ASTM D4952-97

Standard Test Method for Qualitative Analysis for Active Sulfur Species in Fuels and Solvents (Doctor Test)

SCOPE
1.1 This test method is intended primarily for the detection of mercaptans in motor fuel, kerosine, and similar petroleum products. For example see Specification D 235.
1.2 The values stated in acceptable SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.3 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 limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Nov-1997
• ICS: 75.080 - Petroleum products in general
• ICS: 75.160.20 - Liquid fuels
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D4952-02 - Standard Test Method for Qualitative Analysis for Active Sulfur Species in Fuels and Solvents (Doctor Test)
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or
withdrawn. Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 4952 – 97 An American National Standard
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
Qualitative Analysis for Active Sulfur Species in Fuels and
1
Solvents (Doctor Test)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4952; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 5. Reagents and Materials
1.1 This test method is intended primarily for the detection 5.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
of mercaptans in motor fuel, kerosine, and similar petroleum used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
products. For example see Specification D 235. all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
1.2 The values stated in acceptable SI units are to be Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where
5
regarded as standard. such specifications are available. Other grades may be used,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- the determination.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 5.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined
by Types II or III of Specification D 1193.
2. Referenced Documents
5.3 Doctor (Sodium Plumbite) Solution—(Warning—see
2.1 ASTM Standards: Note 1)—Dissolve approximately 125 g of sodium hydroxide
D 235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits)
(NaOH) in 1 L of reagent water. Add 60 g of lead monoxide
2
(Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent) (PbO) and shake vigorously for 15 min, or let stand with
3
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
occasional shakings for at least one day. Allow to settle and
D 3227 Test Method for Mercaptan Sulfur in Gasoline, decant or siphon off the clear liquid. If the solution does not
Kerosine, Aviation Turbine, and Distillate Fuels (Potentio-
settle clear, filter it through filter paper. Keep the solution in a
4
metric Method) tightly sealed bottle and refilter before use if not perfectly clear.
As an alternative, the lab may use a commercially prepared
3. Summary of Test Method
solution that meets the requirements of the laboratory prepa-
3.1 The sample is shaken with sodium plumbite solution, a
ration.
small quantity of powdered sulfur added, and the mixture
NOTE 1—Warning: Poisonous and suspect carcinogen.
shaken again. The presence of mercaptans or hydrogen sulfide
NOTE 2—Alternate volumes of the solution may be prepared or
or both is indicated by discoloration of the sulfur floating at the
purchased, provided the final solution concentration is equivalent.
oil-water interface or by discoloration of either of the phases.
5.4 Sulfur—Pure, sublimed, stored in a closed container.
4. Significance and Use
6.
...