify compliance with FAA limits on aromatics and naphthalene content, as required for product certification.
• Process Optimization: Fuel manufacturers leverage aromatic measurement to optimize blending and refining processes, maintaining consistent product quality.
• Environmental Management: Accurate determination of PAH and TAH is essential for managing emissions and addressing environmental concerns around combustion byproducts.
• Synthetic Fuel Analysis: Useful for assessing synthetic paraffinic kerosenes (SPK) as specified in ASTM D7566, supporting the growing use of alternative aviation fuels.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1655 – Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels: Defines maximum concentrations for aromatics and naphthalenes in conventional aviation fuels.
• ASTM D7566 – Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons: Sets requirements for both minimum and maximum aromatic content in semi-synthetic jet fuels.
• ASTM D1319 – Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption: Reference for total aromatics determination.
• ASTM D1840 – Test Method for Naphthalene Hydrocarbons in Aviation Turbine Fuels: Reference for total naphthalene content.
• ASTM D2425, D6299, D6379, D6708, D6792, D7372 – Supporting standards for hydrocarbon analysis, quality assurance, and proficiency testing.

Practical Value

Adopting ASTM D8305-19 provides fuel producers and users with a robust, reproducible method for determining critical aromatic hydrocarbon content. This not only guarantees compliance with international safety and environmental standards but also helps in maintaining optimal engine performance and reducing harmful emissions. Regular application of this method ensures quality control, facilitates problem-solving in production processes, and supports the adoption of next-generation aviation fuels. For laboratories and production sites, ASTM D8305-19 is essential for reliable results, industry credibility, and regulatory confidence.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: D8305 − 19
Standard Test Method for
The Determination of Total Aromatic Hydrocarbons and
Total Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Aviation
Turbine Fuels and other Kerosene Range Fuels by
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8305; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the con-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
centration of total aromatics, and total polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons in aviation turbine fuels and other kerosenes by
2. Referenced Documents
supercritical fluid chromatography within the working range as
2.1 ASTM Standards:
listed below:
D1319 Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petro-
Prop. (mass %) Method Working Valid Test Result
leum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption
A B
Range Range
D1655 Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
PolyArom 0.3017 to 3.443 0.144 to 3.893
Tot Arom 0.2863 to 24.6256 0.004 to 25.375
D1840 Test Method for Naphthalene Hydrocarbons inAvia-
tion Turbine Fuels by Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry
A
Method working range:
D2425 Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Middle Dis-
high expected concentration limit, estimated using highest ILS sample mean
tillates by Mass Spectrometry
low expected concentration limit, estimated using lowest ILS sample mean
B
Valid test result range: due to testing variation, results within this range
D6299 Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance
inclusively are considered valid for reporting and for applying the precision (R and
and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical
r) functions as per Practice D6300.
Measurement System Performance
1.2 Thistestmethodmayalsobeusedfortheanalysesofjet
D6300 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias
fuels, such as Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosenes (SPK) that
Data for Use in Test Methods for Petroleum Products and
contain not less than 0.29 % total aromatics by Test Method
Lubricants
D2425.
D6379 Test Method for Determination of Aromatic Hydro-
1.3 This test method includes correlations to test methods
carbon Types in Aviation Fuels and Petroleum
Test Method D1319 for total aromatics and to Test Method
Distillates—High Performance Liquid Chromatography
D1840 for total naphthalenes content.
Method with Refractive Index Detection
D6708 Practice for StatisticalAssessment and Improvement
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
of Expected Agreement Between Two Test Methods that
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are for infor-
Purport to Measure the Same Property of a Material
mation only.
D6792 Practice for Quality Management Systems in Petro-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
leum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants Testing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Laboratories
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D7372 Guide for Analysis and Interpretation of Proficiency
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Test Program Results
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D7566 Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Synthesized Hydrocarbons
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Subcommittee D02.04.0C on Liquid Chromatography. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published February 2020. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D8305-19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8305 − 19
3.1.1 critical pressure, n—that pressure needed to condense naphthalene content, for semi synthetic aviation turbine fuels
a gas at the critical temperature. (see Specification D7566).
3.1.2 critical temperature, n—the highest temperature at
5.2 The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the aro-
which a gaseous fluid may be converted to a liquid by means matic content of aviation fuels, thus requiring an appropriate
of compression.
analytical determination to ensure compliance with the regu-
lations. Producers of aviation fuels will require similar deter-
3.1.3 mononucleararomatichydrocarbons,n—hydrocarbon
minations for process and quality control.This test method can
compounds containing exactly one aromatic ring; this group
be used to make such determinations.
includes benzene, alkyl-substituted benzenes, indans, tetralins,
alkyl-substituted indans, and alkyl-substituted tetralins.
6. Apparatus Requirements
3.1.4 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, n—all hydrocar-
6.1 Supercritical Fluid Chromatograph (SFC)—Any SFC
bon compounds containing two or more aromatic rings, in
instrumentation can be used that has the following capabilities
which the rings are fused together such as naphthalene,
and meets the performance requirements in Section 8.
acenaphthene,andalkylatedderivativesofthesehydrocarbons;
6.1.1 Pump—The SFC instrumentation must include a
may also include biphenyls.
pump capable of delivering supercritical carbon dioxide to the
3.1.5 restrictor, n—a device, attached to the outlet of a
column at a constant flow by maintaining a constant operating
chromatographic column, to restrict the mobile phase flow
pressure set between 180 bar to 220 bar. The pressure fluctua-
such that the mobile phase is maintained in the supercritical
tions of the carbon dioxide delivered by the pump shall not
state throughout the chromatographic column.
exceed 60.3 % of the operating pressure setpoint.
3.1.6 supercritical fluid, n—a fluid maintained in a thermo-
6.1.2 Detector—This test method is limited to the use of the
dynamic state above its critical temperature and critical pres-
flame ionization detector (FID). The detector must have
sure.
sufficient sensitivity to detect 0.01 % by mass toluene in
hexadecane under instrument conditions employed in this test
3.1.7 supercriticalfluidchromatography,n—aclassofchro-
method.
matography that employs supercritical fluids as mobile phases.
6.1.3 Column Temperature Control—The chromatograph
3.1.8 total aromatic hydrocarbons, n—hydrocarbon com-
must be capable of column temperature control of at least
pounds containing one or more aromatic rings; this group
60.5 °C (1 °F) at the operating temperature setpoint. The
includes benzene, alkyl-substituted benzenes, indans, tetralins,
setpoint must be at a constant temperature between 35 °C and
alkyl-substituted indans, alkyl-substituted tetralins,
45 °C.
naphthalene, acenaphthenes, alkylated naphthenes, biphenyl
6.1.4 Sample Inlet System—A liquid sample injection valve
and three aromatic rings fused together; it is the sum of the
is required that is capable of introducing samples with an
mononuclear and polynuclear hydrocarbons.
internal loop size between 0.05 µL to 0.50 µL liquid volume
range. The inlet system should be operated between 25 °C and
4. Summary of Test Method
30 °C. The sample inlet system must be connected to the
4.1 A small aliquot of the fuel sample is injected onto a
chromatographic column so that loss of chromatographic
packed silica adsorption column and eluted using supercritical
efficiency is avoided.
carbon dioxide mobile phase. Mononuclear and polynuclear
6.1.5 Post-column Restrictor—A device capable of main-
aromatics in the sample are separated from nonaromatic
taining mobile phase supercritical conditions within the col-
hydrocarbons and detected using a flame ionization detector.
umn and up to the detector inlet shall be connected to the end
of the column.
4.2 The detector response to hydrocarbons is recorded
6.1.6 Column—Any liquid or supercritical fluid chromato-
throughout the analysis time. The chromatographic areas
graphic column may be used that provides separation of
corresponding to the monoaromatic, polynuclear aromatic, and
nonaromatic, monoaromatic, and polynuclear aromatic hydro-
nonaromatic components are determined and the mass percent
carbons and meets the performance requirements of Section 8.
content of each of these groups in the fuel is calculated by area
6.1.7 Integrator—Means must be provided for the determi-
normalization.
nation of both individual chromatographic peak areas and the
total accumulated area under the chromatogram.
5. Significance and Use
6.1.8 Sample Filter—Amicrofilter of a porosity of 0.20 µm,
5.1 The aromatic hydrocarbon content of aviation turbine
which is chemically-inert to hydrocarbon solvents, shall be
fuels is a factor that can affect their density, elastomer
usedfortheremovalofmicroscopicparticulatematterfromthe
compatibility, system durability and exhaust emissions. The
sample solution
aromatic hydrocarbon content and the polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbon such as naphthalene content of aviation turbine
7. Reagents and Materials
fuels affect their combustion characteristics and smoke-
forming tendencies. These properties are controlled by maxi- 7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
mum aromatics and naphthalene content specifications for used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
refined aviation turbine fuels (see Specification D1655) and by all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
both minimum and maximum aromatic content, and maximum Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where
D8305 − 19
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used, monoaromatics and polynuclear aromatics (RES ) in accor-
MP
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently dance with Eq 1 and 2 respectively. RES must be ≥ 10;
NM
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of RES must be ≥ 4.
MP
the determination.
2 3 t 2 t
~ !
2 1
RES 5 (1)
NM
7.2 Air—Zero grade (hydrocarbon-free) is used as the FID 1.699 3 y 1 y
~ !
2 1
oxidant. (Warning—Air is usually supplied as a compressed
2 3 ~t 2 t !
4 3
RES 5 (2)
gas under high pressure and supports combustion.)
MP
1.699 3 y 1 y
~ !
4 3
7.3 Carbon Dioxide (CO )—Supercritical fluid chromato-
where:
graphic grade, 99.99 % minimum purity, supplied pressurized
t = time for the n-C peak apex, s,
1 16
in a cylinder equipped with a dip tube for removal of liquid
t = time for the toluene peak apex, s,
CO.(Warning—Liquid at high pressure. Release of pressure
t = time for the tetralin peak apex, s,
results in production of extremely cold solid CO2 and gas,
t = time for the naphthalene peak apex, s,
which can dilute available atmospheric oxygen.)
y = peak width at half height of n-C peak, s,
1 16
7.4 Check Standard—A commercial standard reference y = peak width at half height of toluene, s,
y = peak width at half height of tetralin, s, and,
material, which has accepted reference values, in accordance
y = peak width at half height of naphthalene, s.
within Section 6 on Reference Materials in Practice D6299. 4
Alternatively, samples subjected to round robin may be used as
8.2.1.1 Asymmetry—Analyze the performance mixture pre-
check standards. It is important that the standard deviation of
pared in 7.6. The asymmetry of the hexadecane peak shall be
the values of the laboratory exchange program not be statisti-
less than 1.5 when calculated in accordance to the following
cally greater than the reproducibility for the test method.
equation (see Fig. 1):
7.5 Hydrogen—Hydrogen of high quality (hydrocarbon-
T 5 W ⁄2f (3)
0.05
free) is used as the fuel for the flame ionization detector.
where:
(Warning—Hydrogen is usually supplied under high pressure
T = peak asymmetry or tailing factor,
and is extremely flammable.)
W = the distance from the leading edge to the tailing
0.05
7.6 Performance Mixture—A quantitative mixture of ap-
edge, measured at a point 5 % of the peak height
proximately 75 % by mass hexadecane (n-C ), 20 % by mass
from the baseline, and
toluene, 3 % by mass tetralin (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene),
f = the distance from the peak maximum to the leading
and 2 % by mass naphthalene is used for performance checks.
edge of the peak at the position of 5 % peak.
7.7 Quality Control Sample—Ahomogeneous material hav-
8.2.2 Detector Sensitivity—Measure the signal to noise ratio
ing similar physical and chemical properties to the samples to
(S/N)for0.01 %byweightoftolueneinhexadecane.Thepeak
be analyzed. The choice of such material should be guided by
height of toluene shall be five times the baseline noise where
Section 6 on Reference Materials in Practice D6299. Examples
the baseline noise is calculated by 8.2.2.1.
of such material can be, aviation turbine fuel or other typical
8.2.2.1 To measure the baseline noise, allow the signal to
samples containing aromatics and polynuclear aromatics simi-
record for a minimum of 10 min with no less than 300
lar to the samples to be analyzed.
readings. Calculate the standard deviation (σ )ofthe
baseline
readings. Baseline noise in 8.2.2=6 σ .
baseline
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.2.3 Retention Time Repeatability—For n-C and toluene
8.1 Install the SFC instrumentation in accordance with the peaks, the absolute value of the difference in retention time
manufacturer’s instruct
...