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Home , Liquefied petroleum gas

GPA Standard 2140-97

Liquefied Gas Specifications and Test Methods

Adopted as Recommended Procedures 1931 Revised 1940-1947-1948-1951-1955-1957-1959-1960-1962-1968 1970-1973-1975-1977-1980-1984-1986-1988-1990-1992-1996-1997 Reprinted 1998

Gas Processors Association 6526 East 60th Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Disclaimer ...... ii

Foreword ...... ii

GPA Specifications for Liquefied Petroleum Gases ...... 1

ASTM D-1265-92: Sampling Liquefied Petroleum Gases ...... 2

ASTM D-1267-95: Vapor of Liquefied Petroleum Gases ...... 5

ASTM D-1657-89: Density or Relative Density of Light by Pressure Hydrometer ...... 10

ASTM D-1837-94: Volatility of Liquefied Petroleum Gases ...... 14

ASTM D-1838-91: Copper Strip Corrosion by Liquefied Petroleum Gases ...... 17

ASTM D-2158-92: Residues in Liquefied Petroleum Gases ...... 20

ASTM D-2163-91: Analysis of Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases and Propylene Concentrates by Gas Chromatography ...... 24

ASTM D-2713-91: Dryness of ( Freeze Method) ...... 29

ASTM D-2784-92: in Liquefied Petroleum Gases (Oxyhydrogen Burner or Lamp) ...... 31

GPA 2174-93: Obtaining Liquid Samples Using a Floating Piston Cylinder ...... 37

Propane Dryness Test (Cobalt Bromide Method) ...... 50

Note: ASTM test methods included in this publication have been adopted by GPA, and are included through a right-to-reprint agreement with, and by special permission of, the American Society of Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa. DISCLAIMER GPA publications necessarily address problems of a general nature and may be used by anyone desiring to do so. Every effort has been made by GPA to assure accuracy and reliability of the information contained in its publications. With respect to particular circumstances, local, state, and federal laws and regulations should be reviewed. It is not the intent of GPA to assume the duties of employers, manufacturers, or suppliers to warn and properly train employees, or others exposed, concerning health and safety risks or precautions.

GPA makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with this publication and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state, or municipal regulation with which this publication may conflict, or for any infringement of letters of patent regarding apparatus, equipment, or method so covered. FOREWORD These specifications generally define physical properties and characteristics of liquefied petroleum gases (LP-Gas) which make them suitable for private, commercial, or industrial applications. These specifications do not purport to specifically define all possible requirements to meet all possible applications. Therefore the user is cautioned to exercise judgement in formulating final specifications for specific applications. The Gas Processors Association, its management, and supporting companies claim no specific knowledge of how manufacturers and users will produce, handle, store, transfer or consume the products defined herein and therefore, are not responsible for any claims, causes of action, liabilities, losses or expenses resulting from injury or death of persons and/or damage to property arising directly or indirectly from the use of LP-Gas or these specifications relating to LP-Gas. LP-gases are composed of hydrocarbon compounds, predominately propane and , produced during the processing of and also in the conventional processing of crude . The composition of LP-gases may vary depending on the source and the ratios of propane and butane content. They exist as gases at atmospheric pressure and ambient , but are readily liquefied under moderate for transportation and utilization There are many uses for LP-gases, the major ones being as (1) petrochemical, synthetic rubber, and motor feedstocks, and as (2) commercial, domestic and industrial . The following may be accepted as a general guide for the common uses for the four fuel types covered by these specifications: Commercial Propane is the preferred fuel type for domestic, commercial and industrial . It is also a suitable fuel for low severity internal combustion engines. Commercial Butane is used principally as feedstock for petrochemicals, synthetic rubber, and as blending stocks or feedstocks in the manufacture of motor . Its use as a fuel is generally limited to industrial applications where vaporization problems are not encountered; however, small quantifies are used as domestic fuel. Commercial Butane-Propane Mixtures cover a broad range of mixtures, which permits the tailoring of fuels or feedstocks to specific needs. Propane HD-5 is less variable in composition and combustion characteristics than other products covered by these specifications. It is also suitable as a fuel for internal combustion engines operating at moderate to high engine severity.

Additional Considerations Odorization For certain applications including, but not limited to, use of LP-gas for residential and commercial fuels, users of LP- gas should be aware of additional requirements of other standards, principally NFPA 58 "Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases"(1) and other regulations (2). NFPA 58 has been adopted widely by local, state and other regulatory bodies in the form of laws, ordinances, or regulations governing the safe storage, transportation, and use of LP-gas as fuels. Among other requirements, NFPA 58 (See. 1-4.1.1) stipulates that LP-gases "be odorized by the addition of a warning agent of such character that they are detectable, by a distinct odor, down to a concentration in air of not over one-fifth the lower limit of flammability". NFPA notes that "ethyl mercaptan in the ratio of 1.0 lb. per 10,000 gallon of liquid LP-Gas has been recognized as an effective odorant. Other odorants and quantities meeting the requirements of 1-4.1.1 may be used. Research on odorants has shown that thiophane in a ratio of at least 6.4 lbs. per 10,000 gallon of liquid LP-Gas may satisfy the requirements of 1-4.1.".

Ammonia

NFPA 58 also states that LP-gas stored or used in systems within the scope of this standard "shall not contain ammonia". Although ammonia is not a naturally occurring contaminant of LP-gas, certain industry practices, including the dual use of transportation or storage equipment, may inadvertently result in contamination of LP-gas by ammonia. When such a possibility exists, users should test for the presence Of ammonia in propane and take appropriate means to eliminate ammonia from the system, since such contamination may cause stress corrosion of copper bearing alloys in the distribution system.

ii Fluorides Certain refining processes can, during process upset or malfunction, result in contamination of LP-gas by fluoride compounds. Such contamination can be extremely destructive in the distribution and end user system. In addition, the combustion products of fluorides can cause physical damage to property and personal health. Similarly, fluorocarbons, such as certain , can contaminate gas through dual use of storage or tankage facilities. Such contamination is rare but, if the possibility exists, users of LP-gas should take extreme precautions to insure the absence of fluorides.

Sulfur Compounds Sulfur compounds such as elemental sulfur, sulfide, and carbonyl sulfide may be naturally occurring contaminates of natural gas from which LP-gas is derived. The Copper Strip Corrosion Test (ASTM D-1838) and the Total Sulfur Test (ASTM D-2784) assure limitation of objectionable sulfur compounds to prevent corrosion of equipment containing brass fittings and copper tubing. However this test method is not applicable to liquefied petroleum gases containing corrosion inhibitors or any other agents which diminish the corrosivity of the sample to the copper strip.

Methanol There is a possibility that a small amount of methanol may be present in LP-Gas. If methanol is present, ASTM D- 2713, "Standard Test Method for Dryness of Propane--Valve Freeze Method" is not applicable for determining the dryness of propane type products.

Residual LP-gas as produced is normally free of residual matter, which includes those heavier hydrocarbons boiling above 100 °F, including any solid foreign materials. If residuals are present as shown by ASTM D-2158, "Standard Test Method for Residues in LP-Gas", and are in excess of the amount allowed by these specifications, such material may cause improper operation of regulators, vaporizers, or combustion apparatus. (1) NFPA 58 "Storage and Handling Liquefied Petroleum Gases"--National Fire Protection Ass°ciati°n, Battery'March Park, Quincy, MA 02269 (2) Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 49:173.315(b)(1)

Other Trace Constituents Trace constituents other than those mentioned above can also be present in LP-gas as a natural occurrence or from processing. These may include olefins, mercury, and arsenic. Users of LP-gas with processes that can be harmed by these constituents are advised to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage to catalysts and/or process equipment from these trace materials.

iii GPA LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SPECIFICATIONS Product Designation

Product Characteristics Commercial Commercial Commercial Propane Test Propane Butane B-P HD-5 Methods Mixtures

Composition ...... Predominantly Predominantly Predominantly not less than 90 ASTM Do2163-91 propane and/or and/or mixtures of liquid volume per- propylene butylenes butanes and/or cent propane; not butylenes with more than 5 liquid propane and/or volume percent propylene propylene

Vapor pressure at 100°F, psig, max ...... 208 70 208 208 ASTM D-1267-95 at 37.8°C, kPa, max 1434 483 1434 1434

Volatile residue: at 95% evaporation, deg. F, max ...... -37 36 36 -37 ASTM D-1837-94 deg. C, max ...... -38.3 2.2 2.2 -38.3 or butane and heavier, liquid volume percent max ..... 2.5 w 2.5 ASTM D-2163-91 --=i. pentane and heavier, liquid volume percent max... 2.0 2.0 ASTM D-2163-91

Residual matter: residue on evaporation of 100 ml, max ...... 0.05 ml m 0.05 ml ASTM D-2158-92 oil stain observation pass (1) B pass (1) ASTM D-2158-92

Corrosion, copper strip, max ...... No. 1 No. 1 No. 1 No. 1 ASTM D-1838-91 (Note A)

Total sulfur, ppmw .... 185 140 140 123 ASTM D-2784-92 (NoteB)

Moisture content ...... pass - - pass GPA Propane Dryness Test (Cobalt Bromide) or D-2713-91

Free water content .... - none none - -

(1) An acceptable product shall not yield a persistent oil ring when 0.3 ml of solvent residue mixture is added to a filter paper m 0.1 increments and examined in daylight after 2 minutes as described in ASTM D-2158. NOTE A: This method may not accurately determine the corrosivity of the liquefied petroleum gas if the sample contains corrosion inhibitors or other chemicals which diminish the corrosivity of the sample to the copper strip. Therefore, the addition of such compounds for the sole purpose of biasing the test is prohibited. NOTE B: Be advised that the total sulfur limits in these specifications 40 include sulfur compounds used for stenching purposes. (~ Designation:D 1265 - 92 An American National Standard

Standard Practice for Sampling Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases (Manual Method) I

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1265; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original adoption or, in the ease of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last re.approval. A superscript epsilon (0 indicates an editorial change since the last revision or re.approval.

1. Scope 5. General Information 1.1 This practice covers the procedures for obtaining 5.1 Considerable effort is required to obtain a representa- representative samples of liquefied petroleum gases such as tive sample, especially if the material being sampled is a propane, butane, or mixtures thereof, in containers other mixture of liquefied petroleum gases. The following factors than those used in laboratory testing apparatus. These must be considered: procedures are considered adequate for obtaining representa- 5.1.1 Obtain samples of the liquid phase only. tive samples for all routine tests for LP gases required by 5.1.2 When it is definitely known that the material being Specification D1835 except analysis by Test Method sampled is composed predominantly of only one liquefied D 2163. They are not intended for obtaining samples to be petroleum gas, a liquid sample may be taken from any part used for compositional analysis. A sample procedure that of the vessel. avoids changes in composition must be used for composi- 5.1.3 When the material being sampled has been agitated tional analysis. until uniformity is assured, a liquid sample may be taken NOTE ImPractice D 3700 describes a recommended method for from any part of the vessel. obtaining a representative sample of a hydrocarbon fluid and the 5.1.4 Because of wide variation in the construction details subsequent preparation of that sample for laboratory analysis. of containers for liquefied petroleum gases, it is difficult to 1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the specify a uniform method for obtaining representative sam- safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the pies of heterogeneous mixtures. If it is not practicable to responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- agitate a mixture for homogeneity, obtain liquid samples by a procedure which has been agreed upon by the contracting priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- parties. bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.1.5 Directions for sampling cannot be made explicit enough to cover all cases. They must be supplemented by 2. Referenced Documents judgment, skill, and sampling experience. Extreme care and 2.1 ASTM Standards: good judgment are necessary to ensure samples which D 1835 Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases2 represent the general character and average condition of the D 2163 Test Method for Analysis of Liquefied Petroleum material. Because of the hazards involved, liquefied petro- (LP) Gases and Concentrates by Gas leum gases should be sampled by, or under the supervision Chromatography 2 of, persons familiar with the necessary safety precautions. D 3700 Practice for Containing Hydrocarbon Fluid Sam- NOTE 2--Samples to be tested for presence of corrosive compounds ples Using a Floating Piston Cylinder 3 or sulfur compounds should be taken in stainless steel containers equipped with stainless steel ; otherwise, determinations of 3. Summary of Practice mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide, for example, can be misleading, 3.1 A liquid sample is transferred from the source into a 5.1.6 Hydrocarbon vapors vented during sampling must sample container by purging the container and filling it with be controlled to assure compliance with applicable safety and liquid, then providing 20 % outage so that 80 % of the liquid environmental regulations. volume remains. 6. Apparatus 4. significance and Use 6.1 Sample Container--Use metal sample containers of a 4.1 Samples of liquefied petroleum gases are examined by type that ensures maximum safety and are resistant to various test methods to determine physical and chemical corrosion by the product being sampled. A suitable material characteristics. The test results are often used for custody is stainless steel. The size of the container depends upon the transfer and pricing determination. It is therefore essential amount of sample required for the laboratory tests to be that the samples be representative of the product to be tested. made. The sample container should be fitted with an internal outage (ullage) tube to permit release of 20 % of the container capacity. The end of the container fitted with the i This practice is under the joint jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on outage (ullage) tube shall be clearly marked. Typical sample Petroleum and Petroleum Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom- containers are shown in Figs. I and 2. If the container is to be mittee D02.H on Liquefied Petroleum Gas. transported, it must often conform to specifications pub- Current edition approved March 15, 1992. Published May 1992. Originally published as D 1265 - 53 T. Last previous edition D 1265 - 87. Iished in Tariff No. 10, "I.C.C. Regulations for Transporta- 2 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01. tion of Explosives and Other Dangerous Articles," its supple- 3 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vnls 05.02. merits, or reissues.

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