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D6368-06 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📋 Scope and Composition Requirements
This specification (ASTM D6368‑06, Reapproved 2023) establishes the requirements for stabilized normal‑propyl bromide (nPB) solvents used in vapor‑degreasing operations. It also provides a distinct specification for technical‑grade n‑propyl bromide. The standard explicitly requires that any blends or azeotropic mixtures intended for vapor degreasing be formulated exclusively from nPB that meets the technical‑grade specification detailed in Table 2 of the standard.
Important supporting guidance for the safe application of these solvents can be found in ASTM Guide D3844, Practice D4276, and the ASTM Manual on Vapor Degreasing (MNL22).
🚨 Critical Note on Metal Corrosion: Section 3.1 mandates that metal corrosion testing be conducted per ASTM D2251 at reflux temperature using aluminum alloy 1100. While not a mandatory requirement of the specification, end users are strongly urged to evaluate all metal alloys that will contact the solvent during intended storage and service.
🧪 Required Properties and Test Methods
Solvents covered by this standard must conform to the prescribed limits in Table 1 (for vapor‑degreasing solvents) and Table 2 (for technical‑grade nPB). The following ASTM test methods from Section 2 are mandated for verifying conformance.
| 📏 Property | ⚙️ Governing ASTM Standard |
|---|---|
| Distillation Range | D1078 |
| Color (Platinum‑Cobalt Scale) | D2108 |
| Nonvolatile Matter | D2109 |
| Specific Gravity / Density | D2111 |
| Metal Corrosion | D2251 (Al 1100, Reflux) |
| Total Acid Acceptance | D2942 |
| Acidity / Alkalinity | D2989 |
| Water Content | D3401 |
| Appearance of Admixtures | D3741 |
| Free Halogens | D4755 |
| 🎯 Grade Classification | 🟦 Applicable Specification Table | ⚡ Intended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Vapor‑Degreasing Solvent | Table 1 | Direct use or blending for vapor degreasing |
| Technical‑Grade nPB | Table 2 | Base raw material for blending into stabilized degreasing solvents |
✅ Essential Reference: The standard brings together these critical test methods to ensure stabilizer performance, purity, and safety of n‑PB based solvents. Always refer to the latest editions of these standards for precise procedural details.
📦 Packaging and Regulatory Compliance
Section 4 of the specification outlines strict packaging requirements. Industrial and commercial quantities must be packaged and labeled according to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) hazardous materials regulations as defined in 49 CFR 100 to 199. Furthermore, compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication standard found in 29 CFR 1910.1200 is mandatory.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What distinguishes vapor‑degreasing grade nPB from technical‑grade nPB?
Both must conform to separate property tables (Table 1 and Table 2 respectively) within the standard. Vapor‑degreasing grade is used directly or in blends for cleaning, while technical‑grade nPB serves as the base raw material for formulating these blends, requiring stabilization and further testing for degreasing service.
💡 Does the standard require testing for corrosion on all metals?
© 2026 TNLab — This article is a technical interpretation for reference only. The original standard as published by ASTM International takes precedence.