ASTM D4806

ASTM D4806 – Standard Specification for Denatured Fuel Ethanol

Description:

Abstract

This specification covers nominally anhydrous denatured fuel ethanol intended for blending with unleaded or leaded gasolines for use as a spark-ignition automotive engine fuel. Denatured fuel ethanol shall conform to the specified performance requirements for the following: ethanol content, methanol, solvent-washed gum, water content, denaturant content, inorganic chloride content, copper content, acidity, pHe, sulfur content, sulfate content, appearance, and specific gravity. The only denaturants used for fuel ethanol shall be natural gasoline, gasoline components, or unleaded gasoline at the minimum concentration prescribed. Prohibited denaturants include methanol which does not meet the specified requirement, pyrroles, turpentine, ketones, and tars (high-molecular weight pyrolysis products of fossil or nonfossil vegetable matter). Sampling, containers, and sample handling techniques, and the test methods for determining conformance to the specified requirements are given.

Scope

1.1 This specification covers nominally anhydrous denatured fuel ethanol. This material is normally used as a blendstock in applications such as ASTM Specifications D4814, D5798, and D8076. The material may be also used as a fuel in engines and vehicles specifically equipped for its use. The significance of each of the properties in this specification is shown in Appendix X1.

1.2 Jurisdictions may vary in their regulatory requirements for the allowable or prohibited types of denaturants, chemical composition of the denaturant or concentration of denaturant needed to denature the ethanol. The user is advised to check with the national and regional regulatory agencies where the ethanol is denatured and used.

1.2.1 Specific regulatory requirements for denatured fuel ethanol and acceptable denaturants from various jurisdictions are given in Appendixes for information.

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

1.3.1 Exception—Values given in parentheses are provided for information only. Non-SI units are shown in the Appendix if they are in a direct quotation from government regulations. In most cases, U.S. federal regulations specify non-SI units.