ASTM D3703

ASTM D3703 – Standard Test Method for Hydroperoxide Number of Aviation Turbine Fuels, Gasoline and Diesel Fuels

Description:

Significance and Use

5.1 The magnitude of the hydroperoxide number is an indication of the quantity of oxidizing constituents present. Deterioration of the fuels results in the formation of hydroperoxides and other oxygen-carrying compounds. The hydroperoxide number measures those compounds that will oxidize potassium iodide.

5.2 The determination of the hydroperoxide number of aviation turbine fuels, gasoline and diesel is significant because of the adverse effect of hydroperoxide upon certain elastomers in the fuel systems.

5.3 The determination of hydroperoxide number of gasoline is significant because hydroperoxides have been demonstrated to decrease both Research and Motor Octane Numbers. In addition, hydroperoxides have adverse effects on certain fuel system components.

5.4 The determination of hydroperoxide number of diesel fuel is significant because hydroperoxides have been demonstrated to increase the Cetane Number. In addition, hydroperoxides have adverse effects on certain fuel system components.

Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the hydroperoxide content expressed as hydroperoxide number of aviation turbine, gasoline and diesel fuels.

1.2 The range of hydroperoxide number included in the precision statement is 0 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg active oxygen as hydroperoxide.

1.3 The interlaboratory study to establish the precision of this test method consisted of spark-ignition engine fuels (regular, premium and California Cleaner-Burning gasoline), aviation gasoline, jet fuel, ultra low sulfur diesel, and biodiesel. However, biodiesel was not included in the precision calculation because of the large differences in results within labs and between labs.

1.4 This test method detects hydroperoxides such as t-butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide. It does not detect sterically-hindered hydroperoxides such as dicumyl and di-t-butyl hydroperoxides.

1.5 Di-alkyl hydroperoxides added commercially to diesel fuels are not detected by this test method.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.