Designation: D4052 – 11

Standard Test Method for

Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by
Digital Density Meter1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4052; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.4 The values stated in SI units are regarded as the

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density, standard, unless stated otherwise, such as the “torr” units of
relative density, and API Gravity of petroleum distillates and pressure in Eq 1. The accepted units of measure for density are
viscous oils that can be handled in a normal fashion as liquids grams per millilitre (g/mL) or kilograms per cubic metre
at the temperature of test, utilizing either manual or automated (kg/m3).
sample injection equipment. Its application is restricted to 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
liquids with total vapor pressures (see Test Method D5191) safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
typically below 100 kPa and viscosities (see Test Method D445 responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
or D7042) typically below about 15 000 mm2/s at the tempera- priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ture of test. The total vapor pressure limitation however can be bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
extended to >100 kPa provided that it is first ascertained that no warning statements, see 7.4, 7.5, and 10.3.
bubbles form in the U-shaped, oscillating tube, which can 2. Referenced Documents
affect the density determination. Some examples of products
that may be tested by this procedure include: gasoline and 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
gasoline-oxygenate blends, diesel, jet, basestocks, waxes, and D287 Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and
lubricating oils. Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
1.1.1 Waxes and highly viscous samples were not included D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
in the 1999 interlaboratory study (ILS) sample set that was and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
used to determine the current precision statements of the ity)
method, since all samples evaluated at the time were analyzed D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
at a test temperature of 15°C. Wax and highly viscous samples D1250 Guide for Use of the Petroleum Measurement Tables
require a temperature cell operated at elevated temperatures D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
necessary to ensure a liquid test specimen is introduced for Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid
analysis. Consult instrument manufacturer instructions for Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
appropriate guidance and precautions when attempting to D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
analyze wax or highly viscous samples. Refer to the Precision Petroleum Products
and Bias section of the method and Note 8 for more detailed D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and
information about the 1999 ILS that was conducted. Petroleum Products
1.2 In cases of dispute, the referee method is the one where D4377 Test Method for Water in Crude Oils by Potentio-
samples are introduced manually as in 6.3 or 6.4, as appropri- metric Karl Fischer Titration
ate for sample type. D5002 Test Method for Density and Relative Density of
1.3 This test method should not be applied to samples so Crude Oils by Digital Density Analyzer
dark in color that the absence of air bubbles in the sample cell D5191 Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Prod-
cannot be established with certainty. For the determination of ucts (Mini Method)
density in crude oil samples use Test Method D5002. D7042 Test Method for Dynamic Viscosity and Density of
Liquids by Stabinger Viscometer (and the Calculation of
Kinematic Viscosity)
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
D02.04.0D on Physical and Chemical Methods. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2011. Published December 2011. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D4052–09. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D4052-11. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright (c) ASTM International. 100 Barr Harbour Dr., PO Box C-700 West Conshohocken PA. USA

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D4052 – 11
3. Terminology 6.4 Flow-Through or Pressure Adapter, for use as an
3.1 Definitions: alternative means of introducing the sample into the density
3.1.1 density, n—mass per unit volume at a specified analyzer either by a pump, by pressure, or by vacuum.
temperature. NOTE 1—It is highly recommended that a vacuum not be applied to
3.1.2 relative density, n—the ratio of the density of a samples prone to light-end loss, as it can easily lead to the formation of
material at a stated temperature to the density of water at a bubbles. It is recommended to fabricate a special cap or stopper for sample
stated temperature. containers so that air, such as from a squeeze pump, is used to displace a
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: test specimen to the U-tube measuring cell by the flow-through method.
3.2.1 adjustment, v—the operation of bringing the instru- 6.5 Autosampler, required for use in automated injection
ment to a state of performance suitable for its use, by setting or analyses. The autosampler shall be designed to ensure the
adjusting the density meter constants. integrity of the test specimen prior to and during the analysis
3.2.1.1 Discussion—On some digital density analyzer in- and be equipped to transfer a representative portion of test
struments, an adjustment may be made rather than calibrating specimen to the digital density analyzer.
the instrument. The adjustment procedure uses air and redis- 6.6 Temperature Sensing Device (TSD), capable of monitor-
tilled, freshly boiled water (Warning—Handling water at ing the observed test temperature to within an accuracy of
boiling or near boiling temperature can present a safety hazard. 6 0.05°C. If a liquid-in-glass thermometer is used as the TSD,
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.) as standards it shall be calibrated and graduated to 0.1°C, and have a holder
to establish the linearity of measurements over a range of that can be attached to the instrument for setting and observing
operating temperatures. the test temperature. In calibrating the thermometer, the ice
3.2.2 calibration, v—set of operations that establishes the point and bore connections should be estimated to the nearest
relationship between the reference density of standards and the 0.05°C. For non-mercurial thermometers, the TSD device shall
corresponding density reading of the instrument. be calibrated at least annually against a certified and traceable
standard.
4. Summary of Test Method 6.7 Ultrasonic Bath, Unheated, (optional), of suitable di-
4.1 A small volume (approximately 1 to 2 mL) of liquid mensions to hold container(s) placed inside of bath, for use in
sample is introduced into an oscillating sample tube and the effectively dissipating and removing air or gas bubbles that
change in oscillating frequency caused by the change in the may be entrained in viscous sample types prior to analysis.
mass of the tube is used in conjunction with calibration data to
determine the density, relative density, or API Gravity of the 7. Reagents and Materials
sample. Both manual and automated injection techniques are 7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
described. used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
5. Significance and Use all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
tee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society,
5.1 Density is a fundamental physical property that can be where such specifications are available.3 Other grades may be
used in conjunction with other properties to characterize both used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
the light and heavy fractions of petroleum and petroleum sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
products. accuracy of the determination.
5.2 Determination of the density or relative density of 7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
petroleum and its products is necessary for the conversion of to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined
measured volumes to volumes at the standard temperature of by Type II of Specification D1193 or higher.
15°C. 7.3 Water, redistilled, freshly boiled (Warning—Handling
6. Apparatus water at boiling or near boiling temperature can present a
safety hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective equip-
6.1 Digital Density Analyzer—A digital analyzer consisting
ment.) reagent water for use as a primary calibration standard.
of a U-shaped, oscillating sample tube and a system for
7.4 Cleaning Solvent, such as petroleum naphtha 4
electronic excitation, frequency counting, and display. The
(Warning—Petroleum naphtha is extremely flammable), or
analyzer shall accommodate the accurate measurement of the
other materials that are capable of flushing and removing
sample temperature during measurement or shall control the
samples entirely from the sample tube.
sample temperature as described in 6.2. The instrument shall be
7.5 Acetone, for flushing and drying the sample tube.
capable of meeting the precision requirements described in this
(Warning—Extremely flammable.)
test method.
6.2 Circulating Constant-Temperature Bath, (optional), ca-
pable of maintaining the temperature of the circulating liquid 3
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
constant to 60.05°C in the desired range. Temperature control Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
can be maintained as part of the density analyzer instrument listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
package. Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
6.3 Syringes, for use primarily in manual injections, at least MD.
2 mL in volume with a tip or an adapter tip that will fit the 4
Suitable solvent naphthas are marketed under various designations such as
opening of the oscillating tube. “Petroleum Ether,” “Ligroine,” or “Precipitation Naphtha.”

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 2

D4052 – 11
7.6 Dry Air, for drying the oscillator tube. and control of the test temperature in the sample tube is
extremely important. An error of 0.1°C can result in a change
8. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units in density of one in the fourth decimal when measuring in units
8.1 Sampling is defined as all the steps required to obtain an of g/mL.)
aliquot of the contents of any pipe, tank, or other system, and
to place the sample into the laboratory test container. The 10. Calibration of Apparatus
laboratory test container and sample volume shall be of 10.1 As a minimum requirement, calibration of the instru-
sufficient capacity to mix the sample and obtain a homoge- ment is required when first set up, whenever the test tempera-
neous sample for analysis. ture is changed (unless the instrument is capable of performing
8.2 Laboratory Sample—Use only representative samples an adjustment; see 3.1.1.1 Discussion), or as dictated by quality
obtained as specified in Practices D4057 or D4177 for this test control (QC) sample results (see 11.1).
method. 10.2 When calibration of the instrument is required, it is
8.3 Test Specimen—A portion or volume of sample obtained necessary to calculate the values of the constants A and B from
from the laboratory sample and delivered to the density the periods of oscillation (T) observed when the sample cell
analyzer sample tube. The test specimen is obtained as follows: contains air and redistilled, freshly boiled (Warning—
8.3.1 Mix the sample if required to homogenize taking care Handling water at boiling or near boiling temperature can
to avoid the introduction of air bubbles. The mixing may be present a safety hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective
accomplished as described in Practice D4177 or Test Method equipment.) reagent water. Other calibrating materials such as
D4377. Mixing at room temperature in an open container can n-nonane, n-tridecane, cyclohexane, and n-hexadecane (for
result in the loss of volatile material from certain sample types high temperature applications) can also be used as appropriate,
(for example, gasoline samples), so mixing in closed, pressur- provided the reference materials have density values that are
ized containers or at least 10°C below ambient temperature is certified and traceable to national standards.
required for such sample types where loss of volatile material
is a potential concern. For some sample types, such as viscous NOTE 4—On certain newer, commercially available instruments, a
lube oils that are prone to having entrained air or gas bubbles viscosity correction feature may be available and utilized in density
determinations to minimize potential biases. Refer to information in the
present in the sample, the use of an ultrasonic bath (see 6.7) Section 15 for more specifics.
without the heater turned on (if so equipped), has been found
effective in dissipating bubbles typically within 10 min. 10.2.1 While monitoring the oscillator period, T, flush the
sample tube with cleaning solvent, followed with an acetone
NOTE 2—When mixing samples with volatile components, consider the
sample properties in relation to both ambient temperature and pressure.
flush and dry with dry air. Contaminated or humid air can affect
the calibration. When these conditions exist in the laboratory,
8.3.2 For manual injections, draw the test specimen from a pass the air used for calibration through a suitable purification
properly mixed laboratory sample using an appropriate sy- and drying train. In addition, the inlet and outlet ports for the
ringe. If the proper density analyzer attachments and connect- U-tube must be plugged during measurement of the calibration
ing tubes are used, as described in 6.4, then the test specimen air to prevent ingress of moist air.
can be delivered directly to the analyzer’s sample tube from the 10.2.2 Allow the dry air in the U-tube to come to thermal
mixing container. For automated injections, it is necessary to equilibrium with the test temperature and record the T-value
first transfer a portion of sample by appropriate means from a for air.
properly mixed laboratory sample to the autosampler vials, and 10.2.3 Introduce a small volume (about 1 to 2 mL) of
take the necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the test redistilled, freshly boiled (Warning—Handling water at boil-
specimen prior to and during the analysis. Sample vials for the ing or near boiling temperature can present a safety hazard.
autosampler shall be sealed immediately after filling up to 80 Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.) reagent wa-
6 5% and shall be kept closed until the auto sampler transfers ter into the sample tube using a suitable syringe or alternate, as
the test specimen into the measuring cell. For highly volatile described in 6.4 and 6.5. The test portion must be homoge-
samples, cool the sample prior to measurement. Follow the neous and free of even the smallest air or gas bubbles. Allow
manufacturer’s instructions. the display to reach a steady reading and record the T-value for
NOTE 3—Overfilled sample vials can result in cross-contamination water.
between sample vials. 10.2.4 Calculate the density of air at the temperature of test
using the following equation:
9. Preparation of Apparatus
da, g/mL 5 0.001293[273.15/T#@P/760] (1)
9.1 Set up the density analyzer (including the constant
temperature bath and related attachments, if necessary) follow- where:
ing the manufacturer’s instructions. Adjust the bath or internal T = temperature, K, and
temperature control so that the desired test temperature is P = barometric pressure, torr.
established and maintained in the sample compartment of the 10.2.5 Determine the density of water at the temperature of
analyzer. Calibrate the instrument at the same temperature at test by reference to Table 1.
which the density or relative density of the sample is to be 10.2.6 Using the observed T-values and the reference values
measured or perform an adjustment (see 3.2.1–Discussion) in for water and air, calculate the values of the Constants A and B
preparation of analyzing samples. (Warning—Precise setting using the following equations:

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D4052 – 11
TABLE 1 Density of WaterA constant B commencing with the last decimal place until the
Temperature, Density, Temperature, Density, Temperature, Density, correct density is displayed.
°C g/mL °C g/mL °C g/mL 10.3.2 If adjustment to constant B was necessary in 10.3.1
0.0 0.999840 21.0 0.997991 40.0 0.992212 then continue the recalibration by introducing redistilled,
3.0 0.999964 22.0 0.997769 45.0 0.990208
4.0 0.999972 23.0 0.997537 50.0 0.988030
freshly boiled (Warning—Handling water at boiling or near
5.0 0.999964 24.0 0.997295 55.0 0.985688 boiling temperature can present a safety hazard. Wear appro-
10.0 0.999699 25.0 0.997043 60.0 0.983191 priate personal protective equipment.) reagent water into the
15.0 0.999099 26.0 0.996782 65.0 0.980546
15.56 0.999012 27.0 0.996511 70.0 0.977759
sample tube as described in 10.2.3 and allow the display to
16.0 0.998943 28.0 0.996231 75.0 0.974837 reach a steady reading. If the instrument has been calibrated to
17.0 0.998774 29.0 0.995943 80.0 0.971785 display the density, adjust the reading to the correct value for
18.0 0.998595 30.0 0.995645 85.0 0.968606
19.0 0.998404 35.0 0.994029 90.0 0.965305
water at the test temperature (Table 1) by changing the value of
20.0 0.998203 37.78 0.993042 100 0.958345 constant A, commencing with the last decimal place. If the
A
Densities conforming to the International Temperature Scale 1990 (ITS 90) instrument has been calibrated to display the relative density,
were extracted from Appendix G, Standard Methods for Analysis of Petroleum and adjust the reading to the value 1.0000.
Related Products 1991, Institute of Petroleum, London.
NOTE 5—If performing a weekly calibration adjustment, it can be found
that more than one value each for A and B, differing in the fourth decimal
A5 [Tw2 – Ta2#/[dw – da # (2) place, will yield the correct density reading for the density of air and
water. The setting chosen would then be dependent upon whether it was
B 5 Ta2 – ~A 3 da! (3) approached from a higher or lower value. The setting selected by this
method could have the effect of altering the fourth place of the reading
obtained for a sample.
Tw = observed period of oscillation for cell containing 10.4 Some analyzer models are designed to display the
water, measured period of oscillation only (T-values) and their
Ta = observed period of oscillation for cell containing air, calibration requires the determination of an instrument constant
dw = density of water at test temperature, and K, which must be used to calculate the density or relative
da = density of air at test temperature. density from the observed data.
10.2.6.1 Alternatively, use the T and d values for the other 10.4.1 Flush and dry the sample tube as described in 10.2.1
reference liquid if one is used. and allow the display to reach a steady reading. Record the
10.2.7 If the instrument is equipped to calculate density T-value for air.
from the constants A and B and the observed T-value from the 10.4.2 Introduce redistilled, freshly boiled (Warning—
sample, then enter the constants in the instrument memory in Handling water at boiling or near boiling temperature can
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, present a safety hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective
if the instrument is equipped to do so, let it make the equipment.) reagent water into the sample tube as described in
appropriate corrections in the calibration or adjustment con- 10.2.3, allow the display to reach a steady reading and record
stants as part of the built in calibration or adjustment proce- the T-value for water.
dure. 10.4.3 Using the observed T-values and the reference values
10.2.8 Check the calibration and adjust if needed by per- for water and air (10.2.4 and 10.2.5), calculate the instrument
forming the routine calibration check described in 10.3. constant K using the following equations:
10.2.9 To calibrate the instrument to display relative den- For density:
sity, that is, the density of the sample at a given temperature
referred to the density of water at the same temperature, follow K1 5 [dw – da#/[Tw2 – Ta2# (4)
10.2.1-10.2.7, but substitute 1.000 for dw in performing the For relative density:
calculations described in 10.2.6.
K2 5 [1.0000 – da#/[Tw2 – Ta2# (5)
10.3 On some density meter analyzers, weekly calibration
adjustments to constants A and B can be made if required, where:
without repeating the calculation procedure. The need for a Tw = observed period of oscillation for cell containing
change in calibration is generally attributable to deposits in the water,
sample tube that are not removed by the routine flushing Ta = observed period of oscillation for cell containing air,
procedure. Although this condition can be compensated for by dw = density of water at test temperature, and
adjusting A and B, it is good practice to clean the tube with a da = density of air at test temperature.
strong oxidizing acid (Warning—Causes severe burns) or
surfactant cleaning fluids whenever a major adjustment is 11. Quality Control Checks
required. 11.1 Confirm the instrument is in statistical control at least
10.3.1 Flush and dry the sample tube as described in 10.2.1 once a week when it is in use, by analyzing a quality control
and allow the display to reach a steady reading. If the display (QC) sample that is representative of samples typically ana-
does not exhibit the correct density for air at the temperature of lyzed. Analysis of a single QC sample can be sufficient.
test, repeat the cleaning procedure or adjust the value of Analysis of QC sample results can be carried out using control

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 4

D4052 – 11
chart techniques.5 If the QC sample result determined causes tion, as well as taking the average of two manual injections,
the lab to be in an out-of-control situation, such as exceeding was evaluated. See the Precision and Bias section for more
the lab’s control limits, instrument recalibration or adjustment details. If the lab performs a single manual determination, the
is required. An ample supply of QC sample material should be density, relative density, or API Gravity values recorded in
available for the intended period of use, and must be homoge- 12.1.5, or a combination thereof, is to be used for reporting
neous and stable under the anticipated storage conditions. Prior purposes. In most cases, a single manual injection determina-
to monitoring the measurement process, the user of the method tion is sufficient for sample analysis.
needs to determine the average and control limits of the QC 12.1.6.1 If the lab decides to perform a second manual
sample. The QC sample precision should be checked against injection determination for a given sample, repeat 12.1.1-
the method precision to ensure data quality. 12.1.5. If the two determinations do not differ by more than
11.2 Although not mandatory, it is recommended that peri- 0.0002 g/mL for density or 0.0002 for relative density, average
odic analyses of certified density standards (i.e., traceable to the two determinations, otherwise, discard both determinations
national standards) that are separate from those that may be and repeat the analysis using two new test specimens until the
used in calibrating the instrument, be used to confirm testing acceptance criteria identified above is satisfied. With respect to
accuracy. API Gravity determinations of gasoline or RFG samples, if the
two determinations do not differ by more than 0.05° API
12. Procedure
Gravity units, average the two determinations, otherwise,
12.1 Manual Injection: discard both determinations and repeat the analysis using two
12.1.1 Introduce a small amount (about 1 to 2 mL) of new test specimens until the acceptance criteria is satisfied.
sample into the clean, dry sample tube of the instrument using With respect to API Gravity determinations of distillates,
a suitable syringe or alternative, as described in 6.4. basestocks, and lubricating oils, follow the protocol in the prior
12.1.2 The sample can also be introduced by siphoning. sentence except use 0.03° API Gravity units as the acceptance
Plug the external TFE-fluorocarbon capillary tube into the criteria. Averaged results meeting the criteria identified in this
entry port of the sample tube. Immerse the other end of the section is to be used for reporting purposes.
capillary in the sample and apply suction to the other port using
a syringe or vacuum line until the sample tube is properly filled 12.2 Automated Injection:
(see Note 1). 12.2.1 The use of an autosampler (see 6.5) is required when
12.1.3 Ensure that the sample tube is properly filled and that analyzing samples by automated injection. Follow manufactur-
no gas bubbles are present. The sample must be homogeneous er’s instructions for ensuring the integrity of the test specimen
and free of even the smallest gas bubbles. Check the integrity prior to analysis, as well as transferring a representative test
of the filled sample by using optical or physical methods to specimen into the instrument for analysis.
verify absence of gas bubbles. If gas bubbles are detected, 12.2.2 When using an autosampler, it is required, based on
empty and refill the sample tube, and recheck for gas bubbles. the results obtained in the 1999 ILS6 to analyze gasoline or
NOTE 6—If the sample is too dark in color to determine the absence of RFG samples using two separate test specimens per sample, in
bubbles with certainty, the density cannot be measured within the stated order that errors due to potential sample handling of volatile
precision limits of Section 15. materials and potential bubble formation may be detected and
12.1.4 For most instrument models, it is recommended to the system performance monitored. For all other sample types,
turn the illumination light off with minimal delay after sample a single determination using an autosampler is sufficient.
introduction and checking for bubbles because the heat gener- 12.2.2.1 If the lab decides to perform a second automated
ated can affect the measurement temperature. For some models injection determination for a given distillate, basestock, or
however, the cell light may be left on without affecting results. lubricating oil (see Note 8 and the Precision and Bias section),
Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning use the same acceptance criteria in 12.1.6.1 for allowed
whether to leave the illumination light off or on. differences between each determination for density (0.0002 g/
12.1.5 After the instrument displays a steady reading to four mL), relative density (0.0002) and API Gravity units (0.03°) as
significant figures for density, relative density, or API Gravity, for manually injected samples. Averaged results meeting the
and five for T-values, indicating that temperature equilibrium necessary acceptance criteria are to be used for reporting
has been reached, record the density, relative density, API purposes.
Gravity or T-values, or both, as appropriate. For instruments 12.2.3 For determining the density or relative density of
that can print out results from the display, the print out can be gasoline or RFG samples analyzed by automated injection,
used to meet the recording requirements. average the results of the two separate test specimens analyzed
12.1.6 Based on the 1999 ILS6 testing protocols (see Note in 12.2.2 if the two determinations are within 0.0002 mg/L of
8), precision determinations involving a single manual injec- one another for density (or 0.0002 for relative density). If the
two determinations fall outside this acceptance criteria, both
determinations are to be discarded and 12.2.2 shall be repeated
5
ASTM MNL 7, Manual on Presentation of Data Control Chart Analysis, until the acceptance criteria identified in the previous sentence
Section 3: Control Charts for Individuals, 6th ed., ASTM International, W. is satisfied. In cases where the acceptance criteria is not
Conshohocken, PA.
6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may initially satisfied, the lab may need to investigate and take
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1734. corrective actions before proceeding with subsequent analyses.

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D4052 – 11
TABLE 2 Density (g/mL) and Relative Density (Repeatability)
Range Sample Types Testing Condition Repeatability
0.71–0.78 Gasoline and RFG Single Determination 0.00045
(Manual injection)
Average of 2 Determinations 0.00031
(Manual or automated injections)
0.80–0.88 Distillates, Basestocks, and Single Determination 0.00016
Lubricating Oils (Manual or automated injection)
Average of 2 Determinations 0.00011
(Manual or automated injections)

12.2.4 For determining the API Gravity of gasoline or RFG excludes the glass expansion factor), for the specific sample type being
samples analyzed by automated injection, follow the same analyzed.
protocol defined in 12.2.3, except that the acceptance criteria 14. Report
for the results of the two determinations for API Gravity are to
be within 0.05° API Gravity units before averaging and 14.1 In reporting density, state the test temperature and the
reporting the results. units (for example: density at 20°C = 0.8765 g/mL or 876.5 kg/
12.2.5 Record the density, relative density, or API Gravity m3).
results, or a combination thereof, determined by the analyses as 14.2 In reporting relative density, state both the test tem-
appropriate, such as by using the instrument print out of results perature and the reference temperature, but no units (for
to meet the recording requirements. example: relative density, 20/20°C = 0.xxxx).
14.3 Report the final result for density or relative density to
13. Calculation four significant figures.
14.4 If reporting sample results in API gravity units (see
13.1 Calculating Density Analyzers—The recorded or Note 7), report the final results to the nearest 0.1° API.
printed value is the final result when a single determination is 14.5 In some cases, it may be necessary to report if results
conducted (or taking the average of two determinations as the were based on a single determination or an average of two
final result as identified in Section 12), expressed either as determinations, as well as if results were determined by manual
density in g/mL, kg/m3 or as relative density. Note that kg/m3 = injection or automated injection to meet specific requirements,
1000 3 g/mL. such as data recipients wanting to know such information in
13.2 Noncalculating Density Analyzers—Using the ob- order to understand how to interpret results relative to the
served T-value for the sample and the T-value for water and published method precision values. In such cases, it is permis-
appropriate instrument constants determined in 10.4.3, calcu- sible to report this information along with the test results.
late the density or relative density using Eq 6 and 7. Carry out
all calculations to six significant figures and round the final 15. Precision and Bias 6
results to four. 15.1 The precision of the method as obtained by statistical
For density: examination of interlaboratory test results at a test temperature
density, g/mL ~kg/m3! at t 5 dw 1 K1~Ts2 – Tw2! (6) of 15°C is as follows for the following sample types and
For relative density: ranges:
15.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive
relative density, t/t 5 1 1 K2~Ts2 – Tw2! (7) test results obtained by the same operator with the same
apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
where:
Tw = observed period of oscillation for cell containing material, would in the long run, in the normal and correct
water, operation of the test method, exceed the following value only
Ts = observed period of oscillation for cell containing in one case in twenty:
sample, 15.1.1.1 Density (g/mL) and Relative Density—See Table 2.
dw = density of water at test temperature, 15.1.1.2 API Gravity—See Table 3.
K1 = instrument constant for density, 15.1.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single
K2 = instrument constant for relative density, and and independent results, obtained by different operators work-
T = temperature of test, °C. ing in different laboratories on identical test material, would in
13.3 If it is necessary to convert a result obtained using the the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test
density meter to API Gravity, or a density or relative density at method, exceed the following values only in one case in
another temperature, Guide D1250 can be used only if the glass twenty:
expansion factor has been excluded. 15.1.2.1 Density (g/mL) and Relative Density—See Table 4.
15.1.2.2 API Gravity—See Table 5.
NOTE 7—Some digital density analyzers are equipped to automatically
calculate and report sample results in API gravity units (see Test Method NOTE 8—The ASTM Interlaboratory Study (ILS) conducted in Fall
D287 or D1298), based on the density or relative density results, or a 19996 involved 11 labs and 23 samples. The samples included 5 motor
combination thereof, determined by this test method and using the gasolines, 1 motor gasoline + ethanol, 4 reformulated gasolines (RFG), 2
appropriate conversion equation derived from Guide D1250 (which lube oils, 1 basestock oil, 4 Jet-A fuels, 1 JP8 fuel, and 5 diesel fuels. The

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 6

D4052 – 11
TABLE 3 API Gravity (Repeatability)
Range Sample Types Testing Condition Repeatability
51–66 Gasoline and RFG Single Determination 0.090
(Manual injection)
Average of 2 Determinations 0.063
(Manual or automated injections)
29–45 Distillates, Basestocks, and Single Determination 0.032
Lubricating Oils (Manual or automated injection)
Average of 2 Determinations 0.022
(Manual or automated injections)

TABLE 4 Density (g/mL) and Relative Density (Reproducibility)

Range Sample Types Testing Condition Reproducibility
0.71–0.78 Gasoline and RFG Single Determination 0.00190–0.0344 (D–0.75)
(Manual injection)
Average of 2 Determinations 0.00195–0.0315 (D–0.75)
(Manual or automated injections)
0.80–0.88 Distillates, Basestocks, and Single Determination 0.00052
Lubricating Oils (Manual or automated injection)
Average of 2 Determinations 0.00050
(Manual or automated injections)
where: D = density or relative density value obtained

TABLE 5 API Gravity (Reproducibility)

Range Sample Types Testing Condition Reproducibility
51–66 Gasoline and RFG Single Determination 0.60 + 0.040 (G–60)
(Manual injection)
Average of 2 Determinations 0.60 + 0.037 (G–60)
(Manual or automated injections)
29–45 Distillates, Basestocks and Single Determination 0.133
Lubricating Oils (Manual or automated injection)
Average of 2 Determinations 0.128
(Manual or automated injections)
where: G = API Gravity value obtained

ILS protocol required labs to perform a total of four measurements per psi (RFG9809). This corresponds to an approximate total vapor pressure
sample, which included both manual and automated injections, with the range of 54 to 92 kPa.
first two determinations representing the first analysis set and the second
15.2 Bias—After suggestions of its existence from litera-
two determinations representing the second analysis set. This protocol was
used to evaluate if a precision effect existed between taking the first ture,7 a study has been performed which has confirmed the
determination from each analysis set (i.e., single determination) versus presence of a bias between known density values for reference
taking the average of the two determinations from each analysis set, as materials and from values determined according to this test
well as determining if there was a precision effect between manual and method on the same reference materials. The matrix for this
automated injections. The repeatability and reproducibility statements bias study comprised 15 participants, each analyzing four
determined by the statistician reflect the corresponding precision values reference oils with certified density values, established by the
associated with testing conditions identified. It should be noted that the
precision statements determined for the gasoline and RFG sample types in
Netherlands Meet Instituut (NMI), by pyknometry, covering
the 1999 ILS were poorer than expected relative to the precision densities in the range of 747 to 927 kg/m3 at 20°C, with
statements determined for the distillates, basestocks, and lubricating oils viscosities between 1 and 5000 mPa.s (also at 20°C). This
as well as relative to the previously published method version precision study is documented in ASTM Research Report RR:D02-
statements (which were based on the analysis of just three pure com- 1387.8 Method users should, therefore, be aware that results
pounds (benzene, toluene, and xylene) analyzed by 3 labs in duplicate). obtained by this test method can be biased by as much as 0.6
The poorer than expected precision statements for the gasoline and RFG
kg/m3 (0.0006 g/mL).
sample types are likely due to the volatile nature of these materials, even
though the ILS participants were provided instructions for how to properly NOTE 10—Newer instrumentation exists which purports to correct
handle these materials to minimize or prevent sample losses. The density results due to the influence of viscosity. However, the responsible
subcommittee responsible for the method is planning to conduct a ASTM Technical Committee has not yet performed a new interlaboratory
subsequent ILS for gasoline and RFG sample types with additional study to confirm the elimination of the bias described in ASTM Research
scrutiny paid to sample handling issues as a means to try and improve the Report RR:D02-1387.8
precision statements for these materials.
NOTE 9—Four (4) of the samples analyzed in the ILS indicated in Note
8 were ASTM Interlaboratory Crosscheck samples (that is, Gaso- 7
Fitzgerald, H. and D., “An Assessment of Laboratory Density Meters,”
line–MG9808 and MG9812, RFG–RFG9807, and RFG9809). The robust Petroleum Review, November 1992, pp. 544–549.
mean of the total vapor pressures reported by Test Method D5191 for 8
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
these samples ranged from a low of 7.77 psi (MG9808) to a high of 13.40 be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1387.

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D4052 – 11
16. Keywords
16.1 API Gravity; density; digital density analyzer; petro-
leum distillates; petroleum products; relative density

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.04 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D4052–09) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Revised 8.3.1, 8.3.2, 12.1.3, and 12.1.4. (2) Revised 1.1.1, 3.2.1– Discussion, 7.3, 10.2, 10.2.3, 10.3.2,
and 10.4.2.

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