Clean fuels = Cleaner Cars = Cleaner Air
The EPA Tier 3 Gasoline Sulfur Program, published in early 2014, is another step towards reducing air pollution in the United States. Currently commercial gasoline is regulated to contain an average of approximately 30 mg/kg sulfur.
The Tier 2 Gasoline Sulfur Program reduced the sulfur regulation from 300 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg in 2000 when the EPA began to recognize vehicles and fuels as one system. The regulation of sulfur in gasoline and diesel prompts its removal during refinement.
Sulfur is a natural component of crude oil and will persist during the refining process unless it is specifically removed. Not only does sulfur in gasoline contribute to air pollution, it also reduces the effectiveness of emission control systems in vehicles.
How do I know if the sulfur is gone?
Sulfur analysis! Sulfur concentration can be determined using many different analytical techniques but samples are commonly analyzed using Ultraviolet Fluorescence (ASTM D5453) or X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (ASTM D2622, D4294, D7039, D7220). Gasoline samples are tested on daily basis by refiners, importers and many other entities involved in the gasoline supply chain. All of this testing is used to report compliance with EPA regulations.
Do I have to follow a specific standardized test method to obtain my results?
No! The Tier 3 program has allowed the use of a Performance Based Measurement System (PBMS) approach. This allows for greater flexibility in sulfur testing than previous regulations. As long as you follow the mandatory quality control practices outlined by the EPA (see section 80.47 here) you may use any consensus group (e.g. ASTM) standardized test method (e.g. ASTM D5453) that suits you. The EPA has outlined a way for you to qualify whatever instrument and method combination you choose to use by way of a PBMS!
But what do I use to qualify my instrument?
STANDARDS! You are obviously looking for EPA Tier 3 Standards if you are reading this in the first place right?! ASI Standards has developed an EPA Tier 3 package of standards just for you!
Each package includes:
SEPA-T3-H-500 Sulfur in Gasoline Check Standard Used for Tier 3 High Accuracy Test, 500 ml each, Concentration 10-20 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 19 mg/kg)
SEPA-T3-L-500 Sulfur in Gasoline Check Standard Used for Tier 3 Low Accuracy Test, 500 ml each, Concentration 1-10 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 9 mg/kg)
SEPA-T3-P-1000 Sulfur in Gasoline Quality Control Standard Used for Tier 3 Precision Test, 1000 ml each, Concentration 1-20 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 6-10 mg/kg)
SEPA-T3-SQCP-1GAL Sulfur in Gasoline Quality Control Standard Used for Tier 3 Precision SQC, 1 Gallon each, Concentration 1-20 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 8 -10 mg/kg)
SEPA-T3-SQCA-1GAL Sulfur in Gasoline Quality Control Standard Used for Tier 3 Accuracy SQC, 1 Gallon each, Concentration 1-20 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 7-10 mg/kg)
If you would prefer to matrix-match with the reformulated gasoline that you are testing we have you covered as well:
SEPA-T3-O2-H-500 Sulfur in Oxygenated (10 Vol. % EtOH) Gasoline Check Standard Used for Tier 3 High Accuracy Test, 500 ml each, Concentration 10-20 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 19 mg/kg)
SEPA-T3-O2-L-500 Sulfur in Oxygenated (10 Vol. % EtOH) Gasoline Check Standard Used for Tier 3 Low Accuracy Test, 500 ml each, Concentration 1-10 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 9 mg/kg)
SEPA-T3-O2-P-1000 Sulfur in Oxygenated (10 Vol. % EtOH) Gasoline Quality Control Standard Used for Tier 3 Precision Test, 1000 ml each, Concentration 1-20 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 6-10 mg/kg)
SEPA-T3-O2-SQCP-1GAL Sulfur in Oxygenated (10 Vol. % EtOH) Gasoline Quality Control Standard Used for Tier 3 Precision SQC, 1 Gallon each, Concentration 1-20 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 8 -10 mg/kg)
SEPA-T3-O2-SQCA-1GAL Sulfur in Oxygenated (10 Vol. % EtOH) Gasoline Quality Control Standard Used for Tier 3 Accuracy SQC, 1 Gallon each, Concentration 1-20 mg/kg (ASI Recommends 7-10 mg/kg)
See our Tier 3 Page for additional sizes and pricing. Stay tuned to ASI Standards in the coming months as we roll out more Tier 3 resources to help you qualify your instruments.
Get more information on the EPA Tier 3 Gasoline Sulfur Program.
For more information on our Tier 3 Standards, please contact us.
