ASTM D7872-13 (2022) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determining the Concentration of Pipeline Drag Reducer Additive in Aviation Turbine Fuels (Designation: ASTM D7872‑13, published originally 2013; maintained/reapproved in subsequent years and listed as D7872‑13(2022)). The method describes a laboratory procedure to detect and quantify high molecular weight pipeline drag‑reducing polymer (DRA) contamination in aviation turbine (jet) fuels at low concentration levels.

Abstract

ASTM D7872‑13 specifies a test method to measure high molecular weight polymers, in particular pipeline drag reducer additives (DRA), in aviation turbine fuels. The procedure concentrates the fuel sample (rotary evaporation) and measures the polymer fraction by appropriate chromatographic/size‑exclusion detection (GPC/related detectors) to quantify DRA down to sub‑ppm levels (reporting limit and method detection characteristics are given in the standard). The method does not distinguish between polymer chemistries and will report any high molecular weight polymer present as a positive response.

General information

• Status: Active (Designation D7872‑13; maintained/reapproved and listed in ASTM records in 2022).
• Publication date: Originally approved June 15, 2013; maintained/reapproved in later years (registered as D7872‑13(2018) and listed with a 2022 maintenance entry).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee D02 — Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants; Subcommittee D02.J0.01 — Jet Fuel Specifications).
• ICS / categories: 75.160 — Fuels (Liquid fuels: 75.160.20).
• Edition / version: D7872‑13 (current reapproval/maintenance notation shown as D7872‑13(2022)).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

The test method covers measurement of high molecular weight polymers—specifically pipeline drag reducer additive (DRA)—in aviation turbine fuels with a method detection capability down to the low‑microgram per liter range (the standard specifies a lower detection limit on the order of 72 μg/L). The method is intended to confirm absence or presence of DRA contamination of jet fuel resulting from pipeline operations or cross‑contamination; it does not differentiate polymer types and other high molecular weight polymers will cause a positive bias and may require further investigation.

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement objective: quantify pipeline drag‑reducing polymer (DRA) in aviation turbine fuel to low μg/L levels (method lower detection limit ≈ 72 μg/L).
• Sample preparation: concentration of fuel samples (rotary evaporation) to isolate/retain high molecular weight polymer fraction.
• Analytical detection: size‑exclusion/GPC‑type detection or equivalent chromatographic means to detect and quantify polymer fraction after concentration.
• Interferences and specificity: method is not polymer‑specific—any high molecular weight polymer present will register; Stadis® 450 (low molecular weight conductivity improver) was evaluated and shown not to interfere in reported checks, but other polymers can bias results.
• Safety and handling notes: includes warnings on hazardous materials referenced in the method text (the document cautions about mercury and other laboratory hazards where applicable — users must follow SDS and local regulations).
• Sampling guidance and referenced practices: refers to ASTM sampling practices (for example ASTM D4057 and D4177) and literature (CRC Report No. 642) informing significance and use.
• Precision and validation: an interlaboratory research report (Round‑Robin) was conducted to establish precision statements for the method.

Typical use and users

Used by fuel quality and analytical laboratories, pipeline operators, fuel suppliers, airport fuel handling groups, forensic/contamination investigators and regulatory/oversight bodies to detect and quantify DRA contamination in jet fuel streams. Typical applications include batch‑verification after multiproduct pipeline transfers, contamination investigations, quality control of received aviation fuel and research/round‑robin studies supporting fuel safety analyses.

Related standards

Commonly associated or cross‑referenced documents include ASTM D4057 (Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products), ASTM D4177 (Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products), relevant aviation turbine fuel specifications (such as ASTM D1655), and the CRC investigative report on pipeline drag reducers in aviation turbine fuels (CRC Report No. 642). An interlaboratory research report supporting precision for D7872 is published as RR:D02‑1763.

Keywords

D7872, drag reducer, DRA, aviation turbine fuel, jet fuel, pipeline contamination, rotary evaporation, GPC, size‑exclusion chromatography, detection limit, sampling, fuel quality.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D7872‑13 is a laboratory test method that defines how to detect and quantify pipeline drag‑reducing polymer additives (DRA) in aviation turbine (jet) fuels.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample concentration and analytical measurement of high molecular weight polymers in jet fuel, including a stated lower detection capability (around 72 μg/L). The method reports any high molecular weight polymer present but does not identify polymer chemistry.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fuel testing laboratories, pipeline and terminal operators, fuel suppliers, airports and regulatory or investigative organizations concerned with fuel contamination and fit‑for‑purpose verification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was originally approved in 2013 (D7872‑13) and has been maintained/reapproved in subsequent years; records list a 2018 reapproval and a 2022 maintenance entry (commonly cited as D7872‑13(2022)). Users should verify the current status with ASTM International for the authoritative document and any amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D7872 is a standalone test method within the ASTM D02 committee portfolio addressing petroleum products and jet fuel testing. It cross‑references general sampling practices (e.g., D4057, D4177) and sits alongside other jet fuel test methods and specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: DRA, drag reducer, jet fuel, aviation turbine fuel, rotary evaporation, GPC, detection limit, pipeline contamination, D7872.