ASTM D4768-11(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Analysis of 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Para-Cresol and 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Phenol in Insulating Liquids by Gas Chromatography
Standard Test Method for Analysis of 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Para-Cresol and 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Phenol in Insulating Liquids by Gas Chromatography
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 In new electrical insulating oil, this test method provides a quantitative measure of the amounts of 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol that have been added to the oil. In a used oil, the test measures the amount of these inhibitors remaining in the oil. This test method is suitable for manufacturing control, specification acceptance, and service evaluation.
4.2 This test method is used to separate, identify, and quantify the inhibitors with minimal interference and matrix effects.
4.3 This test method has also been used successfully to determine the inhibitor concentrations in other insulating liquids such as esters and high-temperature hydrocarbons.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination by gas chromatography of 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol in new and used insulating liquids at concentrations up to 0.5 %. It includes the determination in Type I and II insulating mineral oils as specified in Specification D3487, but has also been used to measure these inhibitors in other insulating liquids, such as esters and high fire-point hydrocarbons.
1.2 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2019
- Technical Committee
- D27 - Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases
- Drafting Committee
- D27.03 - Analytical Tests
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2019
- Refers
ASTM D3487-16e1 - Standard Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in Electrical Apparatus - Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2016
- Refers
ASTM D3487-16 - Standard Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in Electrical Apparatus - Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2011
- Refers
ASTM D3487-09 - Standard Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in Electrical Apparatus - Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2009
- Refers
ASTM D3487-08 - Standard Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in Electrical Apparatus - Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Jul-2007
- Refers
ASTM D3487-00(2006) - Standard Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in Electrical Apparatus - Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2001
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2001
Overview
ASTM D4768-11(2019) is a widely recognized standard developed by ASTM International for the analysis of antioxidant inhibitors-specifically 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol (DBPC) and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol (DBP)-in electrical insulating liquids using gas chromatography. The standard is applicable to both new and used insulating fluids, including mineral oils, esters, and high fire-point hydrocarbons. This method serves as a quantitative tool for determining the presence and concentration of these inhibitors, which are crucial for maintaining the stability and longevity of electrical insulation systems.
Key Topics
- Quantitative Analysis: The standard describes a precise, reliable gas chromatographic method for measuring up to 0.5% concentrations of DBPC and DBP in insulating liquids.
- Versatile Application: Applicable to a variety of electrical insulating liquids, including Type I and II mineral oils (as specified by ASTM D3487), esters, and high-temperature hydrocarbons.
- Separation and Identification: Provides procedures for effectively separating, identifying, and quantifying inhibitors with minimal interference from the oil matrix.
- Manufacturing and Service Evaluation: Enables control over manufacturing processes, specification acceptance, and evaluation of in-service oils for remaining inhibitor content.
- Regulatory and Quality Standards: Developed in accordance with internationally recognized standardization principles, ensuring global relevance and acceptance.
Applications
Proper determination of DBPC and DBP concentrations using ASTM D4768-11(2019) supports several critical activities in the electrical and power industries:
- Manufacturing Control: Ensures that new electrical insulating oil formulations contain the correct levels of antioxidant inhibitors, preventing premature degradation.
- Quality Assurance: Facilitates acceptance testing for new and re-refined oils to verify compliance with product specifications and industry standards.
- Service Evaluation: Allows service providers and asset managers to monitor the depletion of inhibitors in used insulating oils, supporting predictive maintenance and extending equipment life.
- Other Insulating Liquids: The method can be adapted to non-traditional insulating fluids, such as synthetic esters and fire-resistant hydrocarbons, broadening its usefulness for modern applications.
Common end-users include transformer manufacturers, oil processors, utility companies, and specialized analytical laboratories.
Related Standards
- ASTM D3487 - Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in Electrical Apparatus
- ASTM D923 - Practices for Sampling Electrical Insulating Liquids
- ASTM D5222 - Specification for High Fire-Point Mineral Electrical Insulating Oils
- ASTM E260 - Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
These related ASTM standards provide important references for sampling techniques, material specifications, and chromatographic practices that complement ASTM D4768-11(2019).
By following ASTM D4768-11(2019), organizations can ensure accurate determination of antioxidant inhibitor concentrations in transformer oils and other insulating liquids. This standard supports enhanced operational reliability, improved asset management, and compliance with global best practices in the field of insulating liquids analysis. For details on implementation or to obtain the official standard, visit ASTM International.
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ASTM D4768-11(2019) - Standard Test Method for Analysis of 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Para-Cresol and 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Phenol in Insulating Liquids by Gas Chromatography
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D4768-11(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Analysis of 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Para-Cresol and 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Phenol in Insulating Liquids by Gas Chromatography". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 In new electrical insulating oil, this test method provides a quantitative measure of the amounts of 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol that have been added to the oil. In a used oil, the test measures the amount of these inhibitors remaining in the oil. This test method is suitable for manufacturing control, specification acceptance, and service evaluation. 4.2 This test method is used to separate, identify, and quantify the inhibitors with minimal interference and matrix effects. 4.3 This test method has also been used successfully to determine the inhibitor concentrations in other insulating liquids such as esters and high-temperature hydrocarbons. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination by gas chromatography of 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol in new and used insulating liquids at concentrations up to 0.5 %. It includes the determination in Type I and II insulating mineral oils as specified in Specification D3487, but has also been used to measure these inhibitors in other insulating liquids, such as esters and high fire-point hydrocarbons. 1.2 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.3 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 In new electrical insulating oil, this test method provides a quantitative measure of the amounts of 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol that have been added to the oil. In a used oil, the test measures the amount of these inhibitors remaining in the oil. This test method is suitable for manufacturing control, specification acceptance, and service evaluation. 4.2 This test method is used to separate, identify, and quantify the inhibitors with minimal interference and matrix effects. 4.3 This test method has also been used successfully to determine the inhibitor concentrations in other insulating liquids such as esters and high-temperature hydrocarbons. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination by gas chromatography of 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol in new and used insulating liquids at concentrations up to 0.5 %. It includes the determination in Type I and II insulating mineral oils as specified in Specification D3487, but has also been used to measure these inhibitors in other insulating liquids, such as esters and high fire-point hydrocarbons. 1.2 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.3 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.
ASTM D4768-11(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.040.10 - Insulating oils. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D4768-11(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D4768-11, ASTM D923-15(2023), ASTM E260-96(2019), ASTM D3487-16e1, ASTM D3487-16, ASTM D923-15, ASTM E260-96(2011), ASTM D3487-09, ASTM D3487-08, ASTM D5222-08, ASTM D923-07, ASTM D3487-00(2006), ASTM E260-96(2006), ASTM E260-96, ASTM E260-96(2001). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D4768-11(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: D4768 − 11 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Analysis of 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Para-Cresol and 2,6-
Ditertiary-Butyl Phenol in Insulating Liquids by Gas
Chromatography
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4768; 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 3. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination by gas 3.1 The test specimen is placed onto a column containing
chromatography of 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol and 2,6-
activated alumina and extracted to remove interfering sub-
ditertiary-butyl phenol in new and used insulating liquids at
stances. The inhibitors are then eluted from the column with
concentrations up to 0.5 %. It includes the determination in
suitable solvent and analyzed by gas chromatography. The
Type I and II insulating mineral oils as specified in Specifica-
inhibitor type and quantity are determined by comparison of
tion D3487, but has also been used to measure these inhibitors
each component with a working standard tested under similar
in other insulating liquids, such as esters and high fire-point
conditions.
hydrocarbons.
4. Significance and Use
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 Innewelectricalinsulatingoil,thistestmethodprovides
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
a quantitative measure of the amounts of 2,6-ditertiary-butyl
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
para-cresol and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol that have been
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
added to the oil. In a used oil, the test measures the amount of
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
these inhibitors remaining in the oil. This test method is
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
suitable for manufacturing control, specification acceptance,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and service evaluation.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.2 This test method is used to separate, identify, and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. quantify the inhibitors with minimal interference and matrix
effects.
2. Referenced Documents
4.3 This test method has also been used successfully to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
determine the inhibitor concentrations in other insulating
D923 Practices for Sampling Electrical Insulating Liquids
liquids such as esters and high-temperature hydrocarbons.
D3487 Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in
Electrical Apparatus
5. Apparatus
D5222 Specification for High Fire-Point Mineral Electrical
5.1 Gas Chromatograph, equipped with oven temperature
Insulating Oils
control constant to 1 °C and with heated injector port.
E260 Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
5.1.1 Means to Record the Chromatogram, such as a pen
recorder or a digital integrator to determine peak areas, is
recommended. An automated sample injector may be used.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D27 on
Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
5.2 Flame Ionization Detector, with appropriate hydrogen/
mittee D27.03 on Analytical Tests.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. Originally air gas flows, is preferred over a thermal conductivity detector
approved in 1988 as D4768 – 88. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as
to provide maximum sensitivity.
D4768 – 11. DOI: 10.1520/D4768-11R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.3 Column, a suitable stainless steel or glass column
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
packed with a nonpolar silicone on an appropriate support or
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. equivalent capillary column.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4768 − 11 (2019)
3 4
NOTE 1—A 3 % OV-1 on 100/120 Mesh Supelcoport, 1.83 m (6 ft)
minimum of 12 h. Cool in a desiccator prior to use. After
long, 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) in outside diameter has been used successfully.
column has cooled, purge column with approximately 2 mL
A SPB-1 30 m by 0.53 mm 1µm film column has also been used
hexaneorheptane.Donotallowcolumntodryoutpriortouse.
successfully.
7.2 Standard Solution Preparation—Standard solutions are
5.3.1 Condition columns in accordance with manufacturer’s
prepared containing both DBP and DBPC from inhibitor-free
recommendations. Disconnect columns from detector prior to
mineral oil. Prepare oil solutions of 0, 0.040, 0.080, 0.15, 0.30,
conditioning and reconnect after conditioning.
and 0.40 % (w/w) of both DBP and DBPC. Determine the
5.4 Precision Syringe, glass, 10.0 µL.
relative density (specific gravity) of the oil used in standard
5.5 Volumetric Glassware, appropriate for making dilutions. solution preparation (D ) to 0.001.
I
7.3 Column Extraction Effıciency—Verify by the following
5.6 Pipets, Pasteur, disposable, 146 by 7.5 mm.
procedure that the extraction efficiency of the prepared col-
5.7 Analytical Balance.
umns is acceptable.
5.8 Automatic Pipetter, 1 mL calibrated, adjustable.
7.3.1 Prepare a check standard containing 0.30 % (w/w)
DBP and 0.30 % (w/w) DBPC in methanol. Dilute 0.25 mL of
5.9 Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 325 6 5
check standard to 5.0 mL with methanol.
°C for conditioning extraction columns.
7.3.2 Prepare a working standard in accordance with 7.4,
5.10 Desiccator.
using the 0.30 % (w/w) oil standard and the cleanup column
whose efficiency is to be determined. Inject a volume of this
6. Reagents and Materials
working standard into the gas chromatograph.
6.1 Purity of Reagents—Use reagent grade chemicals in all
7.3.3 Inject a volume (equal to that used in 7.3.2)ofthe
tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all reagents
diluted check standard into the chromatograph using the same
shall conform to the specifications of the Committee on
chromatographic conditions used to analyze the working stan-
Analytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society, where
dards.
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used,
7.3.4 Calculate the extraction efficiency for both DBP and
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficient
DBPC as follows:
purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the
A
I
determination.
C 3 W A 3 C 3 V 3 D
I 0.30 I C C C
3100 5 5 extraction efficiency,%
6.2 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol (DBP).
A A 3 C 3 W
C C I 0.30
6.3 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol (DBPC )—Alsoknown
C 3 V 3 D
C C C
as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
where:
6.4 Glass Wool.
A = area (or height) of 0.30 % working standard,
I
A = area (or height) of 0.30 % check standard,
6.5 Aluminum Oxide (Alumina), acid powder, ACS, Brock-
C
C = known concentration of working standard,
man Activity Grade 1, for chromatography.
I
C = known concentration of check standard,
C
6.6 Hexane or Heptane, ACS reagent grade.
D = relative density (specific gravity) of methanol used
C
6.7 Methanol, anhydrous, ACS reagent grade.
in check standard preparation, and
W = weight of 0.30 % working standard as recorded in
0.30
6.8 Mineral Oil, inhibitor-free, transformer grade.
7.4.1.
V = volume of check standard diluted to 5 mL in 7.3.1
7. Calibration and Standardization C
(=0.25 mL)
7.1 Cleanup Column Preparation—Prepare cleanup col-
7.3.5 The minimum acceptable extraction efficiency is 70 %
umns by inserting a small glass wool plug into the wide end of
for DBPC and 60 % for DBP. If the prepared columns do not
a Pasteur pipet and
...




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