1.1 This test method covers the determination of thiophene in refined benzene in the range from 0.80 to 1.80 mg/kg for the Flame Photometric Detector (FPD), and from 0.14 to 2.61 mg/kg for the Pulsed Flame Photometric Detector (PFPD). For the PFPD, the minimum level of quantitation (LOQ) is 0.14 mg/kg and the minimum level of detection (LOD) is 0.04 mg/kg, as described in ASTM Research Report RR:D16-1038.2 The range of the test method may be extended by modifying the sample injection volume, split ratios, calibration range, or sample dilution with thiophene-free solvent.

1.2 This test method has been found applicable to benzene characteristic of the type described in Specifications D2359 and D4734 and may be applicable to other types or grades of benzene only after the user has demonstrated that the procedure can completely resolve thiophene from the other organic contaminants contained in the sample.

1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this test method: for purposes of determining conformance to applicable specification using this test method, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.