EN 15489:2007
(Main)Ethanol as a blending component for petrol - Determination of water content - Karl Fischer coulometric titration method
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies a method for the direct determination of water in ethanol to be used in gasoline blends. It is applicable to ethanol having water contents in the range 0,039 % (m/m) to 0,500 % (m/m).
NOTE For the purposes of this document, the term “% (m/m)” is used to represent the mass fraction.
WARNING — Use of this standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 21-Aug-2007
- Withdrawal Date
- 28-Feb-2008
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 19 - Petroleum products, lubricants and related products
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 19/WG 27 - Elemental analysis of petroleum and related products
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 23-Mar-2012
- Completion Date
- 23-Mar-2012
- Directive
- Not Harmonized98/70/EC - Quality of petrol and diesel fuels (Dir. 93/12/EEC amendment)
Overview
EN 15489:2007 (CEN) defines a standardized laboratory method for the direct determination of water content in ethanol intended as a blending component for petrol (gasoline). The standard specifies the Karl Fischer coulometric titration procedure for ethanol samples with water contents in the range 0.039 % (m/m) to 0.500 % (m/m). It covers principle, reagents, apparatus, sampling, procedure, verification, calculation and reporting, and includes precision information from interlaboratory studies.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and range: Applicable to ethanol for gasoline blends having 0.039–0.500 % (m/m) water (mass fraction).
- Analytical principle: Coulometric Karl Fischer titration - iodine is generated electrochemically and the total charge (coulombs) is proportional to water present (Faraday’s law).
- Reagents and materials: Use analytical-grade chemicals, pyridine‑free Karl Fischer reagents (single reagent or separate anolyte/catholyte), water meeting EN ISO 3696, dry xylene and activated molecular sieves for drying solvents.
- Apparatus: Automatic coulometric Karl Fischer titrator, glass syringes with narrow-bore needles, precision balance (0.1 mg), titration cell with appropriate diaphragm/frit configuration.
- Sampling and handling: Follow EN ISO 3170 for petroleum manual sampling; minimize atmospheric moisture uptake (use septum‑sealed bottles and syringes).
- Procedure and verification:
- Inject weighed ethanol aliquots into the titration cell; titrator reads water mass (µg).
- Regular verification with a defined water injection (e.g., 10 µl) to monitor reagent performance; replace electrolyte when out of tolerance or on instability.
- Calculation & reporting: Convert titrator water reading to mass fraction (% (m/m)) and report to the nearest 0.001 % (m/m).
- Precision: The standard includes repeatability and reproducibility performance criteria derived from interlaboratory testing; users should consult the standard for statistical limits.
Note: EN 15489 includes a safety warning - users must adopt appropriate safety and hygiene measures when handling reagents and equipment.
Applications and users
- Quality control laboratories in fuel production and distribution assessing ethanol water content for gasoline blending.
- Ethanol producers (bioethanol, synthetic ethanol) validating product specification for fuel-grade ethanol.
- Fuel additive formulators, blending terminals and regulatory compliance testing to ensure blend stability, engine compatibility and fuel quality.
- Instrument manufacturers and laboratory method developers using Karl Fischer coulometric titration for low‑level water analysis.
Keywords: EN 15489:2007, ethanol water content, Karl Fischer coulometric titration, ethanol for petrol, gasoline blends, water determination, laboratory procedure, fuel quality.
Related standards
- EN ISO 3170 - Petroleum liquids: manual sampling
- EN ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use
- EN ISO 4259 - Precision data for test methods
- IP 539 and associated research reports referenced for method origins and precision data
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
CEN/TS 15293:2011 - Automotive fuels - Ethanol (E85) automotive fuel - Requirements and test methods - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 15293:2018 - Automotive fuels - Automotive ethanol (E85) fuel - Requirements and test methods - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 15489:2007 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Ethanol as a blending component for petrol - Determination of water content - Karl Fischer coulometric titration method". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies a method for the direct determination of water in ethanol to be used in gasoline blends. It is applicable to ethanol having water contents in the range 0,039 % (m/m) to 0,500 % (m/m). NOTE For the purposes of this document, the term “% (m/m)” is used to represent the mass fraction. WARNING — Use of this standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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.
This European Standard specifies a method for the direct determination of water in ethanol to be used in gasoline blends. It is applicable to ethanol having water contents in the range 0,039 % (m/m) to 0,500 % (m/m). NOTE For the purposes of this document, the term “% (m/m)” is used to represent the mass fraction. WARNING — Use of this standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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.
EN 15489:2007 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.080.60 - Alcohols. Ethers; 75.160.20 - Liquid fuels. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 15489:2007 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN ISO 3696:1995, EN ISO 3170:2025, EN 15376:2014, CEN/TS 15293:2011, EN 15376:2011, CEN/TR 15993:2018, CEN/TS 18227:2025, EN 15293:2018. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 15489:2007 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 98/70/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/344. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 15489:2007 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Ethanol as a blending component for petrol - Determination of water content - Karl Fischer coulometric titration methodMHMXEthanol comme base de mélange a l'essence - Détermination de la teneur en eau - Méthode de titrage Karl Fischer par coulométrieEthanol zur Verwendung als Blendkomponente in Ottokraftstoff - Bestimmung des Wassergehaltes - Coulometrisches Titrationsverfahren nach Karl FischerTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 15489:2007SIST EN 15489:2007en75.160.20Liquid fuels71.080.60Alkoholi. EtriAlcohols. EthersICS:SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 15489:200701-december-2007
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 15489August 2007ICS 71.080.60 English VersionEthanol as a blending component for petrol - Determination ofwater content - Karl Fischer coulometric titration methodEthanol comme base de mélange à l'essence -Détermination de la teneur en eau - Méthode de titragecoulométrique Karl FischerEthanol zur Verwendung als Blendkomponente inOttokraftstoff - Bestimmung des Wassergehaltes -Coulometrisches Titrationsverfahren nach Karl FischerThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 30 June 2007.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as theofficial versions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2007 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 15489:2007: E
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