Overview
ASTM D5471-23: Standard Specification for O-Xylene 980 defines the requirements for a high-purity grade of ortho-xylene known as O-Xylene 980. Issued by ASTM International, this standard provides essential quality characteristics and test procedures to ensure consistency and safety in both production and industrial applications. The specification details required purity levels, allowable impurities, appearance, color, and other critical properties for O-Xylene 980, facilitating reliable and safe handling throughout the supply chain.
Key Topics
ASTM D5471-23 addresses several key quality parameters for O-Xylene 980:
- Purity: Requires a minimum purity of 98.0% by weight, confirming the material’s suitability for high-purity applications.
- Impurities: Establishes maximum allowable concentrations for:
- Non-aromatic hydrocarbons (0.5%)
- p-xylene plus m-xylene (1.3%)
- C9 and heavier aromatics (0.8%)
- Cumene (0.5%)
- Bromine Index: Limits reactivity with a maximum bromine index of 100 mg/100 g.
- Appearance and Color: Specifies the product must be a clear liquid, free of sediment and haze, with a color not exceeding 10 on the platinum-cobalt (Pt-Co) scale.
- Distillation Range: Defines a controlled distillation range to ensure consistency and safety in downstream processing.
- Testing and Sampling: Outlines standardized test methods and practices for determining conformity, referencing ASTM methods for reliable and reproducible results.
Applications
O-Xylene 980 produced under ASTM D5471-23 finds use in a variety of industries due to its high purity and controlled properties:
- Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a feedstock in the production of phthalic anhydride, plasticizers, and resins.
- Solvent Applications: Used in formulation of paints, coatings, and adhesives where high-purity aromatics are required.
- Laboratory Standards: Provides a reliable reference material for analytical and quality control laboratories.
- Specialty Processes: Selected for industrial processes that demand low levels of impurities to prevent contamination or ensure product quality.
- Regulated Environments: Essential for industries where conformity to regulatory or international safety standards for aromatic hydrocarbons is necessary.
Related Standards
When implementing or referencing ASTM D5471-23, several related ASTM and regulatory documents may be required:
- ASTM D7504: Test Method for Trace Impurities in Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (important for purity and impurity limits)
- ASTM D850: Test Method for Distillation of Industrial Aromatic Hydrocarbons
- ASTM D1492 / D5776: Test Methods for Bromine Index of Aromatic Hydrocarbons
- ASTM D3437: Practice for Sampling and Handling Liquid Cyclic Products (for representative sampling)
- ASTM D5386 / D8005: Test Methods for Color Determination
- ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance
- ASTM E2680: Test Method for Visual Inspection of Liquid Appearance
- OSHA Regulations (29 CFR 1910.1000 and 1910.1200): For workplace safety and material handling requirements
Practical Value
Complying with ASTM D5471-23 for O-Xylene 980 ensures:
- Product quality and safety for sensitive industrial uses
- Compliance with global trade and regulatory requirements
- Minimized production issues due to contamination or off-spec material
- Confidence in supply chains relying on transparent and repeatable specifications
This standard is essential for manufacturers, chemical processors, quality assurance professionals, and regulatory bodies working with high-purity o-xylene in industrial and commercial applications.