ASTM D2232-23 PDF

Overview

ASTM D2232-23: Standard Test Method for Evaporating Residue of Naphthalene describes a precise laboratory procedure for determining the evaporation residue in naphthalene. This test method is designed for quality assessment and specification of naphthalene by quantifying nonvolatile impurities. Developed by ASTM International, it aligns with internationally recognized standardization principles and is applicable for both internal quality control and for meeting client or regulatory requirements.

Naphthalene, commonly derived from coal tar and petroleum processes, is widely used in industrial applications such as chemical synthesis and production of phthalic anhydride. High purity and low levels of residue are critical to its performance, making standardized testing essential.

Key Topics

• Purpose: Measures nonvolatile impurities remaining after evaporating a weighed sample of naphthalene.
• Applicability: Reliable for measuring residue content within the 0.3 to 1.5 wt % range.
• Method Summary:
  • A fixed quantity of solid naphthalene is weighed and heated in a tared (pre-weighed) dish for 3 hours at 105°C in a forced-draft oven.
  • After cooling, the remaining residue is precisely weighed.
• Quality Assurance:
  • Results are rounded according to ASTM E29 guidelines.
  • Laboratories must use appropriate quality control samples or statistical processes based on ASTM D6809 or other accepted practices.
  • Interlaboratory comparison is encouraged for performance validation.
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Users are responsible for adhering to safety, health, and environmental protocols.
  • Complies with OSHA regulations and local safety requirements.

Applications

ASTM D2232-23 is widely used in:

• Industrial Quality Control: Consistently verifying the nonvolatile residue in production batches of naphthalene for compliance with industry or customer specifications.
• Specification Setting: Determining acceptable impurity levels for naphthalene used in critical applications, such as in chemical manufacturing, dyes, and synthetic resins.
• Supplier and Customer Assurance: Allowing producers, buyers, and regulatory agencies to compare and assess product quality objectively.
• Research and Development: Supporting technical studies where the purity of naphthalene may influence chemical processes or application outcomes.

Proper implementation of this standard fosters transparency, product reliability, and trade efficiency in industries reliant on naphthalene.

Related Standards

ASTM D2232-23 references and is associated with several other ASTM standards to ensure methodological integrity and traceability:

• ASTM D3438: Practice for Sampling and Handling Naphthalene and Related By-Products
• ASTM D4790: Terminology for Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Chemicals
• ASTM D6809: Guide for Quality Control and Assurance Procedures for Aromatic Hydrocarbons
• ASTM E29: Practice for Use of Significant Digits in Test Data
• ASTM E145: Specification for Ovens Used in Laboratory Testing
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting Interlaboratory Studies of Test Methods

Other relevant regulatory frameworks include OSHA standards for safe handling of toxic and hazardous substances (29 CFR 1910.1000 and 1910.1200).

Keywords: naphthalene, evaporation residue, ASTM D2232-23, nonvolatile impurities, quality control, laboratory test method, aromatic hydrocarbons, industrial standards, chemical purity, ASTM.