ASTM D2420-13(2018)

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D2420 − 13 D2420 − 13 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Hydrogen Sulfide in Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases (Lead
Acetate Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2420; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*Scope
1.1 This test method covers the detection of hydrogen sulfide in liquefied petroleum (LP) gases. The sensitivity of the test is
3 3
about 4 4 mg mg/m⁄m (0.15 to 0.2 grain of hydrogen sulfide per 100 ft100 ft ) of gas.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. after
SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1265 Practice for Sampling Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases, Manual Method
D1835 Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases
2.2 GPA Standard:
GPA 2140 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Specifications and Test Methods
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Vaporized LP gas is passed over moist lead acetate paper under controlled conditions. Hydrogen sulfide reacts with lead
acetate to form lead sulfide which produces a coloration on the paper varying from yellow to black, depending upon the amount
of hydrogen sulfide present.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Liquefied petroleum gases and their products of combustion must not be unduly corrosive to the materials with which they
come in contact. The potential personnel exposure hazards of H S also make the detection and measurement of hydrogen sulfide
important, even in low concentrations. In addition, in some cases the odor of the gases shall not be objectionable. (See Specification
D1835 and GPA 2140.)
5. Interferences
5.1 Methyl mercaptan, if present, produces a transitory yellow stain on the lead acetate paper that will fade completely in less
than 5 min.5 min.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.H0 on Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Current edition approved June 15, 2013April 1, 2018. Published July 2013June 2018. Originally approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 20122013 as
D2420 – 12a.D2420 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/D2420-13.10.1520/D2420-13R18.
This test method is based on Edwards, J. D., and McBride, R. S., “Lead Acetate Test for Hydrogen Sulphide in Gas,” Technologic Papers T41, National Institute for
Standards and Technology, Aug. 9, 1914.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Gas Processors Association (GPA), 6526 E. 60th St., 66 American Plaza, Suite 700, Tulsa, OK 74145, www.gpaglobal.org.74135, http://
www.gpaglobal.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2420 − 13 (2018)
5.2 Other sulfur compounds present in liquefied petroleum gas do not interfere with the test.
6. Apparatus and Materials
6.1 Apparatus for Detecting Hydrogen Sulfide in Liquefied Petroleum Gas, as shown in Fig. 1 or commercially available
apparatus.
6.2 Lead Acetate Test Paper—Commercially available test paper is satisfactory. Alternatively, the test paper may be prepared
by dipping strips of smooth filter paper in 5 % aqueous lead acetate solution and removing the excess solution with a clean blotter.
The strips of paper shall be approximately 50 mm 50 mm long and 10 mm 10 mm wide and contain a 3 mm 3 mm hole near one
end so they will hang freely vertical in the test apparatus.
6.3 Gas Flow Indicator—Capable of measuring flow rates in the range of 22 L to 3 L 3 L of gas per minute. A wet test meter
rotameter and mass flow controller have been found to be suitable.
6.4 Water—Unless otherwise indicated, reference to water shall be understood to mean reagent water that meets the
requirements of Type II or III of Specification D1193, or distilled water.
6.5 Tubing—High–pressureHigh-pressure connecting tubing to connect the test apparatus to the sample collection point.
Internally clean, non-reactive and non-absorptive stainless steel material is recommended, but other materials that safely contain
the pressure, resist being cut or torn, and have been tested to be inert relative to the stream being tested may be utilized.
6.5.1 Internal surfaces of sample containers, lines and fittings may be surface coated with an inert material to reduce bare metal
surfaces which could react with, or absorb,
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