Xylene Testing — Isomer Speciation, Purity & Impurity Profiling
AGT Labs provides ASTM-based testing for xylene isomers and mixed xylene streams. Our corrected, PDF-aligned scope focuses on core accredited ASTM checks used for acceptance and safety: colour (visual and tristimulus), copper strip corrosion, carbon residue, refractive index, conductivity and light-end hydrocarbon screening (ASTM references listed below). These methods support contractual acceptance and basic impurity screening where ASTM routes are specified.
We report results as traceable Certificates of Analysis using validated ASTM procedures (see Standards & Methods). For any client request that requires additional non-ASTM instrumentation or specialised speciation beyond the accredited PDF scope, we will quote those as separate, non-accredited services.
Typical clients include petrochemical producers, solvent blenders, paint and coatings manufacturers, distributors, tank farms, and QA/QC laboratories.
Service Highlights
- colour assessment (visual and automatic tristimulus) for contamination or degradation checks.
- copper strip corrosion to assess corrosive sulfur species per accredited methods.
- Ramsbottom carbon residue for deposit-forming tendency screening.
- refractive index and conductivity checks for basic purity and ionic contamination screening.
- light-end hydrocarbon composition screening where applicable (LPG-range/light contaminants) as an ASTM-qualified check.
Industries We Serve
- Bulk Chemical Producers & Blenders — batch verification and shipping QA/QC using ASTM acceptance tests.
- Paints, Coatings & Adhesives — solvent quality checks aligned to ASTM methods affecting solvency and drying.
- Distributors & Tank Farms — tank sampling and ASTM-based certificate issuance.
- Environmental & Safety — ASTM-based documentation for basic VOC/impurity screening where specified.
- R&D & Failure Analysis — ASTM screening to support further investigative work (additional methods quoted separately).
Test Matrix — Key Parameters & Methods
Representative xylene testing ASTM parameters and methods we provide under the accredited PDF scope. LOQs and additional reporting elements are provided on request — specialised analyses outside these ASTM references will be quoted separately.
| Test / Parameter | Reference Method / Technique | Purpose / Notes | TAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance / Color (visual) | ASTM D1209 | Quick visual check for clarity, discoloration or gross contamination. | 24–48 h |
| Color (automatic tristimulus) | ASTM D6045 | Instrumental colour for precise batch-to-batch comparison and specification checks. | 24–48 h |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | ASTM D130 / D849 / D1838 | Assess corrosive sulfur species that may affect storage/processing equipment. | 24–48 h |
| Carbon Residue (Ramsbottom) | ASTM D524 | Indicates deposit-forming tendencies from heavy or polymerisable impurities. | 48–72 h |
| Odor | ASTM D1296 | Qualitative odor check for off-notes, contamination indicators, or degradation. | 24–48 h |
| Refractive Index | ASTM D1218 | Detects mixing, adulteration, or changes in aromatic composition. | 24–48 h |
| Electrical Conductivity | ASTM D2624 / ASTM D1125 | Evaluates ionic contamination that may affect handling and storage. | 24–48 h |
| Hydrocarbon Composition (Light Ends) | ASTM D2163 | Identifies LPG-range and similar light contaminants that may impact purity. | 48–72 h |
Laboratory Capabilities & Instrumentation
Analytical Systems
Accredited ASTM instrumentation including tristimulus colorimeters , visual colour comparators , copper strip corrosion baths, Ramsbottom carbon residue systems, refractometers, conductivity meters and hydrocarbon composition systems.
Quality & Traceability
- All accredited tests performed strictly per ASTM procedures listed in our certification.
- COAs include test method, units, results, LOQ/LOD (where applicable) and uncertainty.
- Witnessed sampling, chain-of-custody support, and retained samples available.
Sampling, Handling & Chain of Custody
Accurate sampling is essential for ASTM compliance. Use clean, airtight containers and avoid contamination, moisture intrusion, or excessive headspace. Include sample details and any handling notes on the chain of custody form.
Containers & Handling
- Use clean amber glass or metal containers suitable for aromatic solvents.
- Seal tightly to prevent vapor loss or moisture ingress.
- Label clearly with batch details, sample point, time, and sampler name.
Transport & Logging
- Transport under stable temperature conditions as appropriate.
- Record tank levels, sampling depth, and any pre-mixing information.
- Chain-of-custody and witnessed sampling available for contractual needs.
Download our Sample Submission Guide for detailed instructions.
Quality Assurance, Reporting & Interpretation
All accredited xylene COAs list ASTM methods used, result units, detection limits (where applicable), and measurement uncertainty. Interpretive notes highlight any deviations from expected values or contractual specifications.
Turnaround Times & Test Packages
| Package | Typical Tests | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM Color & Corrosion Panel | ASTM D1209, D6045, D130/D849/D1838 | 24–48 h |
| ASTM Purity Indicators | D1218 refractive index, D1296 odor, D2624/D1125 conductivity | 24–48 h |
| Deposit-Forming Assessment | ASTM D524 carbon residue | 48–72 h |
| Light Hydrocarbon Screening | ASTM D2163 composition | 48–72 h |
| Expedited | Priority processing of required ASTM tests | <24 h (by arrangement) |
Standards & Methods
All xylene testing listed on this page is aligned strictly to the ASTM methods included in AGT Labs’ accredited scope: D1209, D6045, D130, D849, D1838, D524, D1296, D1218, D2624/D1125, and D2163. Additional non-accredited tests may be offered separately on request.
FAQs — Xylene Testing
Do you provide ASTM-only COAs?
Do you test for isomer content?
Can you detect solvent contamination?
Deliverables & Value-Added Services
- COA with ASTM methods, measured values, and uncertainty.
- Interpretation of deviations from target specifications.
- Sampling kits and witnessed sampling available for contractual testing.
Summary
AGT Labs’ ASTM-Aligned Xylene Testing delivers accurate, accredited results for purity indicators, colour, corrosivity, carbon residue, refractive index, conductivity, and light-end hydrocarbons, ensuring quality verification for industrial and commercial applications.