ASTM D6228-19 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Sulfur Compounds in Natural Gas and Gaseous Fuels by Gas Chromatography and Flame Photometric Detection — ASTM D6228-19 is a laboratory test method that specifies a capillary gas‑chromatography procedure using a flame photometric detector (FPD) or pulsed FPD (PFPD) to determine individual volatile sulfur species and estimate total sulfur in gaseous fuels (including natural gas and LP gases).

Abstract

This test method provides a calibrated GC‑FPD/PFPD technique for measuring volatile sulfur compounds (including common odorants) in gaseous fuels over a wide detection range. It describes instrument configuration, calibration, reporting of individual species, and calculation of total sulfur from the sum of detected compounds; unknown peaks may be reported as monosulfur species for estimation purposes. The method is intended for laboratory analysis to support process control, safety (odorant verification), and product quality.

General information

• Status: Active standard.
• Publication date: Approved April 1, 2019; published in 2019 (designation D6228-19).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 71.040.50; 75.160.10.
• Edition / version: D6228-19 (current 2019 edition).
• Number of pages: 9 pages.

Scope

This method covers determination of individual volatile sulfur‑containing compounds in gaseous fuels by capillary gas chromatography with a flame photometric detector (FPD) or pulsed FPD (PFPD). The detection range is specified as approximately 20 to 20 000 picograms of sulfur (≈0.014 to 14 ppmv for a 1 mL sample, depending on conditions). The method is not intended to identify every possible sulfur species; total sulfur can be estimated by summing identified compounds and treating unknowns as monosulfur species when appropriate. Users are responsible for applying relevant safety and regulatory practices.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of capillary gas chromatography with an FPD or PFPD for sulfur-selective detection.
• Calibration and quantification of individual sulfur species and calculation of total sulfur from summed species.
• Detection range: ~20–20 000 pg sulfur (method sensitivity and equivalent ppmv depend on sample volume).
• Measurement of common odorants (typically added at ~1–4 ppmv) and other volatile sulfur compounds relevant to safety, corrosion, and catalyst poisoning.
• Guidance that unknown peaks may be treated as monosulfur species for total sulfur estimation; not all sulfur species are guaranteed to be identified.

Typical use and users

Analytical and process laboratories for natural gas producers, pipeline operators, gas processors, odorant suppliers, refineries, environmental testing laboratories, and regulatory agencies use this standard to verify sulfur species and total sulfur for safety, product quality, compliance, and process control. The method is also used in R&D and troubleshooting when sulfur contamination or odorant levels are a concern.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside D6228-19 include ASTM methods for other sulfur determinations and gas analysis (for example, D5504 — GC with chemiluminescence detection, D1945 for gas composition by GC, and other D03 series practices for sampling and online analysis). Committee D03 subcommittees maintain related methods and practices for sulfur and trace constituents in gaseous fuels.

Keywords

gas chromatography; flame photometric detector; pulsed FPD; sulfur compounds; volatile sulfur; natural gas; gaseous fuels; odorants; total sulfur; GC calibration.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6228-19 is a test method that specifies a capillary GC procedure using an FPD or PFPD to determine individual volatile sulfur compounds and estimate total sulfur in natural gas and other gaseous fuels.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers laboratory measurement of individual volatile sulfur species (including common odorants) by GC‑FPD/PFPD over a detection range of roughly 20–20 000 picograms of sulfur, and describes calibration, reporting, and calculation rules for total sulfur. It does not claim to identify every sulfur species present.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical labs serving gas producers, pipeline and distribution companies, odorant suppliers, refineries, environmental labs, and regulators use the method for safety verification, quality control, compliance testing, and process troubleshooting.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D6228-19 is the 2019 edition (designation D6228-19) and was approved in 2019; it supersedes earlier editions (for example D6228-10). The standard is listed as active under ASTM Committee D03 as of the current record. Users should check ASTM or the committee for any amendments or later revisions before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is maintained within ASTM Committee D03 (Gaseous Fuels) and Subcommittee D03.06 (GC methods for gaseous fuels). It is related to other D03 sulfur analysis methods and gas analysis practices (for example D5504, D1945, and other D03 series standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include gas chromatography, flame photometric detection, pulsed FPD, sulfur compounds, odorants, natural gas, total sulfur, and GC calibration.