Standardization News

A proposed new test method being developed by ASTM International Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants will allow a recently approved D02 specification to attain full compliance with the manual, Form and Style for ASTM Standards.

WK30961, Test Method for Analysis of Ethyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (ETBE) by Gas Chromatography, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D02.J0.02 on Aviation Gasoline.

Cesar Gonzalez, a consultant and longtime D02 member, says D7618, Specification for Ethyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (ETBE) for Blending with Aviation Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel, currently incorporates an annex, A.1, Modification to Test Method D5441, Test Method for Analysis of Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether (ETBE) by Gas Chromatography. However, the annex will be replaced by WK30961 (once approved), an independent ETBE test method with appropriate precision and bias statements.

Gonzalez notes that ETBE blends with motor gasoline and aviation gasoline hydrocarbon stock offer proven medium and high octane aviation fuel potentials unmatched by other oxygenate or hydrocarbon components, and a gradual reduction and eventual elimination of lead additives can be safely, practically and economically attained by replacing lead components with ETBE.

CONTACT Technical Information: Cesar Gonzalez • Wichita, Kan. • Phone: 316-722-8362 • E-mail: cbgonzal1@aol.com O ASTM Staff: David Bradley • Phone: 610-832-9681 • E-mail: dbradley@astm.org O Upcoming Meeting: June 19-23 • Baltimore, Md.