MIL-DTL-87173B(USAF)
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
METHOD OF TEST FOR ANALYSIS OF
GRADE PF-1 PROPELLANT BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
A.1 SCOPE
A.1.1 Scope. This method is intended for the analysis of PF-1 Propellant. The method provides for the
quantitative determination of the two major constituents of PF-1 and for the characterization of each
constituent.
A.1.2 Summary of methods. The sample is introduced into a gas chromatographic column and
separated into its individual components. Conditions are selected to give complete resolution of the two
major blending stocks. The detector signal is monitored continuously and the areas of individual peaks
are used for computing the quantities of the components. Response factors are applied to give the fuel
composition in true weight percent. The detailed composition of each major component is computed from
the individual peak areas in the subgroup.
A.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. (The section is not applicable to this appendix.)
A.3 APPARATUS
A.3.1 Chromatograph. Any conventional gas chromatograph, having at least the following features, is
acceptable.
A.3.1.1 Detector. Either a thermal conductivity (TCD) or flame ionization (FID) detector may be used.
The detector shall be operated in such a manner that its linear dynamic range is not exceeded, and its
linearity should be checked periodically. The detector shall be capable of continuous operation at 325°C
or higher, and must be connected to the column in a manner that eliminates cold spots.
A.3.1.2 Temperature programmer. The instrument must be capable of reproducible temperature
programming over the range of 50° to 300°C. The programming rate must be sufficiently reproducible
that individual retention times do not vary by more than two percent. Any temperature program, including
multilinear modes and intermediate periods of isothermal operation, is acceptable, provided that the
column resolution, as defined in section A.5.2, is not compromised.
NOTE 1. If capillary-type columns are used for the analysis, it may not be necessary to program the oven
above 200°C.
A.3.1.3 Sample inlet system. Either flash vaporization or on-column injection may be used. For flash
vaporization, the sample inlet port must be maintained between 300° and 350°C, and well-conditioned
septa must be used. If on-column injection is employed, provision must be made for programming the
temperature of the full length of the column. A sample inlet splitter may be used in conjunction with
capillary columns, if care is taken to ensure that a representative sample is delivered to the column.
NOTE 2. New septa should be allowed to condition overnight after being installed in order to minimize
spurious peaks, and several blank runs should be made to purge the column of materials bleeding from
the septum. Overnight conditioning can be eliminated by the expedient of storing a supply of septa in the
column oven. However, at least one blank run should still be made following each septum change.
A.3.1.4 Recorder. Any potentiometric recorder compatible with the chromatograph may be used. The
full-scale response time should be two seconds or less, and the gain and damping controls should be
adjusted to provide optimum response and minimum noise.
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