New Test Method for Analysis of Methanol by Gas Chromatography
1. Scope
This test method covers the determination of organic impurities in commercial methanol and use those values to determine the purity of methanol (methanol in dry basis) by gas chromatography.
The method is applicable to the measurement of methyl formate, ethanol, acetone, isopropanol, methyl acetate, n-propanol, butanone, 2-butanol, isobutanol(2-methyl-1-propanol), n-butanol, 2-pentanone, 3-pentanone, MTBE, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes in methanol. The limit of detection (LOD) is 1 mg/kg and limit of quantitation (LOQ) is 3 mg/kg for benzene in methanol.
Keywords
trace impurities; external standard
Rationale
Methanol is an important chemical product, with upstream raw materials including natural gas, coke oven gas, coal, and others. The composition of impurities in methanol varies depending on the production process. Downstream products of methanol include various aldehydes, acids, ethers, and olefins, among others, and different end-users focus on different key impurities. Additionally, contaminants such as aromatics and MTBE may be introduced during shipping. The international methanol industry has increasingly focused on analytical methods for trace process-related impurities and transportation-induced contaminants. On the other hand, the ASTM D1152-24 standard specifies test items for ethanol, acetone, and aromatics in methanol, necessitating the development of corresponding ASTM test methods. For these reasons, a gas chromatography-based method for testing organic impurities in methanol has been developed. This method can be adopted by all parties involved in methanol transactions for product quality control and the formulation of international trade agreements.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 12-31-2025
Technical Contact: Jing Gao
Item: 000
Ballot:
Status: