ASTM E346-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E346-24 — Standard Test Method for Analysis of Carbonizables in Methanol. This concise ASTM test method specifies a colorimetric procedure for the determination of carbonizables (substances that produce color or deposit on ignition) in methanol, expressed in platinum–cobalt (Pt‑Co) color units, and intended for use in quality control and specification compliance testing of commercial methanol.

Abstract

ASTM E346-24 provides a standardized procedure to determine the concentration of carbonizables in methanol by a Pt‑Co (platinum‑cobalt) color measurement technique. The method is applicable to routine laboratory testing and acceptance testing where carbonizables affect product quality or downstream processing. Numerical reporting conventions and rounding follow Practice E29.

General information

• Status: Active standard (published).
• Publication date: May 1, 2024.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 71.040.40 (Analytical chemistry); 75.160.20 (Liquid fuels and related materials).
• Edition / version: E346-24 (2024 revision / designation).
• Number of pages: 3 pages (concise test‑method format).

Scope

This test method covers the determination of carbonizables in methanol and is applicable to samples with carbonizables concentrations up to about 60 Pt‑Co units. The procedure defines required reagents, sample preparation, measurement technique (Pt‑Co color comparison/colorimetric measurement), calculation and reporting conventions. The standard also notes safety and good laboratory practice considerations and references Practice E29 for rounding of reported results.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and significance of carbonizables in methanol and their impact on product quality.
• Reagents, reference standards and calibration for platinum–cobalt (Pt‑Co) color measurement.
• Sample handling and preparation to avoid contamination and artefacts.
• Colorimetric measurement procedure and interpretation up to specified Pt‑Co units (≈60 Pt‑Co).
• Calculation, units, and rounding rules (in accordance with Practice E29).
• Safety, health, and environmental considerations for handling methanol and reagents.

Typical use and users

ASTM E346-24 is used by methanol producers, chemical manufacturers, solvent suppliers, fuel/blending facilities, independent testing laboratories, procurement and quality control teams, and regulatory or certification bodies that require a standardized measure of color‑forming impurities (carbonizables) in methanol shipments and process streams. It is suitable for routine production QC, incoming material inspection, and specification compliance testing.

Related standards

Standards commonly used alongside or as cross‑references to E346-24 include Practice E29 (Rounding and related numerical conventions), ASTM D1152 (Standard Specification for Methanol / related methanol specifications), and other ASTM methods for methanol impurity and water determination (for example, Karl Fischer water determination methods). Historical or broader methanol test compilations (earlier E346 series documents) and fuel/methanol analytical standards are also relevant when building a complete test program.

Keywords

carbonizables, methanol, platinum‑cobalt, Pt‑Co, colorimetric, color, quality control, analytical method, Practice E29, methanol impurities.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E346-24 is a short, focused ASTM test method that specifies how to determine carbonizables in methanol using a platinum–cobalt (Pt‑Co) color measurement technique.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers reagents, sample preparation, measurement procedure, calculation, reporting (including rounding per Practice E29), and safety notes for determining carbonizables in methanol—typically up to about 60 Pt‑Co units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Methanol producers, chemical and solvent manufacturers, QC laboratories, fuel/blend suppliers, purchasers and inspectors, and regulatory or standards bodies use this method for acceptance testing and routine quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation E346-24 indicates the 2024 version of the standard; it is published and current as of May 1, 2024. Users should check with ASTM or their standards administrator for any subsequent revisions or withdrawal notices before relying on it for regulatory compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E346-24 is a focused test method in the broader family of ASTM methods and specifications related to methanol and solvent analysis. It references and is commonly used with other ASTM practices and methanol specifications (for example, Practice E29 and methanol specifications such as D1152 or related D‑series standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: carbonizables; methanol; platinum‑cobalt; Pt‑Co; colorimetric; color; analytical method; quality control; impurities.