ASTM D6728-16 (2025) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Contaminants in Gas Turbine and Diesel Engine Fuel by Rotating Disc Electrode Atomic Emission Spectrometry (Designation: ASTM D6728-16(2025)). This method specifies a rapid, on-site procedure using rotating disc electrode atomic emission spectroscopy (RDE‑AES) to detect and quantify ash‑forming contaminants and trace metals in gas turbine and diesel fuels to support fuel quality control and fuel treatment decisions.

Abstract

This test method covers the determination of corrosive and ash‑forming contaminants in gas turbine and diesel engine fuels by RDE‑AES. It is intended for concentrations ranging from fractions of mg/kg to hundreds of mg/kg and uses oil‑soluble metal calibration standards; it does not claim quantitative detection of insoluble particles. The method is applicable to common GT and diesel fuel grades used in power generation and propulsion.

General information

• Status: Active standard (current edition published/reconfirmed November 1, 2025).
• Publication date: November 1, 2025 (designation shown as D6728-16(2025)).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: ICS 75.160.20 (Liquid fuels) — testing and analysis of fuel contaminants and trace metals.
• Edition / version: D6728‑16, shown as the 2016 technical base with the 2025 confirmation/release (D6728‑16(2025)).
• Number of pages: 7 pages.

Scope

The standard covers RDE‑AES determination of contaminants arising from corrosion or introduced contamination in gas turbine and diesel fuels. It applies to ASTM GT grades 0‑GT through 4‑GT and diesel fuel grades including Low Sulfur No.1‑D, Low Sulfur No.2‑D, No.1‑D, No.2‑D and No.4‑D. The procedure is intended for rapid fuel‑quality screening at the point of use to guide treatment and confirm compliance with fuel cleanliness requirements; results are reported in mg/kg (ppm by mass). The method uses oil‑soluble metal standards and is not intended to quantify insoluble particulate contamination.

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement technique: Rotating Disc Electrode Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (RDE‑AES) for trace metal detection.
• Analytes of interest: ash‑forming and corrosive species (examples include vanadium, sodium, potassium, calcium, lead, and other trace metals commonly monitored in turbine/diesel fuels).
• Reporting units and limits: concentrations reported in mg/kg (ppm by mass); method capable from sub‑mg/kg up to hundreds of mg/kg.
• Applicability: specified ASTM GT and diesel fuel grades; uses oil‑soluble calibration standards.
• Limitations: not intended to quantitatively determine insoluble particulate contamination; site instrumentation performance and calibration are important for accuracy (typical performance requirements below ~1.0 mg/kg for several elements in power‑generation applications).

Typical use and users

Used by fuel laboratories, power plant fuel‑quality teams, refinery quality control, on‑site fuel testing technicians, turbine and diesel engine maintenance groups, and third‑party fuel testing service providers. Typical uses include delivery acceptance testing, monitoring during storage/handling, and verification of fuel treatment effectiveness to protect turbine combustors and engine systems.

Related standards

Associated specifications and methods referenced by this standard include fuel specifications such as ASTM D2880 (gas turbine fuel specifications), ASTM D975 (diesel fuel oils), and other ASTM test methods for elemental analysis and fuel contamination. The test method is maintained under ASTM Committee D02 (Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants), Subcommittee D02.03 (Elemental Analysis).

Keywords

RDE‑AES, rotating disc electrode, atomic emission spectrometry, contaminants, trace metals, ash‑forming materials, fuel analysis, gas turbine fuel, diesel fuel, fuel quality, corrosion, ASTM D6728.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6728‑16(2025) is a standardized test method that defines a rotating disc electrode atomic emission spectroscopy (RDE‑AES) procedure for detecting and measuring contaminants and trace metals in gas turbine and diesel fuels.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers on‑site or laboratory determination of ash‑forming and corrosive elements in specified ASTM GT and diesel fuel grades, reporting results in mg/kg, and using oil‑soluble calibration standards; it is not designed to quantitatively measure insoluble particulates.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fuel quality personnel at power plants and refineries, maintenance teams for gas turbines and diesel engines, independent testing labs, and service providers performing acceptance and routine fuel monitoring.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published/reconfirmed on November 1, 2025, it is presented as the current edition (D6728‑16(2025)). It revises or reconfirms earlier D6728 editions (historical editions include D6728‑01 and later revisions). Users should verify any later amendments or revisions with ASTM International before relying on the method for compliance purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the suite of ASTM standards maintained by Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is associated with related test methods and specifications for fuel quality and elemental analysis.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: RDE, rotating disc electrode, atomic emission spectrometry, contaminants, trace metals, ash‑forming materials, fuel analysis, gas turbine, diesel, fuel quality.