1.1 This test method is for on-line measurement of gas phase sulfur-containing compounds in gaseous fuels by gas chromatography (GC) and electrochemical (EC) detection. This test method is applicable to hydrogen sulfide, C1 to C4 mercaptans, sulfides, and tetrahydrothiophene (THT).

1.2 This test method describes a GC-EC method using capillary GC columns and a specific detector for natural gas and other gaseous fuels composed of mainly light (C4 and smaller) hydrocarbons. Alternative GC columns including packed columns, detector designs, and instrument parameters may be used, provided that chromatographic separation, quality control, and measurement objectives needed to comply with user or regulator needs, or both, are achieved.

1.3 This test method does not intend to identify and measure all individual sulfur species and is mainly employed for monitoring naturally occurring reduced sulfur compounds commonly found in natural gas and fuel gases or employed as an odorant in these gases.

1.4 This test method is typically employed in repetitive or continuous on-line monitoring of sulfur components in natural gas and fuel gases using a single sulfur calibration standard. Guidance for producing calibration curves specific to particular analytes or enhanced quality control procedures can be found in Test Methods D5504, D5623, D6228, D6968, ISO 19739, or GPA 2199.

1.5 The test method can be used for measuring sulfur compounds listed in Table 1 in air or other gaseous matrices, provided that compounds that can interfere with the GC separation and electrochemical detection are not present.

1.6 This test method is written as a companion to Practices D5287, D7165 and D7166.

1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.