ASTM D1298 12b
ASTM D1298 12b
ASTM D1298 12b
Designation: 160/99
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination using a glass hydrometer in conjunction with a series of calculations,
of the density, relative density, or API gravity of crude petroleum, petroleum products, or mixtures of petroleum and nonpetroleum
products normally handled as liquids, and having a Reid vapor pressure of 101.325 kPa (14.696 psi) or less. Values are determined
at existing temperatures and corrected to 15°C or 60°F by means of a series of calculations and international standard tables.
1.2 The initial hydrometer readings obtained are uncorrected hydrometer readings and not density measurements. Readings are
measured on a hydrometer at either the reference temperature or at another convenient temperature, and readings are corrected for
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the meniscus effect, the thermal glass expansion effect, alternate calibration temperature effects and to the reference temperature
by means of the Petroleum Measurement Tables; values obtained at other than the reference temperature being hydrometer readings
and not density measurements.
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1.3 Readings determined as density, relative density, or API gravity can be converted to equivalent values in the other units or
alternate reference temperatures by means of Interconversion Procedures (API MPMS Chapter 11.5), or Adjunct to D1250 Guide
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for Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1), or both, or tables, as applicable.
1.4 The initial hydrometer readings determined in the laboratory shall be recorded before performing any calculations. The
calculations required in Section 10 shall be applied to the initial hydrometer reading with observations and results reported as
required by Section 11 prior to use in a subsequent calculation procedure (ticket calculation, meter factor calculation, or base
prover volume determination). ASTM D1298-12b
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1.5 Annex A1 contains a procedure for verifying or certifying the equipment for this test method.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information
only.
1.7 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D1250 Guide for Use of the Petroleum Measurement Tables
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (API MPMS Chapter 8.1)
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (API MPMS Chapter 8.2)
D5854 Practice for Mixing and Handling of Liquid Samples of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (API MPMS Chapter 8.3)
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and the API Committee on Petroleum Measurement, and is
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.02 /COMQ, the joint ASTM-API Committee on Hydrocarbon Measurement for Custody Transfer (Joint ASTM-API).
Current edition approved May 15,June 1, 2012. Published October 2012. Originally approved in 1953. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1298–12a. DOI:
10.1520/D1298-12AB.
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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D1298 – 12b
2.2 API Standards:3
MPMS Chapter 8.1 Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (ASTM Practice D4057)
MPMS Chapter 8.2 Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (ASTM Practice D4177)
MPMS Chapter 8.3 Mixing and Handling of Liquid Samples of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (ASTM Practice D5854)
MPMS Chapter 11.1-2004 including Addendum 1-2007Temperature and Pressure Volume Correction Factors for Generalized
Crude Oils, Refined Products and Lubricating Oilsi
MPMS Chapter 11.1 Temperature and Pressure Volume Correction Factors for Generalized Crude Oils, Refined Products and
Lubricating Oils (Adjunct to ASTM D1250)
MPMS Chapter 11.5 Density/Weight/Volume Intraconversion
2.3 Energy Institute Standards:4
IP 389 Determination of wax appearance temperature (WAT) of middle distillate fuels by differential thermal analysis (DTA)
or differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
IP Standard Methods Book, Appendix A, Specifications – IP Standard Thermometers
2.4 ISO Standards:5
ISO 649-1 Laboratory glassware – Density hydrometers for general purpose – Part 1: Specification
2.5 ASTM Adjuncts:
Adjunct to D1250Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1)6
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 API gravity, n—a special function of relative density (specific gravity) 60/60°F, represented by:
°API 5 [141.5 / ~relative density 60/60 °F!# 2 131.5 (1)
°API 5 [141.5 / ~relative density 60/60 °F!# 2 131.5 (1)
D1298-12B_1
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3.1.1.1 Discussion—No statement of reference temperature is required, as 60°F is included in the definition.
3.1.2 cloud point, n—temperature at which a cloud of wax crystals first appears in a liquid when it is cooled under specific
conditions.
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3.1.3 density, n—the mass of liquid per unit volume at 15°C and 101.325 kPa with the standard unit of measurement being
kilograms per cubic metre.
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3.1.3.1 Discussion—Other reference temperatures, such as 20°C, may be used for some products or in some locations. Less
preferred units of measurement (for example, kg/L or g/mL) are still in use.
3.1.4
3.1.4 hydrometer reading, n—the point on the hydrometerASTMscaleD1298-12b
at which the surface of the liquid cuts the scale.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—In practice for transparent fluids this can be readily determined by aligning the surface of the liquid on both
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sides of the hydrometer and reading the Hydrometer scale where these surface readings cut the scale (Hydrometer Reading –
Observed). For nontransparent fluids the point at which the liquid surface cuts the Hydrometer scale cannot be determined directly
and requires a correction (Meniscus Correction). The value represented by the point (Meniscus Reading) at which the liquid sample
rises above the main surface of the liquid subtracted from the value represented by where the main surface of the liquid cuts the
Hydrometer scale is the amount of the correction or Meniscus correction. This meniscus correction is documented and then
subtracted from the value represented by the Meniscus Reading to yield the Hydrometer Reading corrected for the Meniscus
(Hydrometer Reading – Observed, Meniscus Corrected).
3.1.5 observed values, n—values observed at temperatures other than the specified reference temperature. These values are only
hydrometer readings and not density, relative density (specific gravity), or API gravity at that other temperature.
3.1.5
3.1.6 pour point, n—lowest temperature at which a test portion of crude petroleum or petroleum product will continue to flow
when it is cooled under specified conditions.
3.1.6
3.1.7 relative density (specific gravity), n—the ratio of the mass of a given volume of liquid at a specific temperature to the mass
of an equal volume of pure water at the same or different temperature. Both reference temperatures shall be explicitly stated.
3.1.6.1
3.1.7.1 Discussion—Common reference temperatures include 60/60°F, 20/20°C, 20/4°C. The historic deprecated term specific
gravity may still be found.
3.1.7
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Published as Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards. Available from the American Petroleum Institute (API), 1220 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20005.
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Available from Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish St., London, W1M 8AR, UK.
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Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
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Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. ADJD1250. Original adjunct produced in 1983.
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D1298 – 12b
3.1.8 wax appearance temperature (WAT), n—temperature at which waxy solids form when a crude petroleum or petroleum
product is cooled under specified conditions.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sample is brought to a specified temperature and a test portion is transferred to a hydrometer cylinder that has been
brought to approximately the same temperature. The appropriate hydrometer and thermometer, also at a similar temperature, are
lowered into the test portion and allowed to settle. After temperature equilibrium has been reached, the hydrometer scale is read,
and the temperature of the test portion is taken. The observed hydrometer reading is corrected for the meniscus effect, the thermal
glass expansion effect, alternate calibration temperature effects and then reduced to the reference temperature by means of the
volume correction factors or tables as applicable by use of the appropriate Adjunct to D1250Guide for Petroleum Measurement
Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) and observed temperature from the thermometer.
4.2 If necessary, the hydrometer cylinder and its contents are placed in a constant temperature bath to avoid excessive
temperature variation during the test.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Accurate determination of the density, relative density (specific gravity), or API gravity of petroleum and its products is
necessary for the conversion of measured volumes to volumes or masses, or both, at the standard reference temperatures of 15°C
or 60°F during custody transfer.
5.2 This procedure is most suitable for determining the density, relative density (specific gravity), or API gravity of low
viscosity transparent liquids. This procedure can also be used for viscous liquids by allowing sufficient time for the hydrometer
to reach temperature equilibrium, and for opaque liquids by employing a suitable meniscus correction. Additionally for both
transparent and opaque fluids the readings shall be corrected for the thermal glass expansion effect and alternate calibration
temperature effects before correcting to the reference temperature.
5.3 When used in connection with bulk oil measurements, volume correction errors are minimized by observing the hydrometer
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reading at a temperature close to that of the bulk oil temperature.
5.4 Density, relative density, or API gravity is a factor governing the quality and pricing of crude petroleum. However, this
property of petroleum is an uncertain indication of its quality unless correlated with other properties.
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5.5 Density is an important quality indicator for automotive, aviation and marine fuels, where it affects storage, handling and
combustion.
6. Apparatus Document Preview
6.1 Hydrometers, of glass, graduated in units of density, relative density, or API gravity as required, conforming to Specification
E100 or ISO 649-1, and the requirements given in Table 1.
6.1.1 The user should ascertain that the instruments ASTM
used D1298-12b
for this procedure conform to the requirements set out above with
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respect to materials, dimensions, and scale errors. In cases where the instrument is provided with a calibration certificate issued
by a recognized standardizing body, the instrument is classed as certified and the appropriate corrections for the meniscus effect,
the thermal glass expansion effect, and alternative calibration temperature effects shall be applied to the observed readings prior
to corrections. Instruments that satisfy the requirements of this test method, but are not provided with a recognized calibration
certificate, are classed as uncertified.
6.2 Thermometers, having range, graduation intervals and maximum permitted scale error shown in Table 2 and conforming to
Specification E1 or IP Appendix A.
6.2.1 Alternate measuring devices or systems may be used, provided that the total uncertainty of the calibrated system is no
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D1298 – 12b
TABLE 2 Recommended Thermometers
Scale Range Graduation Interval Scale Error
°C −1 - +38 0.1 6 0.1
°C −20 - +102 0.2 6 0.15
°F −5 - +215 0.5 6 0.25
greater than that specified in 6.2. The stated repeatability and reproducibility values are not applicable if alternate fluids are used
in the liquid-in-glass thermometers.
6.3 Hydrometer Cylinder, clear glass, or plastic (see 6.3.1). The inside diameter of the cylinder shall be at least 25 mm greater
than the outside diameter of the hydrometer and the height shall be such that the appropriate hydrometer floats in the sample test
portion with at least 25 mm clearance between the bottom of the hydrometer and the bottom of the cylinder.
6.3.1 Hydrometer cylinders constructed of plastic materials shall be resistant to discoloration or attack by oil samples and shall
not affect the material being tested. They shall not become opaque under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
6.4 Constant-Temperature Bath, if required, of dimensions such that it can accommodate the hydrometer cylinder with the test
portion fully immersed below the test portion liquid surface, and a temperature control system capable of maintaining the bath
temperature within 0.25°C of the test temperature throughout the duration of the test.
6.5 Stirring Rod, optional, of glass or plastic, approximately 400 mm in length.
7. Sampling
7.1 Unless otherwise specified, samples of non-volatile petroleum and petroleum products shall be taken by the procedures
described in Practice D4057 (API MPMS Chapter 8.1) and D4177 (API MPMS Chapter 8.2).
7.2 Samples of volatile crude petroleum or petroleum products are preferably taken by Practice D4177 (API MPMS Chapter
8.2), using a variable volume (floating piston) sample receiver to minimize any loss of light components which may affect the
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accuracy of the density measurement. In the absence of this facility, extreme care shall be taken to minimize these losses, including
the transfer of the sample to a chilled container immediately after sampling.
7.3 Sample Mixing—May be necessary to obtain a test portion representative of the bulk sample to be tested, but precautions
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shall be taken to maintain the integrity of the sample during this operation. Mixing of volatile crude petroleum or petroleum
products containing water or sediments, or both, or the heating of waxy volatile crude petroleum or petroleum products may result
7.3.1 Volatile Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products Having an RVP Greater than 50 kPa—Mix the sample in its original
closed container in order to minimize the loss of light components.
ASTM D1298-12b
NOTE 1—Mixing volatile samples in open containers will lead to loss of light components and consequently affect the value of the density obtained.
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7.3.2 Waxy Crude Petroleum—If the petroleum has an expected pour point above 10°C, or a cloud point or WAT above 15°C,
warm the sample to a temperature that is sufficient for ensuring the material is fluid enough to provide adequate mixing without
excessively heating the material that would otherwise compromise the integrity of the sample. Samples heated to 9°C above its
pour point, or 3°C above its cloud point or WAT have been found to be suitable temperatures to warm samples prior to mixing.
Whenever possible, mix the sample in its original closed container in order to minimize the loss of light components.
7.3.3 Waxy Distillate—Warm the sample to a temperature that is sufficient for ensuring the material is fluid enough to provide
adequate mixing without excessively heating the material that would otherwise compromise the integrity of the sample. Samples
heated to 3°C above its cloud point or WAT have been found to be suitable temperatures to warm samples prior to mixing.
7.3.4 Residual Fuel Oils—Heat the sample to the test temperature prior to mixing (see 9.1.1 and Note 4).
7.4 Additional information on the mixing and handling of liquid samples will be found in Practice D5854 (API MPMS Chapter
8.3).
9. Procedure
9.1 Temperature of Test:
9.1.1 Bring the sample to the test temperature which shall be such that the sample is sufficiently fluid but not so high as to cause
the loss of light components, nor so low as to result in the appearance of waxy solids in the test portion.
NOTE 2—The density, relative density or API gravity determined by the hydrometer is most accurate at or near the reference temperature.
NOTE 3—The volume and density, the relative density, and the API corrections in the volume correction tables are based on the average expansions
of a number of typical materials. Since the same coefficients were used in compiling each set of tables, corrections made over the same temperature
interval minimize errors arising from possible differences between the coefficient of the material under test and the standard coefficients. This effect
becomes more important as temperatures diverge from the reference temperature.
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D1298 – 12b
NOTE 4—The hydrometer reading is obtained at a temperature appropriate to the physico-chemical characteristics of the material under test. This
temperature is preferably close to the reference temperature, or when the value is used in conjunction with bulk oil measurements, within 3°C of the bulk
temperature (see 5.3).
9.1.2 For crude petroleum, bring the sample close to the reference temperature or, if wax is present, to 9°C above its expected
pour point or 3°C above its expected cloud point or WAT, whichever is higher.
NOTE 5—For crude petroleum an indication of the WAT can be found using IP 389, with the modification of using 50 µL 6 5 µL of sample. The
precision of WAT for crude petroleum using this technique has not been determined.
9.2 Density Measurement:
9.2.1 Bring the hydrometer cylinder and thermometer to within approximately 5°C of the test temperature.
9.2.2 Transfer the sample to the clean, temperature-stabilized hydrometer cylinder without splashing, to avoid the formation of
air bubbles, and minimize evaporation of the lower boiling constituents of more volatile samples. (Warning—Extremely
flammable. Vapors may cause flash fire!)
9.2.3 Transfer highly volatile samples by siphoning or water displacement. (Warning—Do not siphon by mouth as it could
result in ingestion of sample!)
9.2.3.1 Samples containing alcohol or other water-soluble materials should be placed into the cylinder by siphoning.
9.2.4 Remove any air bubbles formed after they have collected on the surface of the test portion, by touching them with a piece
of clean filter paper or other suitable means before inserting the hydrometer.
9.2.5 Place the cylinder containing the test portion in a vertical position in a location free from air currents and where the
temperature of the surrounding medium does not change more than 2°C during the time taken to complete the test. When the
temperature of the test portion differs by more than 2°C from ambient, use a constant temperature bath to maintain an even
temperature throughout the test duration.
9.2.6 Insert the appropriate thermometer or temperature measurement device and stir the test portion with a stirring rod, using
a combination of vertical and rotational motions to ensure uniform temperature and density throughout the hydrometer cylinder.
Record the temperature of the sample to the nearest 0.1°C and remove the thermometer/temperature measuring device and stirring
rod from the hydrometer cylinder.
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NOTE 6—If a liquid-in-glass thermometer is used, this is commonly used as the stirring rod.
9.2.7 Lower the appropriate(https://standards.iteh.ai)
hydrometer into the liquid and release when in a position of equilibrium, taking care to avoid
wetting the stem above the level at which it floats freely. For low viscosity transparent or translucent liquids observe the meniscus
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D1298 – 12b
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FIG. 1 Hydrometer Scale Reading for Transparent Liquids
temperature cannot be obtained, place the hydrometer cylinder in a constant temperature bath and repeat the procedure from 9.1.
ASTM
9.2.14 If the test temperature is higher than 38°C, allow all D1298-12b
hydrometers of the lead shot-in-wax type to drain and cool in a
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vertical position.
10. Calculation
10.1 Apply any relevant thermometer corrections to the temperature reading observed in 9.2.6 and 9.2.13 and record the average
of those two temperatures to the nearest 0.1 °C.
10.2 Record the observed hydrometer scale readings to the nearest 0.1 kg/m3 in density, 0.0001 g/mL, kg/L or relative density,
or 0.1° API for transparent liquids.
10.2.1 For opaque samples, apply the relevant meniscus correction given in Table 1 or determine it as indicated in 9.2.12.2 to
the observed hydrometer reading (9.2.12.2) as hydrometers are calibrated to be read at the principal surface of the liquid.
10.3 Apply any hydrometer correction identified in a calibration certificate to the observed reading and record the corrected
hydrometer scale reading to the nearest 0.1 kg/m3 in density, 0.0001 g/mL, kg/L or relative density, or 0.1 °API.
10.4 Application of the glass thermal expansion correction depends upon what version of Adjunct to D1250Guide for Petroleum
Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) will be used to calculate the base density.
(a) The 1980 version of the Adjunct to D1250Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) has the
hydrometer glass thermal expansion correction included. Input into the VCF software requires the Hydrometer Reading – Observed
or Hydrometer Reading – Observed, Meniscus Corrected in API, R.D., or kg/m3 units from 9.2.12.2, observed temperature of the
sample, and the built-in hydrometer glass thermal correction switch set to on (0) or off (1). It will return API or R.D. @ 60°F or
kg/m3@ 15°C.
(b) The 2004 version of the Adjunct to D1250Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) does not
include the hydrometer glass thermal expansion correction, so that correction must be made before entering the software.
Depending on the specific end use of the calculation results, the final value may be left rounded or unrounded.
The following steps are required to implement 10.4b:
Step 1. Convert the corrected hydrometer scale reading to density in kg/m3 if necessary, using either Eq 2 or Eq 3.
Scale Units Conversion
API gravity