ISO 8174

• Abstract:

  This document specifies a gas chromatographic method for the determination of trace amounts of oxygenated compounds in ethylene and propylene (propene) for industrial use. This document is applicable to ethylene and propylene having methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, acetaldehyde, ethanol, propan-2-ol, acetone, and butanone concentrations greater than 0,5 mL/m3.

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 71.080.10 - Aliphatic hydrocarbons
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 47 - Chemistry
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 47/WG 2 - Light Olefins
• Current Stage: 6000 - International Standard under publication
• Start Date: 09-Sep-2026
• Completion Date: 10-Oct-2026

• Revises: ISO 8174:1986 - Ethylene and propylene for industrial use — Determination of acetone, acetonitrile, propan-2-ol and methanol — Gas chromatographic method
• Effective Date: 18-May-2024

ISO 8174 is an International Standard published by ISO for measuring trace oxygenated compounds in ethylene and propylene (propene) for industrial use. It specifies a gas chromatographic method with external-standard quantification for methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, acetaldehyde, ethanol, propan-2-ol, acetone, and butanone at concentrations above 0,5 mL/m3. It is written for laboratories that test product quality and report oxygenate levels in these gases.

What does ISO 8174 specify?

ISO 8174 specifies a gas chromatographic method for the determination of trace oxygenates in ethylene and propylene used in industry. The method applies to the eight named oxygenated compounds when their concentrations are above 0,5 mL/m3.

The document is organized into clauses on scope, normative references, principle, reagents and materials, apparatus, sampling, procedure, calculation, reporting, precision, quality assurance, and the test report. In practice, that structure takes the user from sample collection and instrument setup through to calculation and documentation.

What are the key requirements of ISO 8174?

Principle and detector setup

ISO 8174 separates the oxygenated compounds by gas chromatography and detects them with a hydrogen flame ionization detector (FID). Quantification is based on the external standard method, using peak areas from the sample and the calibration gas.

In practice, a laboratory needs stable chromatographic separation and a calibration gas that behaves like the sample. The method is designed for trace analysis, so the detector response and baseline stability matter.

Reagents, gases and gas standards

ISO 8174 names the required reference compounds for gas-standard preparation: methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, acetaldehyde, ethanol, propan-2-ol, acetone and butanone. It also specifies high-purity carrier gas, auxiliary gases and a gas standard whose oxygenate content is close to that of the sample and below 100 mL/m3 in the base gas.

This matters because the calibration gas must reflect the real sample matrix. If the base gas already contains oxygenates, the result has to be corrected.

Apparatus and chromatographic performance

ISO 8174 requires a gas chromatograph fitted with a six-way gas sampling valve with a 1 mL loop and an FID. The instrument must give a peak height for impurities at the 0,5 mL/m3 level that is at least twice the background noise.

Clause 6 also gives a recommended PLOT column and typical operating conditions in Table 1, while allowing other columns and conditions if they give adequate separation and detection. For the user, this means the setup must be validated for both resolution and sensitivity, not only installed as listed.

Sampling and vaporization

ISO 8174 requires laboratory samples to be taken in a stainless-steel cylinder in accordance with ISO 7382 or ISO 8563. For liquid propylene, the sample must be vaporized before introduction, and the procedure requires complete vaporization without changing the sample composition.

The document also notes passivation treatment for used cylinders, vaporization devices, valves, injection ports and connecting pipelines when needed to reduce adsorption of trace oxygenates. This is important because trace compounds can be lost on active surfaces.

Calibration, analysis and calculation

ISO 8174 calls for injecting 1,0 mL of gas standard, recording the chromatogram, identifying peaks and integrating them, then repeating the measurement twice. The peak-area difference between the two calibration injections shall not exceed 5 % of the average value.

Sample analysis is also run in duplicate. Clause 9 calculates oxygenate content in mL/m3 from the ratio of sample and standard peak areas, and converts it to mg/kg using the relative molecular mass of the oxygenate and the sample gas. In practice, the method depends on consistent duplicate runs and correct unit conversion.

Precision, quality assurance and reporting

ISO 8174 gives repeatability and reproducibility statements in Table 2 for each oxygenate, with values expressed as functions of the compared results. Clause 12 requires periodic analysis of a stable, representative QC sample to check instrument function and result validity.

The test report must identify the sample, cite ISO 8174:2026, state each oxygenate concentration, note unusual features, identify the analyst and analysis date, and record any operations outside the document or any optional steps used. That gives traceability for release, audit and dispute work.

What changed in ISO 8174 from the previous edition?

ISO 8174:2026 cancels and replaces ISO 8174:1986 and is technically revised. The stated changes are:

• the title has been revised
• the scope has been expanded to cover methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, acetaldehyde, ethanol, propan-2-ol, acetone and butanone
• acetonitrile has been deleted
• the method has been improved for ethylene and propylene with oxygenate concentrations above 0,5 mL/m3
• the principle in Clause 4 has been revised
• preparation of the gas standard in Clause 5 has been revised
• chromatographic columns changed from packed columns to capillary columns, and a gas sampling device was added
• recording and vaporization devices were revised
• the typical chromatogram was added
• sampling, absorption devices and concentration operations were removed
• calibration and sample-determination steps were revised
• the expression of results was revised
• precision and bias were reinvestigated

Which standards are used with ISO 8174?

• ISO 7382 - provides the sampling method for ethylene in the liquid and gaseous phase, which supports sample collection for this method.
• ISO 8563 - provides the sampling method for propylene and butadiene in the liquid phase, which supports liquid-phase sampling of propylene for this method.

What does the ISO 8174 document contain?

ISO 8174 contains a full laboratory method, not just a short specification. It includes a recommended chromatographic column and operating conditions in Table 1, a typical chromatogram in Figure 1, calculation formulas in Clause 9, precision statements in Table 2, and the required test-report items in Clause 13.

It also gives the practical workflow for calibration, vaporization of liquid propylene, sample analysis and result reporting. For testing, quality control and audit work, the document is therefore both a setup guide and a reporting guide.

International
Standard
Second edition
Ethylene and propylene for
industrial use — Determination
of trace oxygenates — Gas
chromatographic method
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagents and materials . 1
5.1 Methanol .1
5.2 Dimethyl ether .1
5.3 Methyl tert-butyl ether .2
5.4 Acetaldehyde .2
5.5 Ethanol .2
5.6 Propan-2-ol .2
5.7 Acetone .2
5.8 Butanone .2
5.9 Carrier gas .2
5.10 Auxiliary gas .2
5.11 Gas standard .2
6 Apparatus . 2
6.1 Gas chromatograph .2
6.2 Column .3
6.3 Recorder .4
6.4 Injection device .4
6.5 Vaporization device .4
7 Sampling . 4
8 Procedure . 5
8.1 Preparation of apparatus .5
8.2 Calibration .5
8.3 Vaporization of liquid propylene .5
8.4 Sample analysis . .5
9 Calculation . 5
10 Reporting . 6
11 Precision . 6
11.1 Repeatability .6
11.2 Reproducibility .6
12 Quality assurance . 6
13 Test report . 6
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 47, Chemistry.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 8174:1986), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— title revised;
— Scope expanded to be applicable for the determination of methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl
ether, acetaldehyde, ethanol, propan-2-ol, acetone, and butanone and the determination of acetonitrile
has been deleted. The test method has been improved to be suitable for ethylene and propylene with
oxygenate concentrations greater than 0,5 mL/m ;
— in Clause 4, the method principle regarding the analysis procedure has been revised;
— in Clause 5, the preparation of gas standard for calibration has been revised;
— in Clause 6, chromatographic columns have been modified from packed colu
...

ISO/DISPRF 8174:2026(en)
ISO /TC 47/ WG 2
Secretariat: JISC
Date: 2026-06-1608-11
Ethylene and propylene for industrial use - — Determination of trace
oxygenates -— Gas chromatographic method
PROOF
ISO/DIS PRF 8174: 20252026(en)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
EmailE-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO/DIS 8174 2026 – All rights reserved
ii
ISO/DISPRF 8174:2026(en)
Contents
Foreword . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagents and materials . 1
5.1 Methanol . 1
5.2 Dimethyl ether . 1
5.3 Methyl tert-butyl ether . 2
5.4 Acetaldehyde . 2
5.5 Ethanol . 2
5.6 Propan-2-ol . 2
5.7 Acetone . 2
5.8 Butanone . 2
5.9 Carrier gas . 2
5.10 Auxiliary gas . 2
5.11 Gas standard . 2
6 Apparatus . 2
6.1 Gas chromatograph . 2
6.2 Column . 2
6.3 Recorder . 5
6.4 Injection device . 5
6.5 Vaporization device . 5
7 Sampling . 5
8 Procedure . 5
8.1 Preparation of apparatus . 5
8.2 Calibration . 5
8.3 Vaporization of liquid propylene . 5
8.4 Sample analysis . 5
9 Calculation . 5
10 Reporting . 6
11 Precision . 6
11.1 Repeatability . 6
11.2 Reproducibility . 6
12 Quality assurance . 7
13 Test report . 7

Foreword . iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
iii
ISO/DIS PRF 8174: 20252026(en)
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagents and materials . 1
6 Apparatus . 2
7 Sampling . 4
8 Preparation of apparatus . 4
9 Calibration . 4
10 Procedure . 4
11 Calculation . 4
12 Reporting . 5
13 Precision . 5
14 Quality assurance . 5
15 Test report . 5
iv © ISO/DIS 8174 2026 – All rights reserved
iv
ISO/DISPRF 8174:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directiveswww.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents.www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.htmlwww.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 47, Chemistry.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 8174:1986), which has been technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— — title revised;
— — Scope has been expanded to be applicable for the determination of methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl
tert-butyl ether, acetaldehyde, ethanol, propan-2-ol, acetone, and butanone and the determination of
acetonitrile has been deleted. The test method has been improved to be suitable for ethylene and
propylene with oxygenate concentrations greater than 0,5 mL/m ;
— — in Clause 4,4, the method principle regarding the analysis procedure has be
...