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1.1 This test method covers the determination of residue in LPG by automated thermal desorption/gas chromatography (ATD/GC) using flame ionization detection (FID).

1.2 The quantitation of residue covers a component boiling point range from 69°C to 522°C, equivalent to the boiling points of C₆ through C₄₀ n-paraffins.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

5.1 Residue in LPG is a contaminant that can lead to operational problems in some end use applications. Engines, micro-turbines, fuel cells and other equipment may be sensitive to residue levels as low as 10 mg/kg.

5.2 Contamination of LPG can occur during production, transport, delivery, storage and use. A qualitative indication of the contaminants can help track down the source of the contamination from manufacture, through the distribution system, and to the end user.

5.3 This test method is designed to provide a lower detection limit, wider dynamic range, and better accuracy than gravimetric methods like Test Method D2158.

5.4 This test method can be performed with little or no discharge of LPG vapors, compared to Test Method D2158 which requires evaporation of 100 mL of sample per test.

5.5 Sampling for residue in LPG using sorbent tubes can be performed in the field, and the sorbent tubes sent to a laboratory for analysis. This saves significant costs in shipping (weight of tube is approximately 10 grams), and is much safer and easier than transporting LPG cylinders.

5.6 This test method determines total residues from C₆ to C₄₀, compared to a thermal gravimetric residue method such as Test Method D2158 which heat the residue to 38°C, resulting in a lower recovery due to loss of lighter residue components.

5.7 If there is a need to decrease the detection limit of residue or individual compounds of interest below 10 µg/g, the procedures in this test method can be modified to achieve 50 times enhanced detection limit, or 0.2 µg/g.