ASTM D6159-23 PDF
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St ASTM D6159-23
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Ст ASTM D6159-23
Original standard ASTM D6159-23 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
Standard Test Method for Determination of Hydrocarbon Impurities in Ethylene by Gas Chromatography — a procedure that specifies chromatographic conditions, reporting units, and target hydrocarbon analytes for measuring trace hydrocarbons in high‑purity ethylene gas samples.
Abstract
This test method covers the determination of a defined set of hydrocarbon impurities (for example: methane, ethane, propane, propene, acetylene, iso‑butane, propadiene, butanes and butenes, methyl acetylene and 1,3‑butadiene) in high‑purity ethylene by gas chromatography and reports results in ppmV and ppmMol. The method indicates limitations (it does not determine non‑hydrocarbon impurities such as CO, CO2, H2O, and certain higher hydrocarbons) and provides guidance on calculating ethylene purity by subtraction.
General information
- Status: Active standard (current edition published).
- Publication date: May 1, 2023.
- Publisher: ASTM International.
- ICS / categories: 71.040.50 — Physicochemical methods of analysis (gas analysis / chromatographic methods).
- Edition / version: Designation ASTM D6159‑23 (2023 revision; replaces ASTM D6159‑17).
- Number of pages: 6 pages.
Scope
This standard defines a gas‑chromatographic test method for measuring specified hydrocarbon impurities at trace levels in high‑purity ethylene. It lists the hydrocarbons to be determined, specifies reporting as parts per million by volume (ppmV) and by mole (ppmMol), and notes that the method does not address non‑hydrocarbon contaminants (for example CO, CO2, H2O, nitrogen oxides, carbonyl sulfide) or heavier hydrocarbons beyond those included. The standard is intended for laboratories performing quality control and specification testing on ethylene feedstock and product streams.
Key topics and requirements
- Target analytes: methane, ethane, propane, propene, acetylene, iso‑butane, propadiene, butane isomers and butene isomers (including trans‑2‑butene, cis‑2‑butene, 1‑butene), isobutene, methyl acetylene, and 1,3‑butadiene.
- Analytical technique: gas chromatography with appropriate column(s) and detectors capable of quantifying low‑ppm concentrations.
- Units and reporting: results reported in ppmV and ppmMol; ethylene purity calculated by subtracting total measured impurities from 100.00%.
- Precision/background: method evaluated in an interlaboratory study across a specified concentration range to establish precision; users should follow stated precision and bias guidance.
- Limitations: does not detect all possible impurities (e.g., permanent gases, water, certain sulfur or oxygen compounds); additional methods may be required for full characterization.
Typical use and users
Primary users are petrochemical and polymer producers, gas processing and QC laboratories, contract testing services, and instrument vendors who develop validated GC methods and turnkey analysis solutions for monomer purity. Typical uses include routine quality control of ethylene feedstock, release testing for polymerization feedstocks, troubleshooting contaminant issues, and verifying vendor gas‑specifications.
Related standards
Frequently cited companion and related methods include other ASTM/UOP standards for monomer and gas‑phase impurity analysis (examples: ASTM D2504, D2505, D2163, D2712, D5303 and similar monomer impurity methods); the 2023 edition revises and replaces ASTM D6159‑17. Users often apply complementary methods to measure non‑hydrocarbon impurities (water, CO/CO2, sulfur species) not covered by D6159‑23.
Keywords
ethylene; hydrocarbon impurities; gas chromatography; ppmV; ppmMol; ethylene purity; GC method; petrochemical QC.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM D6159‑23 is a gas‑chromatographic test method that specifies how to determine a defined set of hydrocarbon impurities in high‑purity ethylene and how to report results (ppmV/ppmMol).
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers the identification and quantitation of selected light hydrocarbon impurities (methane through C4 isomers, propadiene, methyl acetylene, 1,3‑butadiene, etc.) in ethylene using GC, including reporting conventions and method limitations; it does not address all non‑hydrocarbon contaminants or higher hydrocarbons.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Petrochemical manufacturers, polymer producers, gas analysis and QC laboratories, and suppliers of analytical services or GC instrumentation for monomer analysis.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: As of its publication date (May 1, 2023) this is the current ASTM edition (D6159‑23) and it revises/supersedes the prior designation ASTM D6159‑17. Users should confirm there are no later amendments or revisions before relying on the text for regulatory or contractual requirements.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It belongs functionally to the family of ASTM and industry methods for monomer and gas impurity analysis; users commonly apply it alongside other ASTM/UOP methods for comprehensive characterization of monomer streams.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Ethylene, hydrocarbon impurities, gas chromatography, ppmV, ppmMol, purity, petrochemical QC.