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D6293-98 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Application
This standard defines a method for quantifying oxygenates, paraffins, olefins, naphthenes, and aromatics (O-PONA) in low-olefin spark-ignition engine fuels using multidimensional gas chromatography. The lower detection limit for a single hydrocarbon component is 0.05 mass %. The method is validated for total olefins between 0.05 and 13 mass %, with specific limits for C4 (0.6%) and C5 (4.0%) olefins. Benzene can be quantified in a range from 0.3 to 5.0 mass %.
⚠️ Oxygenate Limitations: Precision data was obtained solely on samples containing MTBE. Other oxygenates require verification by the user. Methanol must be determined by complementary methods such as ASTM D4815 or D5599, although it is fully resolved in the system and does not interfere with the analysis.
⚙️ Test Method and Hydrocarbon Typing
The procedure employs a multi-column switching system to separate the sample into distinct hydrocarbon groups. Olefins are selectively hydrogenated before the final separation. Hydrocarbon types are reported by carbon number through C10, except for olefins (through C9). Higher boiling components are grouped as a composite.