….provides group-type separation of aromatic hydrocarbons in diesel fuel and petroleum distillates boiling in the range of 150 to 400 C. The method provides compositional information for three group-types: mono-aromatic, di-aromatic, and tri+ aromatic hydrocarbons. The total aromatic content in %(m/m) is calculated from the sum of the corresponding individual hydrocarbon types.

The precision of the method has been established as follows for diesel fuels:

• 4-40% (m/m) monoaromatic hydrocarbons
• 0-20% (m/m) di-aromatic hydrocarbons
• 0-6% (m/m)  tri+ aromatics
• 0-26% (m/m) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• 4-65% (m/m) total aromatic hydrocarbons

A turnkey system is available to perform ASTM D6591-06 or IP548-062. There are several other ASTM Methods that could easily be applicated because they specify similar hardware (column type, detector, stack configuration) and operate with similar methodologies (isocratic normal phase HPLC methods with refractive index detection to determine total aromaticity). They only differ by the sample type that is being analyzed (i.e. lube basestocks, aviation fuels, etc.). These methods include (but are not restricted to):  ASTM D7419, ASTM D6379, ASTM D5412, ASTM D7524.

The analyzer is currently available on Agilent 1100 and 1200 series HPLC equipment. A variety of data systems can be accommodated.