1.1Â This test method covers the determination of the purity of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by gas chromatography. It also provides a procedure to measure impurities in MTBE such as C4 to C12 olefins, methyl, isopropyl and tert-butyl alcohols, methyl sec-butyl and methyl tert-amyl ethers, acetone, and methyl ethyl ketone. Impurities are determined to a minimum concentration of 0.02 mass %.
1.3Â Water cannot be determined by this test method and must be measured by a procedure such as Test Method D1364 and the result used to normalize the chromatographic values.
1.4Â A majority of the impurities in MTBE is resolved by the test method, however, some co-elution is encountered.
1.5 This test method is inappropriate for impurities that boil at temperatures higher than 180°C or for impurities that cause poor or no response in a flame ionization detector, such as water.
5.1Â The presence of impurities in MTBE product can have a deleterious effect upon the value of MTBE as a gasoline additive. Oxygenate and olefin contents are of primary concern. This test method provides a knowledge of the composition of MTBE product. This is useful in the evaluation of process operations control, in the valuation of the product, and for regulatory purposes.
| SDO | ASTM: ASTM International |
| Document Number | D5441 |
| Publication Date | May 1, 2013 |
| Language | en - English |
| Page Count | 7 |
| Revision Level | 98(2013) |
| Supercedes | |
| Committee | D02.04.0L |