ASTM D2650-10 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D2650-10(2021) — Standard Test Method for Chemical Composition of Gases by Mass Spectrometry. This standard specifies procedures for the quantitative analysis of gaseous mixtures (including hydrogen; hydrocarbons up to six carbon atoms per molecule; carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; mercaptans having one or two carbon atoms per molecule; hydrogen sulfide; and air components such as nitrogen, oxygen, and argon) using mass spectrometric techniques. It includes instrument and calibration guidance, calculation approaches, and stated limitations on sensitivity.

Abstract

This test method defines how to determine the chemical composition of certain gas mixtures by mass spectrometry. It describes recommended sampling and instrument practices, calibration and calculation options (with examples and a table of recommended calculation procedures), expected component coverage (H2, C1–C6 hydrocarbons, CO, CO2, H2S, mercaptans, air), and limitations — notably that constituents present at less than about 0.1 mole percent are not reliably measured by the method as published. The standard was originally published in 2010 and was reapproved in 2021.

General information

• Status: Active — 2010 edition reapproved in 2021 (designated D2650-10(2021) / D2650-10R21).
• Publication date: Original edition 2010; reapproved January 2021 (listed as 2021 reapproval).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Chemical analysis / mass spectrometry — ICS code reported 71.040.50 (chemical analysis).
• Edition / version: 2010 edition, reapproved 2021 (R21).
• Number of pages: 7 pages.

Scope

The standard covers quantitative mass-spectrometric analysis of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; hydrocarbons through six carbon atoms (C1–C6); carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; mercaptans with one or two carbon atoms; hydrogen sulfide; and the major components of air (nitrogen, oxygen, argon). It is not intended for reliably measuring constituents present at levels below approximately 0.1 mole percent unless specifically addressed by a modified procedure. The method was developed with particular instrument types in mind and notes that users employing different mass spectrometers may need to adjust operating and calibration parameters.

Key topics and requirements

• Target analytes: H2, C1–C6 hydrocarbons, CO, CO2, H2S, mercaptans (C1–C2), and air components.
• Detection/limit guidance: constituents below ~0.1 mole % are outside the reliable quantitative range unless special procedures are applied.
• Instrument considerations: recommended operating parameters, sample handling, and notes on instrument-specific adjustments (original development on specific mass spectrometer models is referenced).
• Calibration and standards: procedures for calibration, selection of reference mixtures, and methods to minimize cross-interference between components.
• Calculation methods: several calculation approaches are described and a recommended tabulation is provided to guide method selection depending on application and expected mixture complexity.
• Sampling practice: guidance on sampling and sample handling to preserve representative composition for mass-spectrometric analysis.

Typical use and users

Used by analytical and environmental laboratories, petrochemical and natural gas laboratories, pipeline and custody-transfer testing facilities, equipment vendors, and research groups performing composition analysis of gaseous mixtures. Typical users include analytical chemists, gas-sampling technicians, QA/QC personnel, and instrument specialists who operate and validate mass spectrometers for gas analysis.

Related standards

The standard references and complements other ASTM and industry documents used for gas sampling and analysis, for example ASTM D1137 and other historical ASTM methods for gas analysis, as well as industry practices such as API MPMS 14.1 and GPA sampling guidance. Users commonly consult those referenced methods and related ASTM D‑series methods when establishing a complete laboratory procedure.

Keywords

mass spectrometry; gas composition; gas analysis; natural gas; hydrocarbons; hydrogen sulfide; mercaptans; CO; CO2; ASTM D2650; reapproved 2021.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2650-10(2021) is a Standard Test Method for Chemical Composition of Gases by Mass Spectrometry that provides procedures and guidance for using mass spectrometers to quantify selected gas components.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers quantitative analysis of gas mixtures containing H2, hydrocarbons up to C6, CO, CO2, mercaptans (C1–C2), H2S and air components; instrument setup, calibration, calculation options, sampling considerations, and limits of applicability (noting a ~0.1 mole % practical detection threshold for general use).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical labs, gas producers and processors, pipeline and custody-transfer labs, instrument vendors, and QA/QC personnel who need to measure gas composition by mass spectrometry.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2010 edition was reapproved in 2021 and is listed as active (reapproved designation D2650-10(2021) or D2650-10R21); it is not shown as withdrawn or superseded as of the 2021 reapproval. Users should check the publisher for any revisions after 2021.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The standard is part of the ASTM D02 family of petroleum, fuels, and lubricants methods (Book of Standards volume grouping and relevant subcommittee), and it references other ASTM methods and industry practices for sampling and analysis.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Mass spectrometry, gas composition, gas analysis, hydrocarbons, H2S, CO, CO2, mercaptans, ASTM D2650.