Designation: D3227 − 13

Designation: 342/00

Standard Test Method for

(Thiol Mercaptan) Sulfur in Gasoline, Kerosine, Aviation
Turbine, and Distillate Fuels (Potentiometric Method)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3227; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and

1.1 This test method covers the determination of mercaptan Petroleum Products
sulfur in gasolines, kerosines, aviation turbine fuels, and D6299 Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance
distillate fuels containing from 0.0003 to 0.01 mass % of and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical
mercaptan sulfur. Organic sulfur compounds such as sulfides, Measurement System Performance
disulfides, and thiophene, do not interfere. Elemental sulfur in
3. Summary of Test Method
amounts less than 0.0005 mass % does not interfere. Hydrogen
sulfide will interfere if not removed, as described in 9.2. 3.1 The hydrogen sulfide-free sample is dissolved in an
alcoholic sodium acetate titration solvent and titrated potentio-
1.2 The values in acceptable SI units are to be regarded as
metrically with silver nitrate solution, using as an indicator the
the standard. The values in parentheses are for information
potential between a glass reference electrode and a silver/
only.
silver-sulfide indicating electrode. Under these conditions, the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the mercaptan sulfur is precipitated as silver mercaptide and the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the end point of the titration is shown by a large change in cell
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- potential.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific 4. Significance and Use
warning statements, see Sections 6, 8, 9, and Appendix X1. 4.1 Mercaptan sulfur has an objectionable odor, an adverse
effect on fuel system elastomers, and is corrosive to fuel
2. Referenced Documents
system components.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water 5. Apparatus
D1250 Guide for Use of the Petroleum Measurement Tables 5.1 As described in 5.2 – 5.5; alternatively, any automatic
D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API titration system may be used that, using the same electrode pair
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Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod- described in 5.3, is capable of performing the titration as
ucts by Hydrometer Method described in Section 9 and selecting the endpoint specified in
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API 11.1 with a precision that meets or is better than that given in
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter Section 14.
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
Petroleum Products 5.2 Meter—An electronic voltmeter, operating on an input
of less than 9 × 10− 12 A and having a sensitivity of 62 mV
over a range of at least 61 V. The meter shall be electrostati-
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on cally shielded, and the shield shall be connected to the ground.3
Petroleum Products and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.03 on Elemental Analysis. 5.3 Cell System, consisting of a reference and indicating
Current edition approved June 15, 2013. Published August 2013. Originally electrode. The reference electrode should be a sturdy, pencil-
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D3227 – 04A (2010). type glass electrode, having a shielded lead connected to
DOI: 10.1520/D3227-13.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ground. The indicating electrode shall be made from a silver
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
3
the ASTM website. Any apparatus that will give equal or better precision is acceptable.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 D3227 − 13
wire, 2 mm (0.08 in.) in diameter or larger, mounted in an NOTE 1—It is important to pass the propan-2-ol through a column of
insulated support. Silver billet electrodes can also be used. activated alumina to remove peroxides that may have formed on storage;
failure to remove peroxides will lead to low results. It is not necessary to
5.4 Buret, 10-mL capacity, graduated in 0.05-mL intervals, perform this step if the alcohol is tested and found free of peroxides.
with a tip that extends approximately 120 mm (5 in.) below the 6.6.1 Standardization—Add six drops of concentrated
stopcock. HNO3 (relative density 1.42) (Warning—Poison. Causes
5.5 Titration Stand, preferably built as an integral part of the severe burns. Harmful or fatal if swallowed or inhaled) to 100
meter housing and provided with supports for the electrodes mL of water in an appropriately sized beaker (for example, a
and electrical stirrer, all connected to ground. No permanent 200-, 250-, or 300-mL size beaker is typically large enough).

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change in meter reading should be noticeable upon connecting Remove oxides of nitrogen by boiling for 5 min. Cool to
or disconnecting the stirring motor. ambient temperature. Pipet 5 mL of 0.1 mol/L KI solution into
the beaker and titrate with the AgNO3 solution choosing the
6. Reagents and Materials end point at the inflection of the titration curve.
6.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be 6.7 Silver Nitrate, Standard Alcoholic Solution (0.010 mol/
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that L)—Prepare daily when the test is being performed by dilution
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit- of the 0.1 N standard. Pipet 100 mL of the 0.1 mol/L standard
tee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, into a 1-L volumetric flask and dilute to volume with propan-
where such specifications are available.4 Other grades may be 2-ol. Calculate the exact molarity.
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the 6.8 Sodium Sulfide Solution (10 g/L)—Dissolve 10 g of
accuracy of the determination. Na2S in water and dilute to 1 L with water. Prepare fresh as
6.1.1 Commercially available solutions may be used in needed.
place of prepared laboratory solutions, when they are certified NOTE 2—Anhydrous sodium sulfide is not widely available, and is
to meet the required concentrations. expensive. An aqueous solution of hydrated sodium sulfide (Na2S·9H2O)
6.1.2 Alternate volumes of solutions and solvents may be at 30.6 g/L is satisfactory.
prepared, when an equivalent concentration is maintained. 6.9 Sulfuric Acid, dilute. Cautiously dilute five volumes of
6.2 Water—Reagent grade, Type I, Specification D1193. water with one volume of sulfuric acid (relative density 1.84).
(Warning—Adding the acid will generate heat: mix well. If
6.3 Cadmium Sulfate, Acid Solution (150 g/L)—Dissolve
water begins to boil, cool before adding more acid.) Note that
150 g of cadmium sulfate (3CdSO4·8H2O) in water.
only limited volumes are required because only 10 mL are
(Warning—Poison. May be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. A
needed for each litre of cadmium sulfate solution.
known carcinogen (animal positive).) Add 10 mL of dilute
H2SO4 (Warning—Poison. Causes severe burns. Harmful or 6.10 Titration Solvent—Low molecular weight mercaptans,
fatal if swallowed or inhaled) and dilute to 1 L with water. as usually found in gasoline, are readily lost from the titration
6.4 Potassium Iodide, Standard Solution (approximately 0.1 solution if an acidic titration solvent is used. For the determi-
mol/L)—Dissolve 17 g of KI (weigh to 0.01 g) in 100 mL of nation of the higher molecular weight mercaptan as normally
water in a 1-L volumetric flask and dilute to 1 L. Calculate the encountered in kerosines, aviation turbine fuels, and distillate
exact molarity. fuels, the acidic titration solvent is used to achieve more rapid
equilibrium between successive additions of the titrant.
6.5 Propan-2-ol—( Warning—Flammable. Warning— 6.10.1 Alkaline Titration Solvent—Dissolve 2.7 g of sodium
Unless inhibited against it, peroxides can form in propan-2-ol acetate trihydrate (NaC2H3O2·3H2O) or 1.6 g of anhydrous
when stored in the same container that is exposed to air. When sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2) in 25 mL of water free of
this happens and the propan-2-ol evaporates to dryness, an dissolved oxygen and pour into 975 mL of propan-2-ol (99 %)
explosion can occur. When peroxides are suspected, they may (Note 1). When necessary, remove dissolved oxygen by purg-
be removed by percolation through an activated alumina ing the solution with a rapid stream of nitrogen for 10 min each
column.) day prior to use; keep protected from the atmosphere. To
6.6 Silver Nitrate, Standard Alcoholic Solution (0.1 mol/ minimize oxygen from dissolving in the solution during
L)—Dissolve 17 g of AgNO3 in 100 mL of water in a 1-L storage, an option exists to nitrogen blanket the solution prior
volumetric flask and dilute to 1 L with propan-2-ol (99 %) (see to sealing the solvent container.
Note 1). Store in a dark bottle and standardize at intervals 6.10.2 Acidic Titration Solvent—Dissolve 2.7 g of
frequent enough to detect a change of 0.0005 or greater in NaC2H3O2·3H2O or 1.6 g of NaC2H3O2 in 20 mL of water free
molarity. of dissolved oxygen and pour into 975 mL of propan-2-ol
(99 %) (Note 1) and add 4.6 mL of glacial acetic acid. When
necessary, remove dissolved oxygen by purging the solution
4
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American with a rapid stream of nitrogen for 10 min each day prior to
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For Suggestions on the testing of reagents not use; keep protected from the atmosphere. To minimize oxygen
listed by the American Chemical Society, see Annual Standards for Laboratory
from dissolving in the solution during storage, an option exists
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, to nitrogen blanket the solution prior to sealing the solvent
MD. container.

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 D3227 − 13
6.11 Polishing Paper or Cloth, 6–20 µm average particle 9.2 Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide—Test the sample qualita-
size abrasive. tively for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by mixing 5 mL of the sample
with 5 mL of the acid CdSO4 solution. If no precipitate
7. Sampling appears, proceed with the analysis of the sample as described
7.1 Take the sample in accordance with Practice D4057 or in 9.3. If a yellow precipitate appears, remove the H2S in the
Practice D4177. following manner: Place a quantity of the sample, three to four
times that required for the analysis, in a separatory funnel
7.2 Methanethiol (methyl mercaptan) has a boiling point of
containing a volume of the acid CdSO4 solution equal to one
6.2°C and may be expected to be present in light untreated
half that of the sample and shake vigorously. Draw off and
gasolines. Therefore, when the presence of this low boiling
discard the aqueous phase containing the yellow precipitate.
thiol (mercaptan) is known or expected, specimen to be tested
Repeat the extraction with another portion of the CdSO4
shall be kept below 4°C to prevent the loss of mercaptan from
solution. Again draw off the aqueous phase, and wash the
such samples.
sample with three 25 to 30-mL portions of water, withdrawing
7.3 Light naphtha fractions of high thiol content the water after each washing. Filter the hydrocarbon through a
(>100 mg ⁄kg) boiling below 85°C have been shown to be very rapid paper. Test a small portion of the washed sample, such as
sensitive to the titration temperatures. in a test tube or vial, with a few millilitres of the CdSO4

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NOTE 3—Samples with a thiol content above 0.010 mass % may be solution as described previously. If no further precipitate is
analyzed by an appropriate reduction in test portion mass, ensuring that formed, proceed as directed in 9.3. If a precipitate appears,
the minimum volume of titration solvent plus test portion exceeds repeat the extraction with the CdSO4 solution until all of the
120 mL. If additional titration solvent is used to maintain this requirement, H2S has been removed. (Warning—Certain straight run gaso-
a similar volume should be used for the blank titration. No precision has
been determined for thiol contents above 0.01 mass %. lines can contain significant amounts of both low molecular
weight mercaptans and dissolved elemental sulfur, which,
8. Preparation of Apparatus when heated under total reflux conditions, may produce H2S by
8.1 Glass Electrode—After each manual titration, or batch the inter-reaction of both. This phenomenon is particularly
of titrations, in the case of automatic titration systems, wipe the noticed in straight run gasolines produced from some natural
electrode with a soft, clean tissue and rinse with water. Clean gas condensates. Therefore, it is advisable that during the
the electrode at frequent intervals (at least once a week) by removal of H2S (and after all H2S has been extracted), that no
stirring in cold chromic acid solution ( Warning—Causes heat should be applied to the sample.)
severe burns. A recognized carcinogen. Strong oxidizer— 9.2.1 When the test results obtained are not for referee
contact with other material may cause fire. Hygroscopic. An purposes and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
equivalent, chromium-free cleaning solution may be used) for protocol permits, an alternative test for, and a procedure for the
a few seconds (10 s maximum). When not in use, keep lower removal of, hydrogen sulfide can be used. This process uses
half of the electrode immersed in water. lead acetate paper and sodium hydrogen carbonate and is
described in Appendix X1.
8.2 Silver/Silver-Sulfide Electrode—Each day prior to use,
9.2.2 There are available automated instruments that elimi-
or as triggered by the analysis of a quality control (QC) sample
nate the necessity to remove H2S when present, prior to
(see Section 12), prepare a fresh silver sulfide coating on the
performing the analysis, since the H2S titration curve does not
electrode by the following method:
interfere with the titration curve of the thiol or mercaptan
8.2.1 Burnish electrode with polishing paper or cloth until a
determination. Such equipment may be used when the test is
clean, polished silver surface shows.
not for referee purposes. The precision statement does not
8.2.2 Place electrode in operating position and immerse it in
include data obtained from this alternate procedure.
100 mL of titration solvent containing 8 mL of Na2S solution.
8.2.3 Add slowly from a buret, with stirring, 10 mL of 0.1 9.2.3 For referee purposes, the protocol, as detailed in 9.2,
mol/L AgNO3 solution over a period from 10 to 15 min. shall be used. A possible non-referee situation may be the
8.2.4 Remove electrode from solution, wash with water, and instance of routine refinery control.
wipe with a soft, clean tissue. 9.3 Measure with a pipet (or other suitable transfer device)
8.2.5 Between manual titrations, or batches of titrations in or weigh 20 to 50 mL of the original or treated sample into an
the case of automatic titration systems, store the electrode a appropriately sized beaker (for example, a 200, 250, or 300 mL
minimum of 5 min in 100 mL of titration solvent containing 0.5 size beaker is typically large enough) containing 100 mL of the
mL of the 0.1 mol/L AgNO3 solution. appropriate titration solvent. Place the beaker on the titration
stand or on the auto-sampler of an automatic titration system.
9. Procedure If an automatic titration system is used, set up the system to
9.1 Determination of Density—If the sample is to be mea- reproduce the experimental conditions specified in 9.3.1 –
sured volumetrically, determine the density by Test Method 9.3.3. Adjust the position of the titration stand so that the
D1298 or Test Method D4052 at the temperature at which the electrodes are about half immersed. Fill the buret with 0.01
test portion will be taken, either directly or from the density mol/L alcoholic AgNO3 solution and position it in the titration
determined at a reference temperature and converted to the assembly so that the tip extends approximately 25 mm (1 in.)
transfer temperature by use of the Petroleum Measurement below the surface of the liquid in the beaker. Adjust the speed
Tables (Guide D1250). of the stirrer to give vigorous stirring without spattering.

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9.3.1 Record the initial buret and cell potential readings. where:
The usual meter readings for mercaptan presence are in A1 = millilitres of AgNO3 solution required to reach the
the −250 mV to −350 mV range. Add suitable small portions of end point in the vicinity of +300 mV (see Fig. 1),
0.01 mol/L AgNO3 solution and, after waiting until a constant when a sample is being titrated,
potential has been established, record the buret and meter A0 = mL of AgNO3 solution required to reach the end
readings. Consider the potential constant if it changes less than point in the vicinity of +300mV (see Fig. 1), when
6 mV/min. only the blank is titrated. (Note, there are no other
changes to the factors in the equation.)
NOTE 4—If potential readings obtained with freshly prepared electrodes d = density of sample at transfer temperature, g/mL,
are erratic, it is possible that the electrodes are not properly conditioned. D = dilution factor (if necessary, see Note 5),
This difficulty usually disappears in succeeding titrations. I = grams of diluent used,
NOTE 5—When analyzing samples with a relatively high mercaptan J = mL of diluent used,
concentration, the use of a 20 to 50 mL sample size can require an M = molarity of the AgNO3 solution,
unreasonably long titration time and a large quantity of the titrant. For W = grams of sample used,
such samples, a smaller sample size may be used or the original sample 3.206 = 100 × g meq weight S in mercaptan, and
may be diluted with a suitable solvent that is miscible with the sample and
V = mL of sample used.
free of mercaptans into the 20 to 50 mL sample size range prior to titrating
the sample. The precision of samples using <20 mL sample sizes or
samples that have been diluted have not been determined in an interlabo- 11. Interpretation of Results
ratory study.
11.1 Treatment of Data—Plot the cumulative volumes of
NOTE 6—With certain instruments, the algebraic sign of the potentials 0.01 M AgNO3 solution added against the corresponding cell
may appear reversed.
potentials. Select the end point at the inflection point of the
9.3.2 When the potential change is small for each increment steepest portion of each “break” in the titration curve as shown
of AgNO3 solution, add volumes as large as 0.5 mL. When the in Fig. 1. The shape of the titration curve may change with
change of potential becomes greater than 6 mV/0.1 mL, use different instruments. However, the above interpretation of the
0.05-mL increments of 0.01 mol/L AgNO3 solution. Near the end point should be followed.
end point of the titration, 5 or 10 min may elapse before a 11.1.1 Mercaptans Only—If mercaptans alone are present in
constant potential is obtained. Although it is important to wait the sample, the titration produces a curve of the first type
for equilibrium conditions, it is also important that the duration shown in Fig. 1, having an initial plateau at a potential equal to
of the titration be as short as possible to avoid oxidation of the or more negative than −250 mV, and an end point when a
sulfur compounds by atmospheric oxygen. Once started, a potential change of less than 6 mV/min is reached and the
titration must never be interrupted and resumed later. change in mV/min of titrant is reduced with each incremental
addition.
9.3.3 Continue the titration until the meter reading change
11.1.2 Mercaptans and Elemental Sulfur—When elemental
of the cell potential per 0.1 mL of 0.01 M AgNO3 solution has
sulfur and mercaptans are both present in the sample, a
become relatively constant. Consider the potential constant if it chemical interaction occurs which, in the titration solvent used,
changes less than 6 mV/min. Remove the titrated solution, precipitates silver sulfide (Ag2S) during the titration.
rinse the electrodes with alcohol, and wipe with a dry tissue. If 11.1.3 When mercaptans are present in excess, the end of
an automatic titration system is used, rinse the electrodes well the Ag2S precipitation occurs at about −550 to −350 mV, and is
with alcohol, allow the excess alcohol to drain off the electrode followed by the precipitation of the silver mercaptide to
and then proceed with the next sample. Between successive the +300-mV end point. This situation is shown in the middle
determinations (or batches of determinations in the case of curve of Fig. 1. Since all of the Ag2S originates from an
automatic titration systems) on the same day, store the elec- equivalent amount of mercaptan, the total titration to the
trodes in accordance with 8.1 and 8.2.5. mercaptide end point must be used to calculate the amount of
9.4 As often as is required and preferably, at least daily, mercaptan sulfur.
when the test equipment is being used, perform a blank 11.1.4 When elemental sulfur is present in excess, the end of
the Ag2S precipitation is taken in the same region ( +300 mV)
titration following 9.3 – 9.3.3 without adding a test sample.
as in the case of silver mercaptide, and is calculated as
mercaptan sulfur.
10. Calculation
11.1.5 When samples of light gasolines containing meth-
10.1 Calculate the mercaptan sulfur content of the sample as anethiol (methyl mercaptan) or heavier thiols (mercaptans)
follows: appear to give erratic results, it may be necessary to cool and
Mercaptan sulfur, mass % 5 ~ DM ~ A 1 2 A 0 ! 3 3.206! /W (1)
maintain the test apparatus below 4°C prior to proceeding, as
or detailed in 9.2 – 9.4 inclusive. For these samples, this step may
be necessary for more reproducible test results.
Mercaptan sulfur, mass % 5 ~ DM ~ A 1 2 A 0 ! 3 3.206! / ~ d 3 V !
(2) 12. Quality Assurance/Quality Control
D 5 ~ W1I ! /W (3) 12.1 Confirm the performance of the instrument and the test
D 5 ~ V1J ! /V (4) procedure by analyzing a control (QC) sample.
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FIG. 1 Illustrative Potentiometric Titration

12.1.1 When QA/QC protocols are already established in operation of the test method, exceed the following values only
the testing facility, these may be used when they confirm the in one case in twenty:
reliability of test result. Repeatability 0.00007 + 0.027x (see Note 7)
12.1.2 When there is no QA/QC protocol established in the
where:
testing facility, Appendix X2 may be used as the QA/QC
system. x = average mercaptan sulfur, mass %.
NOTE 7—This amount is shown graphically in Fig. 2.
12.2 Users of this test method are advised that in contractual
agreements, one or more of the contracting parties can and may 14.1.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single
make Appendix X2 a mandatory practice. and independent results obtained by different operators work-
ing in different laboratories on identical test material would, in
13. Report the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test
method, exceed the following values only in one case in
13.1 Report the result to the nearest 0.0001 % (m/m) or to
twenty:
the nearest 1 mg/kg.
Reproducibility 0.00031 + 0.042x (see Note 7)
14. Precision and Bias where:
14.1 Precision—The precision of this test method as deter- x = average mercaptan sulfur, mass %.
mined by statistical examination of interlaboratory results is as
follows: 14.2 Bias—The bias for the procedure in this test method
14.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between two succes- has not been determined.
sive test results, obtained by the same operator with the same
apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test 15. Keywords
material, would in the long run, in the normal and correct 15.1 mercaptan; potentiometric; sulfur

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FIG. 2 Precision Curve for Mercaptan Sulfur in Gasolines, Kerosines, Aviation Turbine, and Distillate Fuels

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR THE REMOVAL OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE

X1.1. Scope until the sample indicates the absence of hydrogen sulfide in
X1.1.1 This test method provides an alternative to using a accordance with the lead acetate test.
cadmium sulfate acid solution. (Warning—Poison. May be X1.3. Reagents and Materials
fatal if swallowed or inhaled. A known carcinogen (animal
positive).) (Warning—Poison. Causes severe burns. Harmful X1.3.1 Purity of Reagents—All reagents shall conform to
or fatal if swallowed or inhaled.) the details specified in 6.1 of the main procedure.
X1.1.2 This test method uses lead acetate test paper X1.3.2 Commercially prepared solutions and test paper may
(Warning—Poison, health hazard, may be toxic by ingestion, be used when it is certain they will conform to the specifica-
inhalation, or absorption through the skin) to test for the tions detailed in 6.1 of the main procedure.
presence of hydrogen sulfide and sodium hydrogen carbonate X1.3.3 Lead Acetate, Aqueous Solution—Prepare a 5 %
for the removal of hydrogen sulfide. (m/m) solution of lead acetate [(CH3COO)2Pb.3H2O] in water.
X1.1.3 This test method shall not be used when the sample X1.3.4 Lead Acetate, Test Paper—Soak to saturation test
is a referee sample or when QA/QC protocols specify the test strips of filter paper in the lead acetate solution and allow to
method as written. Instances in which they can be used may be dry. (Warning —Since these papers react with hydrogen
instances of routine refinery control samples. sulfide, it is necessary to dry and store them in a hydrogen
sulfide free atmosphere.)
X1.2. Summary of Test Method X1.3.5 Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Aqueous Solution—
X1.2.1 Hydrogen sulfide is detected by saturating strips of Prepare this solution by dissolving 50 6 1 g of sodium
filter paper with lead acetate and drying them prior to use. hydrogen carbonate (Na2HCO3) in water; dilute to 1 L in a
When properly prepared and used, they will turn from a white volumetric flask.
color to a darker color due to the precipitation of lead sulfide X1.3.6 Test Paper—Any standard laboratory filter paper,
by hydrogen sulfide. capable of absorbing the lead acetate solution may be used.
X1.2.2 The hydrogen sulfide is removed by repeated wash- (Warning—Any paper containing active sulfides will interfere
ings with an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate with the test.)
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X1.4. Procedure, Testing and Removal of Hydrogen X1.4.2.3 Allow the two phases to settle, and when settled,
Sulfide draw off and discard the aqueous phase.
X1.4.1 Test a small portion of the sample by inserting a X1.4.2.4 Test the hydrocarbon phase again with fresh lead
small strip of lead acetate test paper into it. When the test paper acetate paper.
is discolored by turning to a brown or black, the presence of X1.4.2.5 Continue with the washing process until the
hydrogen sulfide is indicated. washed sample tests negative to the presence of hydrogen
X1.4.2 When the presence of hydrogen sulfide is indicated, sulfide. (Warning—When elemental sulfur and mercaptans are
proceed as follows: both present, it is possible that upon reheating the washed
X1.4.2.1 Take a portion of the sample that is 3 to 4 times the sample, more hydrogen sulfide will form. Because the forma-
volume required for the actual test and pour it into a separatory tion of more hydrogen sulfide (after washing) will affect the
funnel. test result, do not reheat the washed portion of the sample.)
X1.4.2.2 Add a volume of sodium hydrogen carbonate
X1.4.2.6 When the test portion is free of all hydrogen
equal to about half the volume of the test portion and shake
sulfide, the determination of the thiol (mercaptan) content may
thoroughly. (Warning—When the sample is volatile, release
proceed.
any pressure developed by the shaking, cautiously.)

X2. GENERIC QUALITY CONTROL STATEMENT FOR D02 TEST METHODS

X2.1 Confirm the performance of the instrument and the test criticality of the quality being measured, the demonstrated
procedure by analyzing a QC sample. stability of the testing process, and customer requirements.
Generally, a QC sample should be analyzed on each day of
X2.2 Prior to monitoring the measurement process, the user testing routine samples. The QC frequency should be increased
of the method needs to determine the average value and control when a large number of samples are routinely analyzed.
limits of the QC sample (see Practice D6299 and MNL75). However, when it is demonstrated that the testing is under
X2.3 Record the QC results and analyze by control charts or statistical control, the QC testing frequency may be reduced.
other statistically equivalent techniques to ascertain the statis- The QC sample precision should be periodically checked
tical control status of the total testing process (see Practice against the ASTM method precision to ensure data quality.
D6299 and MNL75). Any out-of-control data should trigger
investigation for root cause(s). The results of this investigation X2.5 It is recommended that, when possible, the type of QC
may, but not necessarily, result in instrument recalibration. sample that is regularly tested be representative of the samples
routinely analyzed. An ample supply of QC sample material
X2.4 In the absence of explicit requirements given in the should be available for the intended period of use and must be
test method, the frequency of QC testing is dependent on the homogeneous and stable under the anticipated storage condi-
tions.
5
ASTM MNL7, Manual of Presentation of Data Control Chart Analysis, 6th ed.,
Section 3: Control Chart for Individuals, ASTM International, W. Conshohocken, X2.6 See Practice D6299 and MNL75 for further guidance
PA. on QC and Control Charting techniques.
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SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.03 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D3227 – 04a (2010)) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Note 2, subsection 7.3, and Note 3 in Reagents and

Materials and Sampling sections were added to keep consistent
with equivalent test method IP 342.

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 D3227 − 13
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No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/10/2015 11:35:27 MST