ASTM D4868-17

1.1 This test method covers the estimation of the gross and net heat of combustion in SI units, megajoules per kilogram, of hydrocarbon fuels and blendstocks from the fuel density and sulfur, water, and ash contents.

1.2 This test method is especially useful for estimating, using a minimum number of tests, the heat of combustion of burner and diesel fuels (which do not contain non-hydrocarbon components) for which it is not usually critical to obtain very precise heat determinations.

1.3 This test method is purely empirical (Note 1). It was derived using liquid hydrocarbon fuels produced by normal refining processes from conventional crude oil that conform to the requirements of specifications for petroleum fuels as described in Note 3. This test method is valid for those fuels in the density range from 750 kg/m³ to 1000 kg/m³ and those that do not contain an unusually high aromatic content. High aromatic content fuels will not normally meet some fuel specification criteria.

1.4 This test method is not applicable to pure hydrocarbon compounds. It is not intended as a substitute for highly accurate experimental measurements of heat of combustion (Note 4).

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.