ASTM D2505-88 (2015) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Ethylene, Other Hydrocarbons, and Carbon Dioxide in High‑Purity Ethylene by Gas Chromatography — designation D2505‑88 (reapproved 2015). The method specifies gas‑chromatographic procedures for measuring trace non‑ethylene components (carbon dioxide and a range of hydrocarbons) in high‑purity ethylene used as a chemical feedstock or process gas.

Abstract

This test method covers the determination of carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, acetylene, and other hydrocarbons in high‑purity ethylene over the typical range of about 1 to 500 ppmV. Hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon monoxide are determined by a companion method (D2504); percent ethylene is calculated by subtracting measured impurity sums from 100. The method has historically used chromatographic columns such as silica gel for light hydrocarbons and may employ a methanizer or other detectors as needed for CO/CO2 detection. (Reapproved 2015; withdrawn 2024).

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawn without replacement on April 3, 2024).
• Publication date: Reapproval/publication: January 6, 2015 (designation D2505‑88, reapproved 2015).
• Publisher: ASTM International (developed under Committee D02).
• ICS / categories: 71.080.10 — Aliphatic hydrocarbons (analytical methods for light olefins/ethylene).
• Edition / version: D2505‑88 (Reapproved 2015).
• Number of pages: 7 pages (approx.).

Scope

The standard describes gas‑chromatographic procedures to quantify trace hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide in high‑purity ethylene gas samples. It is intended for impurity concentrations typically in the parts‑per‑million by volume (ppmV) range and is used to support specification limits, quality control, and research/development for processes that require high‑purity ethylene. The method complements related ASTM test methods that cover noncondensable gases and other impurity classes.

Key topics and requirements

• Gas chromatographic separation and quantitative determination of CO2 and light hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, acetylene and others).
• Reporting impurity concentrations in ppmV (parts per million by gas volume) and calculation of percent ethylene by subtraction.
• Use of appropriate columns (e.g., silica gel for C1–C2 species) and detectors; methods to detect CO/CO2 historically include catalytic reduction (methanizer) with FID.
• Applicability range roughly 1–500 ppmV for the impurities covered by the method.
• Safety and sampling notes: users must follow appropriate safety practice for handling compressed gases and flammable hydrocarbons; sampling/conditioning guidance referenced to companion methods.

Typical use and users

Laboratories and process quality teams in petrochemical plants, gas suppliers, analytical service providers, and research organizations use this method to verify ethylene purity for polymer feedstocks, specialty chemical synthesis, and other industrial applications where trace impurities can affect downstream reactions or product quality.

Related standards

Closely related ASTM standards and guides include Test Method D2504 (analysis of noncondensable gases), Guide D5234 (analysis/overview of ethylene impurities), and Test Method D6159 (determination of hydrocarbon impurities in ethylene), as well as relevant ISO methods for trace analysis of light olefins. These complementary methods are used together to obtain a complete impurity profile for ethylene.

Keywords

ethylene; gas chromatography; carbon dioxide; hydrocarbons; methane; ethane; acetylene; impurity analysis; ppmV; high‑purity ethylene; methanizer; silica gel column; ASTM D2505.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2505‑88 (reapproved 2015) is a gas‑chromatographic test method for determining carbon dioxide and selected hydrocarbon impurities in high‑purity ethylene.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the measurement and reporting of CO2, methane, ethane, acetylene and other hydrocarbons in ethylene over a typical range of about 1–500 ppmV and describes chromatographic separation and detection approaches used for these trace species.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Petrochemical and polymer manufacturers, gas suppliers, analytical laboratories, and R&D groups that require confirmation of ethylene purity and trace impurity profiling for process control and specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The reapproved 2015 edition was withdrawn on April 3, 2024 (withdrawn without a direct replacement at that time). Users should consult current ASTM committee publications and newer methods (e.g., D6159 and newer work items) for updated procedures.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one of several ASTM methods addressing ethylene analysis and impurities (alongside D2504, D6159, D5234, etc.) maintained under ASTM Committee D02 and its subcommittees focused on ethylene and light olefins.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ethylene, gas chromatography, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ppmV, methanizer, silica gel column, high‑purity ethylene, ASTM D2505.