EN 238:1996

Liquid petroleum products - Petrol - Determination of the benzene content by infrared spectrometry

This European Standard specifies an infrared spectrometric method for the determination of benzene in petrol with a benzene content of 0,1 % V/V to 20 % V/V. The presence of cyclopentadiene in the sample will interfere with the benzene determination when it exceeds 5 % V/V. Contents of ethanol less than 10 % V/V and toluene less than 25 % V/V do not interfere with the benzene determination.

Flüssige Mineralölerzeugnisse - Ottokraftstoff - Bestimmung des Benzolgehaltes durch Infrarotspektrometrie

Diese europäische Norm beschreibt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung des Benzolgehaltes in Ottokraftstoffen mit einem Benzolgehalt von 0,1 % bis 20 % Volumenanteilen durch Infrarotspektrometrie. Die Bestimmung von Benzol wird durch Cyclopentadien in der Probe gestört, wenn der Cyclopentadien-Gehalt den Wert von 5 % Volumenanteilen übersteigt. Der Gehalt von weniger als 10 % Volumenanteilen Ethanol und weniger als 25 % Volumenanteilen Toluol stört die Benzolbestimmung nicht.

Produits pétroliers liquides - Essence - Détermination de la teneur en benzène par spectrométrie infrarouge

La présente norme européenne décrit une méthode de dosage du benzène dans l'essence par spectrométrie infrarouge pour des teneurs en benzène comprises entre 0,1 % V/V et 20 % V/V. La présence de cyclopentadiène dans l'échantillon interfère dans le dosage du benzène lorsque la teneur en cyclopentadiène dépasse 5 % V/V. Des teneurs en éthanol inférieures à 10 % V/V et en toluène inférieures à 25 % V/V ne perturbent pas le dosage du benzène.

Tekoči naftni proizvodi - Bencin - Določevanje benzena z infrardečo spektrometrijo

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 23-Jan-1996
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Jul-1996
• ICS: 75.160.20 - Liquid fuels
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 19 - Petroleum products, lubricants and related products
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 19 - Petroleum products, lubricants and related products
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 25-Apr-2023
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 238:1998 - Liquid petroleum products - Petrol - Determination of the benzene content by infrared spectrometry

Relations

• Amended By: EN 238:1996/A1:2003 - Liquid petroleum products - Petrol - Determination of the benzene content by infrared spectrometry
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008

Overview

EN 238:1996 (CEN) defines an infrared spectrometric method for the determination of benzene in petrol. The standard covers quantitative measurement for benzene concentrations from 0.1 % V/V to 20 % V/V. It is intended for laboratories and fuel quality control facilities that require a rapid, reproducible technique to monitor benzene levels for product specification and regulatory compliance.

Key scope points specified in the standard include:

• Method: infrared spectrometry (IR) for benzene determination
• Concentration range: 0.1 % V/V to 20 % V/V
• Origin: European Standard published by CEN (EN 238:1996)

Key Topics

This standard emphasizes practical analytical considerations and interference effects relevant to petrol matrices. Important points highlighted in EN 238:1996:

• Interferences: The presence of cyclopentadiene interferes with benzene determination when it exceeds 5 % V/V.
• Non-interfering components: Ethanol below 10 % V/V and toluene below 25 % V/V do not interfere with the benzene measurement by the specified IR method.
• Analytical focus: The method targets routine determination rather than detailed instrumental configuration; laboratories should follow good laboratory practice and instrument calibration procedures.

Applications

EN 238:1996 is useful where reliable benzene quantification in petrol is required. Typical applications include:

• Fuel quality control: Routine monitoring of benzene content in petrol production and distribution.
• Regulatory compliance: Demonstrating conformance with benzene limits imposed by environmental or fuel standards.
• Market surveillance: Screening petrol samples for elevated benzene levels as part of quality assurance programs.

Benefits of applying the EN 238:1996 IR method:

• Rapid, non-destructive analysis compared with some chromatographic techniques
• Suitable for routine laboratory workflows with appropriate calibration and validation
• Clear guidance on key interfering components, aiding result interpretation

Related Standards

Laboratories implementing EN 238:1996 should consider complementary or newer standards for petrol analysis, instrument validation, and quality assurance. Where available, refer to current CEN guidance or national regulations for benzene limits and updated test methods.

Keywords: benzene, petrol, infrared spectrometry, IR spectrometric method, fuel quality, benzene determination, cyclopentadiene, ethanol, toluene, EN 238:1996, CEN.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Flüssige Mineralölerzeugnisse - Ottokraftstoff - Bestimmung des Benzolgehaltes durch InfrarotspektrometrieProduits pétroliers liquides - Essence - Détermination de la teneur en benzene par spectrométrie infrarougeLiquid petroleum products - Petrol - Determination of the benzene
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