ASTM D8487-23

Standard Specification for Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blends for Use as a Motor Vehicle Fuel

SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum fuel quality requirements for gaseous fuels consisting primarily of methane blended with volume fraction of up to 10 % hydrogen (H2) when used as an internal combustion engine fuel.  
1.2 This specification defines the criteria for blending hydrogen with natural gas, biogas, or renewable natural gas (RNG) and then compressed into compressed natural gas (CNG) for use as a fuel for internal combustion engines in motor vehicles.  
1.3 The total volume fraction of hydrogen within the fuel shall consist of hydrogen contained in the natural gas, biogas, or renewable gas and any additional hydrogen blended into the fuel mixture.  
1.4 This specification covers the needs of internal combustion engines designed for use in motor vehicles.  
1.5 This specification applies to the fuel as delivered into the on-board fuel tanks of a motor vehicle as a compressed gas.  
1.6 This specification is not a natural gas pipeline standard; those requirements are determined by national and regional tariffs.  
1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.8 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.  
1.9 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: 31-May-2023
• ICS: 75.160.30 - Gaseous fuels
• Technical Committee: D03 - Gaseous Fuels
• Drafting Committee: D03.92 - Terminology and Editorial

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4150-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gaseous Fuels
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D8221-18a - Standard Practice for Determining the Calculated Methane Number (MN<inf>C</inf>) of Gaseous Fuels Used in Internal Combustion Engines
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D8221-18 - Standard Practice for Determining the Calculated Methane Number (MN<inf>C</inf>) of Gaseous Fuels Used in Internal Combustion Engines
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM D7606-17 - Standard Practice for Sampling of High Pressure Hydrogen and Related Fuel Cell Feed Gases
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4150-08(2016) - Standard Terminology Relating to Gaseous Fuels
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM D7493-14 - Standard Test Method for Online Measurement of Sulfur Compounds in Natural Gas and Gaseous Fuels by Gas Chromatograph and Electrochemical Detection
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM D7833-12 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Hydrocarbons and Non-Hydrocarbon Gases in Gaseous Mixtures by Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4468-85(2011) - Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Gaseous Fuels by Hydrogenolysis and<br> Rateometric Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3588-98(2011) - Standard Practice for Calculating Heat Value, Compressibility Factor, and Relative Density of Gaseous Fuels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5454-11 - Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Content of Gaseous Fuels Using Electronic Moisture Analyzers
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5454-11e1 - Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Content of Gaseous Fuels Using Electronic Moisture Analyzers
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D7607-11 - Standard Test Method for Analysis of Oxygen in Gaseous Fuels (Electrochemical Sensor Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D7606-11 - Standard Practice for Sampling of High Pressure Hydrogen and Related Fuel Cell Feed Gases
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2011
• Refers: ASTM D6228-10 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Sulfur Compounds in Natural Gas and Gaseous Fuels by Gas Chromatography and Flame Photometric Detection (Withdrawn 2019)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D7650-10 - Standard Test Method for Test Method for Sampling of Particulate Matter in High Pressure Hydrogen used as a Gaseous Fuel with an In-Stream Filter
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010

Overview

ASTM D8487-23: Standard Specification for Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blends for Use as a Motor Vehicle Fuel defines the minimum quality requirements for gaseous fuels consisting primarily of methane blended with up to 10% hydrogen (by volume) for use in internal combustion engine vehicles. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures that compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen blends delivered to the onboard fuel storage of motor vehicles meet safety, composition, and performance requirements. The document addresses the blending of hydrogen with natural gas, biogas, or renewable natural gas (RNG), focusing specifically on gaseous fuel delivered as a compressed gas suitable for vehicle engines.

This standard is aligned with international principles as outlined by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, ensuring global applicability and harmonization.

Key Topics

• Fuel Composition: Specifies the permitted volume fraction of hydrogen (up to 10%) blended with natural gas or other gaseous fuels.
• Fuel Quality Parameters: Defines limits for key fuel properties such as methane number, Wobbe index, lower heating value, oxygen content, water dew point, sulfur content, hydrogen sulfide, particulates, siloxanes, and compressor oil residues.
• Analytical Test Methods: Lists referenced ASTM and ISO test methods for analyzing fuel characteristics, including gas chromatography for composition and sulfur compounds, as well as methods for water vapor, oxygen, particulates, and hydrocarbons.
• Sampling Procedures: Provides guidelines for collecting representative samples directly from vehicle fuel dispensers, emphasizing safety and the need for validated test equipment in the presence of hydrogen.
• Safety Considerations: Notes the flammable and asphyxiation hazards of hydrogen and natural gas blends, highlighting the need for appropriate safety, health, and environmental controls during handling and sampling.

Applications

• Motor Vehicle Fuels: Ensures that hydrogen-natural gas blends used as motor vehicle fuel comply with defined quality standards, supporting reliable engine operation and emission control.
• Alternative Fuels Infrastructure: Supports the automotive and energy industries in deploying NG-H2 blends as a lower-carbon transition fuel for vehicles, facilitating the integration of hydrogen into existing CNG fueling infrastructure.
• Regulatory Compliance: Provides a standard reference for fuel suppliers, vehicle manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to ensure that gaseous fuels delivered to vehicles meet established international quality benchmarks.
• Quality Assurance for Renewable Gas: Addresses the inclusion of hydrogen in both conventional and renewable natural gas, such as biogas and RNG, ensuring broad applicability across fuel sources.
• Engine Protection: Sets impurity and contaminant limits (sulfur, siloxanes, particulates) to prevent engine deposit formation, catalyst poisoning, and increased maintenance for NG-H2 fueled vehicles.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1945: Analysis of natural gas by gas chromatography
• ASTM D8221: Practice for determining methane number of gaseous fuels
• ASTM D1142 / D5454 / D7904: Test methods for water vapor content in gaseous fuels
• ASTM D5504 / D6228 / D6968 / D7165 / D7493 / D7551: Sulfur compounds and total sulfur in gaseous fuels
• ASTM D7607: Analysis of oxygen in gaseous fuels
• ASTM D7651: Measurement of particulate concentration in hydrogen fuel
• ASTM D7833: Measurement of hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbon gases
• ASTM D8230 / D8455: Determination of siloxane compounds in gaseous fuels
• ASTM D8251: Determination of compressor oil carryover in CNG
• ISO 6976: Calculation of calorific values, Wobbe index, and gas composition from data
• ASHRAE Handbook: Reference for defining acceptable water dew point conditions

By adhering to ASTM D8487-23, stakeholders in the natural gas vehicle sector can ensure consistent fuel quality, compatibility with vehicle technologies, environmental compliance, and safe, efficient operation as hydrogen integration into transportation fuels expands.

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: D8487 − 23
Standard Specification for
Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blends for Use as a Motor Vehicle
Fuel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8487; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification defines the minimum fuel quality 2.1 ASTM Standards:
requirements for gaseous fuels consisting primarily of methane D1142 Test Method for Water Vapor Content of Gaseous
blended with volume fraction of up to 10 % hydrogen (H ) Fuels by Measurement of Dew-Point Temperature
when used as an internal combustion engine fuel. D1945 Test Method for Analysis of Natural Gas by Gas
Chromatography
1.2 This specification defines the criteria for blending hy-
D3588 Practice for Calculating Heat Value, Compressibility
drogen with natural gas, biogas, or renewable natural gas
Factor, and Relative Density of Gaseous Fuels
(RNG) and then compressed into compressed natural gas
D4150 Terminology Relating to Gaseous Fuels
(CNG) for use as a fuel for internal combustion engines in
D4468 Test Method for Total Sulfur in Gaseous Fuels by
motor vehicles.
Hydrogenolysis and Rateometric Colorimetry
1.3 The total volume fraction of hydrogen within the fuel
D5454 Test Method for Water Vapor Content of Gaseous
shall consist of hydrogen contained in the natural gas, biogas,
Fuels Using Electronic Moisture Analyzers
or renewable gas and any additional hydrogen blended into the
D5504 Test Method for Determination of Sulfur Compounds
fuel mixture.
in Natural Gas and Gaseous Fuels by Gas Chromatogra-
phy and Chemiluminescence
1.4 This specification covers the needs of internal combus-
tion engines designed for use in motor vehicles. D6228 Test Method for Determination of Sulfur Compounds
in Natural Gas and Gaseous Fuels by Gas Chromatogra-
1.5 This specification applies to the fuel as delivered into
phy and Flame Photometric Detection
the on-board fuel tanks of a motor vehicle as a compressed gas.
D6968 Test Method for Simultaneous Measurement of Sul-
1.6 This specification is not a natural gas pipeline standard;
fur Compounds and Minor Hydrocarbons in Natural Gas
those requirements are determined by national and regional
and Gaseous Fuels by Gas Chromatography and Atomic
tariffs.
Emission Detection
D7165 Practice for Gas Chromatograph Based On-line/At-
1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
line Analysis for Sulfur Content of Gaseous Fuels
as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
D7493 Test Method for Online Measurement of Sulfur
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
Compounds in Natural Gas and Gaseous Fuels by Gas
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Chromatograph and Electrochemical Detection
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D7551 Test Method for Determination of Total Volatile
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Gases and Natural Gas by Ultraviolet Fluorescence
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D7606 Practice for Sampling of High Pressure Hydrogen
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
and Related Fuel Cell Feed Gases
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D7607 Test Method for Analysis of Oxygen in Gaseous
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Fuels (Electrochemical Sensor Method)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D7650 Practice for Sampling of Particulate Matter in High
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Pressure Gaseous Fuels with an In-Stream Filter
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D03 on
Gaseous Fuels and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D03.92 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Terminology Classification and Specifications. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published July 2023. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D8487-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8487 − 23
D7651 Test Method for Gravimetric Measurement of Par- 2.3 ASHRAE Standard:
ticulate Concentration of Hydrogen Fuel American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Condi-
D7833 Test Method for Determination of Hydrocarbons and tioning Engineer’s (ASHRAE) Handbook 1989 Funda-
Non-Hydrocarbon Gases in Gaseous Mixtures by Gas mentals Volume
Chromatography
3. Terminology
D7904 Test Method for Determination of Water Vapor
(Moisture Concentration) in Natural Gas by Tunable
3.1 For definitions of general terms used in D03 Gaseous
Diode Laser Spectroscopy (TDLAS)
Fuels standards, refer to Terminology D4150.
D7941 Test Method for Hydrogen Purity Analysis Using a
3.2 Abbreviations:
Continuous Wave Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy Ana-
3.2.1 CNG—compressed natural gas
lyzer
3.2.2 MN—methane number
D8221 Practice for Determining the Calculated Methane
Number (MN ) of Gaseous Fuels Used in Internal Com-
3.2.3 MNc—calculated methane number
C
bustion Engines
3.2.4 RNG—renewable natural gas
D8230 Test Method for Measurement of Volatile Silicon-
Containing Compounds in a Gaseous Fuel Sample Using
4. Sampling
Gas Chromatography with Spectroscopic Detection
4.1 Review relevant test methods prior to sampling to
D8455 Test Method for Speciated Siloxane GC-IMS Ana-
understand the importance and effects of sampling technique,
lyzer Based On-line for Siloxane and Trimethylsilanol
proper containers, and any special handling required for each
Content of Gaseous Fuels
test method.
D8251 Practice for Determining Compressor Oil Carryover
4.2 Samples shall be collected directly from the fuel dis-
in Compressed Natural Gas Used as a Natural Gas Motor
penser.
Vehicle Fuel
2.2 ISO Standards:
4.3 Samples shall be representative of the product as dis-
ISO 6976 Natural gas—Calculation of calorific values,
pensed into an on-board motor vehicle fuel tank and shall be
density, relative density and Wobbe index from composi-
collected by a suitable sampling procedure.
tion NOTE 1—This standard is applicable at the point of delivery into the
vehicles on-board fuel tank.
ISO 10715 Natural gas—Sampling Guidelines
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
Switzerland, https://www.iso.org.
TABLE 1
Substance/Property Units Test Methods MNc 65 MNc 75
Hydrogen % by volume, max D1945, D7833 10 10
Calculated Methane Number MNc per Practice D8221, min D8221 65 75
Wobbe Index (based on Higher Heating MJ/m ISO 6976 46 to 53 46 to 53
A
Value)
B 3
Lower Heating Value MJ/m , min D3588 33.2 33.2
Oxygen % by volume, max D1945, D7607, D7833 1 1
C
Water Dew Point max at 24,821 kPa °C below the 99.0 % winter de- D1142, D5454, D7904 6 6
sign temperature at dispenser
D
Total Sulfur (Includes odorant) ppmv, max D4468, D5504, D6228, D6968, 5 5
D7165, D7493, D7551
E
Hydrogen Sulfide ppmv, max D4468, D5504, D6228, D6968, 5 5
D7165, D7493, D7551, D7833
Maximum Particulates mg/kg, max D7651 1 1
F 3
Siloxanes mg of Si/m , max D8230. D8455 0.1 0.1
G
Compressor Oil mg/kg, max D8251 10 10
A
Wobbe Index of the gas mixture is calculated based on the Higher Heating Value on a volumetric basis at 101.325 kPa and 15.55 °C reference conditions, divided by
the square root of the relative density at the same specified metering reference conditions. ISO 6976 uses the term Superior Heating Value in place of the term Higher
Heating Value.
B
Lower Heating Value is calculated based on at 101.325 kPa and 15.55 °C reference conditions.
C
Refer to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineer’s (ASHRAE) Handbook, 1989 Fundamentals Volume. For the United States, refer
to Chapter 24, Table 1, Climatic Conditions for the United States; for Canada, refer to Chapter 24, Table 2, Climatic Conditions for Canada; and for the rest of the world,
refer to Chapter 24, Table 3, Climatic Conditions of Other Counties. For regions not listed, it is recommended that this reference be consulted for methodology used to
calculate the 99 % minimum temperature.
D
Report in ppmv [μmol of S from all Sulfur compounds/mol of Gas]. As a minimum, total sulfur compounds include, for example, hydrogen sulfide (H S), carbonyl sulfide
(COS), carbon disulfide (CS ) Sulfides, thiols, and mercaptans. (See Appendix X1.)
E
Report in ppmv [μmol of S from H S/mol of Gas]. Refer to Appendix X2.
F
Reference conditions for Test Method D8230 are 101.325 kPa and 25 °C. G Work Item: Practice for Determining Compressor Oil Carryover in Compressed Natural Gas
Used as a Natural Gas Motor Vehicle Fuel.
G
Work Item: Practice for Determining Compressor Oil Carryover in Compressed Natural Gas Used as a Natural Gas Motor Vehicle Fuel.
D8487 − 23
4.4 Sample Size—A volume of sample suitable for perform- 7.3 Composition—Test Method D1945 or D7833. Compo-
ing fuel quality measurements as listed in Table 1 is required. sition values shall be calculated in % by volume. The volume
This should be determined in consultation with the testing composition of components used to determine MNc shall be
laboratory. reported for concentrations greater than or equal to 0.1 % by
volume. Refer to Practice D8221 for guidance.
4.5 Follow all safety procedures when sampling natural gas.
4.5.1 Warning—Natural gas-hydrogen blends are a highly 7.4 Calculated Methane Number MNc—Practice D8221.
flammable substances and poses an asphyxiation hazard. Al- The MNc is determined from the composition of the fuel.
ways perform measurements in a well-ventilated location in the
7.5 Wobbe Index—ISO 6976-95. The Wobbe Index shall be
absence of flames or spark sources. Compress gas containers
calculated based on the higher heating value at the reference
can pose an explosion hazard if not handled properly. Com-
conditions of 101.325 kPa and 15.55 °C.
pressed gases are stored at high pressures and can pose both an
7.6 Lower Heating Values—Test Method D3588. Calcula-
explosion and freezing hazard because of a sudden release of
tions shall be made at the reference conditions of 101.325 kPa
gas.
and 15.55 °C.
5. Detailed Chemical Composition, and Other
7.7 Oxygen—Test Methods D1945, D7833 or D7607. Test
Requirements
Method D7833 is preferred.
5.1 Natural gas-hydrogen blends gas used as a fuel for
7.8 Water Dew Point—Test Methods D1142, D5454, or
internal combustion engines in motor vehicles fuel shall
D7904.
conform to the detailed requirements of Table 1.
7.9 Total Sulfur—Test Methods D4468, D5504, D6228,
5.2 The criteria contained within this specification were
D6968, D7165, D7493, or D7551. The concentration of sulfur
primarily constructed from data collected from North Ameri-
containing all compounds is determined and shall be reported
can natural gas distribution systems and engine and vehicle
as Total Sulfur in part per million by volume (μmol of S from
manufacturers. As the data ensemble increases, this specifica-
all sulfur compounds/mol of Gas).
tion may be revised based upon the additional data.
7.10 Hydrogen Sulfide—Test Methods D4468, D5504,
6. Workmanship
D6228, D6968, D7165, D7493, or D7551. The concentration
6.1 The gaseous fuel shall be free of any adulterants or
of hydrogen sulfide is determined and shall be reported as
contaminants that can render the fuel unacceptable for its
Hydrogen Sulfide as Sulfur in part per million by volume
intended use in an internal combustion engine.
(μmol of S from H S/mol of Gas).
7.11 Particulate Concentration—Test Method D7651. Par-
7. Test Methods
ticulate concentration shall be determined as mg/kg of gaseous
7.1 Requ
...