ASTM D5273-23 PDF

Overview

ASTM D5273-23, titled Standard Guide for Analysis of Propylene Concentrates, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the composition and appropriate analytical strategies for propylene concentrates produced in North America. This guide covers major grades of propylene concentrates, the typical components encountered, and relevant test methods, drawing on both ASTM standards and other industry practices. It supports laboratories, producers, and stakeholders in selecting fit-for-purpose analysis methods while emphasizing that it is not intended to serve as a product specification.

The main focus of ASTM D5273-23 is to assist in identifying likely components of propylene concentrates, suggest possible analytical methods, and support the development of mutually agreeable specifications and analysis protocols among parties.

Key Topics

• Grades of Propylene Concentrates: The guide covers polymer, chemical, and refinery grades with varying propylene content above 50%.
• Component Identification: Provides an overview of likely components, including hydrocarbons (e.g., propane, ethylene, butanes), volatile compounds, sulfur species, nitrogen, chloride, oxygenates, and trace contaminants.
• Sampling Methods:
  • Emphasis on techniques that minimize loss of light components or concentration of heavier species.
  • Recommendations cover floating piston cylinders (as per D3700), conventional outaging, and vaporization methodologies.
  • Highlights the need for expert supervision and proper sample container selection, especially for reactive or polar analytes.
• Analytical Techniques:
  • Details both ASTM (e.g., D2163, D2712, D6729, D6667, D4629) and non-ASTM methods currently used in the industry.
  • Includes gas chromatography with various detectors, potentiometric titration (UOP 212), chemiluminescence, colorimetric and microcoulometric methods.
  • Points out adaptations and method variations employed by laboratories for specific analyte measurement.

Applications

ASTM D5273-23 is widely applicable in the following scenarios:

• Quality Control: Laboratories analyze propylene concentrates to verify the presence and concentration of key hydrocarbons, impurities, and trace substances, supporting process control and shipment acceptance.
• Specification Development: Although not a specification, the guide provides a reference for negotiating quality agreements and mutually acceptable test protocols between suppliers and purchasers.
• Method Selection: Process engineers and QA professionals use this guide to identify relevant test methods when establishing laboratory procedures for routine or investigative analysis of propylene concentrates.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assists organizations in adopting recognized analytical practices and supports adherence to internationally recognized standardization principles, aiding cross-border trade and regulatory acceptance.
• Technical Training: Serves as an educational resource for technical staff on the typical composition and analysis requirements for propylene products.

Related Standards

A selection of referenced and related ASTM and industry standards includes:

• ASTM D2163 - Hydrocarbons in Liquefied Petroleum Gases by Gas Chromatography
• ASTM D2712 - Determination of Hydrocarbon Impurities in High Purity Propylene by Gas Chromatography
• ASTM D3700 - Practice for Obtaining LPG Samples Using a Floating Piston Cylinder
• ASTM D6729 - Individual Components in Spark Ignition Engine Fuels by Capillary High Resolution GC
• ASTM D6667 - Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons by Ultraviolet Fluorescence
• ASTM D4629 - Trace Nitrogen in Liquid Hydrocarbons by Oxidative Combustion/Chemiluminescence
• ASTM D5454, D7423, and others addressing oxygenates, moisture analysis, and related parameters
• UOP 212 - Analysis of Sulfur Compounds by Potentiometric Titration
• UOP 603 - Trace Carbon Monoxide and Dioxide by Gas Chromatography

ASTM D5273-23 provides essential guidance for the analysis of propylene concentrates, improving consistency and reliability in industry-wide testing protocols for petrochemical raw materials.

Keywords: propylene concentrates, ASTM D5273-23, hydrocarbon analysis, petrochemical testing, propylene test methods, LPG analysis, oil and gas standards, gas chromatography, refinery product analysis