Chapter 17
Measuring, Sampling, and Testing
Crude Oil
Don G. Chantey, ARCO oil & C&S CO.*
Introduction
In the early days of the petroleum industry, crude oil was
sold by the producer in various-size containers called
“the barrel.” It was not until 1866 that the Pennsylvania
Oil Producers had a meeting and established the size of a
standard oil barrel to be 42 U.S. gal at 60°F. As the
value of the oil increased and as the size and number of
sales grew, it became necessary to establish a set of
codes or standards by which the oil could be measured
accurately and a net volume determined.
The American Petroleum Inst. (API) first established
its Code 25 in April 1929, under the tentative title “API
Code on Measuring Field Production and Field Tanks. ’ ’
This code was superseded by API Standard 2500,
“Measuring, Sampling, and Testing Crude Oil” in
1955. API now publishes a two-volume, comprehensive
Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, which
represents all branches of the industry and is the
recognized standard. It serves as the unified method and
practice in measuring, sampling, and testing crude oil.
As the manual is revised and as new chapters are com-
pleted, the standard designations will be replaced by
chapter designations. The manual is being updated con-
tinually and care should be taken that the current stan-
dard or chapter is used.
Procedure for Typical Measuring,
Sampling, and Testing
The procedure given here is the API method currently
in effect for running a field tank of crude oil. Since there
are many variables that would alter this method, this pro-
cedure is applicable on/~) under specific conditions.
1. The tank is vertical, nonpressurized, fixed roof with
side outlets, and it is to be gauged by the innage method.
‘The wginal chapter on the topic m the 1962 edltion was taken from API Standard
25w
2. The oil is less than 100 seconds at 100°F (Saybolt
universal viscosity) and is a liquid at atmospheric
temperature and pressure.
3. A cup case thermometer is used to read temperature
of the oil in the tank.
4. A thief is used to obtain fluid samples from the
tank.
5. The API gravity scale hydrometer test method is
used to determine the API gravity of the oil; the
temperature of the oil has to be near 60°F (* 5°F).
6. The water and sediment in the oil is to be deter-
mined by the centrifuge method with a 203-mm [8-in.]
cone-shaped tube.
The following outline gives the sequence of steps to be
taken and the key points to be noted at each step.
1. Isolate the tank to be checked.
2. Use face mask and fresh air bottles if H2S hazard
exists.
3. Ground your body to stair railing or tank shell
before reaching the top. This prevents static electrical
discharge in a hazardous area.
4. Stand to the side of the hatch when opening to per-
mit wind to blow gas away from face.
5. Measure temperature. Suspend thermometer in oil
tank. Thermometer should be 12 in. or more from tank
shell and must be immersed in oil for 5 minutes.
Use an ASTM-approved, wood-back or corrosion-
resistant metal cup case. If atmospheric temperature dif-
fers by more than 20°F from that of the liquid in the
tank, the cup case should be given at least two
preliminary immersions. Empty the cup case after each
immersion.
Rapidly withdraw the thermometer and read and
record the temperature to the nearest 1°F.
Note: The number of temperature measurements varies
with the depth of the liquid. ’
17-2
In a tank containing more than 15 ft of liquid, three
measurements should be taken: (I) 3 ft below the top
surface of the liquid; (2) middle of the liquid; and (3) 3 fi
above bottom of the liquid.
In a tank containing 10 to 15 ft of liquid, two
measurements should be taken: (1) 3 ft below the top
surface of liquid; and (2) 3 ft above the bottom surface of
liquid.
In a tank containing less than 10 ft of liquid, one
measurement should be taken in the middle of the liquid.
For tanks over 10 ft high with a capacity of less than
5,000 bbl, one measurement in the middle of the liquid
should be taken.
6. With a thief, take sample(s) for basic sediment and
water (BS&W) centrifuge test.
Note: The number of samples to be taken for BS&W
determination varies. 2
In tanks larger than l,OOO-bbl capacity that contain
more than 15 ft of liquid, equal-volume samples should
be taken (I) 6 in. below the top of the liquid, (2) at the
middle of the liquid, and (3) at the outlet connection of
the merchantable oil, in the order named. This method
also may be used in tanks up to and including a capacity
of 1,000 bbl.
In a tank larger than l,OOO-bbl capacity that contains
more than 10 ft and up to 15 ft of liquid, equal-volume
samples should be taken (1) 6 in. below the top surface
of the liquid and (2) at the outlet connection of the mer-
chantable oil, in the order named. This method may be
used on tanks up to and including a capacity of 1,000
bbl.
In a tank larger than 1,OOO-bbl capacity that contains
10 ft or less liquid, one sample may be taken in the mid-
dle of the column of liquid.
7. Place BS&W composite sample in sample con-
tainer. Sample should be a blend of the upper, middle,
and lower (if three samples were required) containing
equal parts from the samples taken.
8. Seal sample container. In the lower 48 states, with
the exception of California, the sample is ready to be
tested for BS&W as described below in Step 17. In
California, the container should be labeled and delivered
to the laboratory for BS&W determination.
9. With a thief, take sample for gravity deterrnina-
tion.3 The sample should be taken midway between oil
surface and pipeline connection. Hang the thief in the
hatch. Remove bubbles. Place hydrometer in oil sample.
10. Determine and record sample temperature to
nearest 0.5”F. Hydrometer must float away from wall of
cylinder; temperature of surrounding media should not
change more than 5°F.
Depress hydrometer two scale divisions and release.
Read hydrometer to nearest 0.05”API on scale at
which surface of liquid cuts scale.
11. Read and record sample temperature to nearest
0.5”F. Repeat gravity reading if temperature of sample
before and after reading of gravity has changed more
than 1°F. Apply any relevant correction to observed
hydrometer reading (correction scale on bulb) to nearest
0.1 “API. Record the mean temperature reading observed
before and after final hydrometer reading to nearest 1“F.
Note: Hydrometer scale readings at temperatures other
than calibration temperatures (60°F) should not be con-
sidered more than scale readings since the hydrometer
bulb changes with temperature.
PETROLEUM ENGINEERING HANDBOOK
12. Convert relevant corrcctcd value to standard
temperatures. USC Table SA” for crude oils.
13. Take bottom thief sample for BS&W height.
Lower the clean, dry thief slowly into the oil to the
desired depth, trip thief and raise slowly to avoid agita-
tion. When sample is taken, the top of the thief must be
two inches above the bottom of the pipeline connections.
14. Determine and record BS&W height in the tank.
Pour remaining thief sample over a test glass until con-
tamination appears. Measure and record (as the BS&W
height) the distance from the bottom of the thief to the
top of the contamination in the thief. If BS&W height is
less than 4 in. from the bottom of the pipeline connec-
tion, do not run the tank.
15. Gauge the tank.4 Do not gauge a boiling or foam-
ing tank. Use steel innage tape with innage plumb bob.
Always make contact between gauge line and hatch
while running tape into tank.
Gauge the tank only at the reference point on the gaug-
ing hatch. On tanks of 1,OOO-bblcapacity or less, read to
the nearest % in. On tanks of 1,000 bbl or more, read to
the nearest ‘/s in.
Record the reading immediately. Repeat the above un-
til two identical gauges are obtained.
16. Saturate solvent with water. 5 Toluene is approved
solvent. It is flammable and toxic. Care should be taken
when using toluene.
Fill a 1-qt or 1-L glass bottle with a screw top with 700
to 800 mL toluene. Add 25 mL of either distilled or tap
water. Screw cap on. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Loosen cap.
Place bottle in bath for 30 minutes. Maintain bath at a
constant temperature of 140°F + 5°F.
Remove, tighten cap and shake vigorously for 30
seconds. Repeat three times.
Allow bottle of water/toluene mixture to sit in bath for
48 hr before using. Be sure no free water is left in bottle.
17. Shake sample container until sample is well
mixed.
Fill each of two 203-mm [8-in.] cone-shaped cen-
trifuge tubes with 50 mL of sample.
Use pipette to add 50 mL of toluene. Toluene should
be water saturated at 140°F. Read top of meniscus at
both the 50 and 100 mL marks.
Add 0.2 mL demulsifier if necessary for clean break in
oil/water contact.
Stopper the tube tightly. Invert tube 10 times to ensure
that oil and solvent are uniformly mixed.
18. Loosen stopper slightly. Immerse tube to the 100
mL mark in bath for 15 minutes. Bath must maintain
140”Fk 5°F; by contract agreement the bath
temperature may be 120”Fk5”F.
Remove tube from bath and tighten stopper. Invert
tube 10 times to ensure that oil and solvent are uniformly
mixed.
19. Place tubes in trunnion cups on opposite sides of
centrifuge. Spin for 10 minutes while maintaining
minimum relative centrifuge force of 600.
Following spinning, read and record the combined
volume of water and sediment at the bottom of each
tube. Read to the nearest 0.05 mL for oil from 0.1 to 1
MEASURING, SAMPLING & TESTING CRUDE OIL
mL graduation. Read to nearest 0.1 mL above 1 mL
graduation. Estimate to nearest 0.025 mL below 0. I-mL
graduation.
Return tube to centrifuge without agitation. Spin for
10 minutes at same rate. Repeat this operation until the
combined volume of water and sediment remains con-
stant on two consecutive readings.
20. Record final volume of water and sediment in each
tube. The sum of the two admissible readings is the
percentage by volume of water and sediment in the
sample.
After the tank has been run, the following closing data
should be obtained.
2 1. Closing oil temperature: no closing temperature is
necessary on tanks of 5,000 bbl or less; on tanks 5,000
bbl or more, always read to the nearest 1°F.
22. Obtain closing gauge reading at the same point and
in the same manner as the opening gauge reading.
23. Obtain bottom thief. If BS&W level is lower than
the opening gauge, report to supervisor.
Abstract of API Manual
Publications and Distribution Section, American
Petroleum Inst.) 2101 L St. NW, Washington, DC
20037.
Since the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Stan-
dards is the industry’s standard on this subject and since
the manual is quite long, this chapter is a reference to the
API manual.
The following table of contents of the API manual lists
the chapter titles, the API stock number, and a short
abstract of the content of each chapter. These chapters
can be ordered from the API.
API Chap. l-Vocabulary
First edition (April 1977).
The words and terms used throughout the entire Manual
of Petroleum Measurement Standards are defined and
described in this vocabulary.
API Chap. a--Tank Calibration
Measurement and Calibration of Upright Cylindrical
Tanks. API Publication 852-25500, API Standard 2550,
jrst edition (Oct. 1965). This standard describes the pro-
cedures for calibrating upright cylindrical tanks larger
than a barrel or drum. It is presented in two parts. Part I
(Sets. 8 through 41) outlines procedures for making
necessary measurements to determine total and in-
cremental tank volumes; Part II (Sets. 42 through 58)
presents the recommended procedure for computing
volumes.
Measurement and Calibration of Horizontal Tanks.
API Publication 852-25510, API Standard 2551, first
edition (Oct. 1965). This standard describes external
measurement procedures for calibrating horizontal
aboveground stationary tanks larger than a barrel or
drum. It is presented in two parts.
Part I (Sets. 7 through 2 1) includes procedures for the
measurement of horizontal, and tilted, cylindrical
aboveground tanks with various types of heads; descrip-
tions of tank-measuring equipment and procedures for
the calibration of that equipment for which calibration is
required; and suggestions for the orderly and complete
recording of field measurement data, including tank
measurement record forms.
17-3
Part II (Sets. 22 through 44) includes procedures for
calculating the incremental tank capacities from the field
data, suitable for the preparation of incremental capacity
gauge tables. Typical examples of calculations are in-
cluded in Appendix I, as are convenient tables of shape
factors for determining contained liquid volume in
horizontal cylinders and in formed heads at any liquid
depth.
Measurement and Calibration of Spheres and
Spheroids. API Publication 852-25520, API Standard
2552, first edition (Oct. 1965). This standard describes
the procedures for calibrating spheres and spheroids that
are used as liquid containers. It is presented in two parts.
Part I (Sets. 2 through 10) outlines the procedures for the
measurement and calibration of spherical tanks; Part II
(Sets. 11 through 20) outlines the procedures for the
measurement and calibration of spheroidal tanks.
Measurement and Calibration of Barges. API
Publication 852-25530, API Standard 2553, first edition
(Oct. 1966). This standard describes procedures for
calibrating barge tanks. It is presented in two parts.
Part I (Sets. 7 through 9) includes procedures for
determining the required field measurement data,
description of tank measurement equipment, and sugges-
tions for the orderly and complete recording of field
data.
Part II (Sets. 10 through 13) includes procedures for
calculating the total and incremental tank capacities from
the field data, suitable for preparation of the capacity
gauge table. Typical examples of calculations are includ-
ed in Appendix II.
Measurement and Calibration of Tank Cars. API
Publication 852-25540, API Standard 2554, jrst edition
(Oct. 1965). This standard describes the procedures for
calibrating tank cars. It is presented in two parts: Part I
(Sets. 2 through 21) outlines procedures for
nonpressure-type tank cars; Part II (Sets. 22 through 3 1)
outlines procedures for pressure-type tank cars.
Method for Liquid Calibration of Tanks. API
Publication 852-25550, API Standard 2555 (Sept.
1966). This standard describes the procedure for
calibrating tanks, or portions of tanks, larger than a bar-
rel or drum by introducing or withdrawing measured
quantities of liquid.
Correcting Gauge Tables for Incrustation. API
Publication 852-25560, API RP 2556,jirst edition (Aug.
1968); supersedes supplement No. I to API Standard
2500. This recommended practice defines incrustation,
describes the materials involved and recommends
methods to correct the observed volume gauged.
API Chap. 3-Tank Gauging
Method of Gauging Petroleum and Petroleum Prod-
ucts. API Publication 852-25450, API Standard 2545
(Oct. 1965). This standard describes the procedures for
gauging crude petroleum and its liquid products in
various types of tanks, containers, and carriers. Sets. 3
through 58 are applicable for measuring quantities of liq-
uids having Reid vapor pressure (Rvp) under 40 psig;
17-4
Sets. 59 through 64 are applicable for measuring liq-
uefied petroleum gases and other products having Rvp of
40 psig or more. The determination of temperature, API
gravity, and sediment and water are not within the scope
of this standard; however, brief descriptions of portable
equipment used for this purpose are included in Sets. 8
and 9.
API Chap. 4-Proving Systems API Publication
852-2315. first edition (May 1978).
This publication serves as a guide for the design, in-
stallation, calibration and operation of meter proving
systems. All types of proving systems commonly used
by the petroleum industry are covered, including field
standards, pipe provers, tank provers, master meter
provers, meter proving, and analysis of sphere position
repeatability.
Proving systems covered in former API Standards
1101, 253 1,2533. and 2534 (Measurement of Petroleum
Liquid Hydrocarbons by Positive Displacement Meter;
Mechanical Displacement Meter Provers; Metering
Viscous Hydrocarbons; and Measurement of Liquid
Hydrocarbons by Turbine Meter Systems) are combined
in this publication, which supersedes the former
standards.
This publication is intended primarily for use in the
U.S. and, therefore, is related to the standards,
specifications, and procedures of the (U.S.) Natl. Bureau
of Standards (NBS). When it is desired to use the
publication in other countries, the appropriate national
standards organizations and their specifications and pro-
cedures apply.
API Chap. %-Metering
Sec. l-Foreword, General Considerations, and
Scope of Chap. S-Metering. API Publication
852-30101, first edition (Nov. 1976). This is an overall
introduction to Chap. 5, Metering.
Sec. 2-Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by
Displacement Meter Systems. API Publication
852-30102, first edition (Jun. 1977). This section
specifies the characteristics of displacement meters and
gives rules for systematically applying appropriate con-
sideration to the nature of the liquids to be measured, to
the installation of a metering system, and to the selec-
tion, performance, operation, and maintenance of the
same. It does not apply to two-phase fluids. Special
precautions should be taken when used in mass measure-
ment systems.
Sec. 3-Turbine Meters. API Publication 852-30103,
first edition (July 1976). This section specifies the
characteristics of turbine meters and gives rules for ap-
plying appropriate considerations to the nature of the liq-
uids to be measured, to the installation of a metering
system using a turbine meter. and to the performance,
operation. and maintenance of the same in liquid
hydrocarbon service.
Sec. 4--Instrumentation or Accessory Equipment for
Liquid Hydrocarbon Metering Systems. API Publica-
tion 852-30104, first edition (July 1976). This publica-
tion serves as a guide for the instrumentation of liquid
PETROLEUM ENGINEERING HANDBOOK
hydrocarbon meters to obtain optimal accuracy and ser-
vice life of metering systems. Selection of any piece of
accessory equipment described herein depends on the
function, design, purpose, and manner in which a
measurement installation is to be used.
The application of this publication is limited to in-
strumentation by accessory equipment made essentially
to enhance the usage of liquid hydrocarbon meters.
Thus, all valves, manifolding, vents, etc. are not includ-
ed. Thermometers, hydrometers, and pressure gauges
are discussed but only so far as certain minimum re-
quirements must be met.
Sec. %-Fidelity and Security of Flow Measurement
Pulsed-Data Transmission Systems. API Publication
852-30105, first edition (June 1982). This chapter pro-
vides a guide to the selection, operation, and
maintenance of pulsed-data, cabled transmission systems
for fluid metering systems to provide the desired level of
fidelity and security of transmitted data.
API Chap. &Metering Assemblies
Sec. I-LACT Systems. API Publication 852-30121,
first edition (Feb. 1981). This chapter serves as a guide
for the design, installation, calibration, and operation of
lease automatic custody transfer (LACT) systems.
Sec. %-Metering Systems for Loading and Unloading
Marine Bulk Carriers. API Publication 852-30125,
jirst edition (July 1980). This section deals with the
operation and special arrangements of meters, provers,
manifolding, instrumentation, and accessory equipment
used for measurement in loading and unloading marine
bulk carriers.
The information provided in this section is applicable
to shore-to-carrier and carrier-to-shore measurement of
crude oils and refined products. These procedures are not
intended to apply to hydrocarbons and other materials
such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or liquefied
natural gas (LNG), which require specialized measure-
ment and handling equipment.
Sec. 6-Pipeline Metering Systems. API Publication
852-30126, jrst edition (Aug. 1981). This section pro-
vides guidelines for the selection of the type and size of
meter(s) to be used to measure pipeline oil movements.
Types of accessories and instruments that may be
desirable are specified, and the relative advantages and
disadvantages of three methods of proving meters (by
tank prover, by pipe prover, and by master meter) are
discussed. This section also includes discussions on ob-
taining the best operating results from a pipeline meter
station.
Sec. 7-Metering Viscous Hydrocarbons. API
Publication 852-30127, first edition (Jan. 1981). This
section serves as a guide for the design, installation.
operation, and proving of meters and their auxiliary
equipment used to meter viscous hydrocarbons.
Measurement of Petroleum Liquid Hydrocarbons by
Positive Displacement Meter. API Publication
852-l IOIO, API Standard 1101, jirst edition (Aug.
1960). This section covers the installation of positive
MEASURING, SAMPLING & TESTING CRUDE OIL
displacement meters, their auxiliary proving equipment,
and other accessories. All types of meter installations
must meet certain fundamental requirements. These in-
clude accurate proving facilities; adequate protective
devices, such as strainers, relief valves, and air or vapor
eliminators; and dependable pressure and flow controls.
A further fundamental installation requirement is that
physical conditions during operations and proving
should be identical.
API Chap. 7-Temperature Determination
This chapter is in preparation. It will cover the sampling,
reading, averaging, and rounding of the temperature of
liquid hydrocarbons in both the static and dynamic
modes of measurement for volumetric purposes.
The following API standard now covers the subject of
temperature determination.
Method of Measuring the Temperature of Petroleum
and Petroleum Products. API Publication 852-25430,
API Standard 2543 /Oct. 1965). This standard describes
the thermometer assemblies and temperature levels used
in various tanks and carriers of petroleum.
API Chap. I-Sampling
Sec. I--Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
Petroleum Products. API Publicrrtim 852-30161
(ASTM D 3057). fir.\t edition (Oct. 1981). This section
covers the procedures for obtaining rcpresentativc
samples of stocks or shipments of uniform petroleum
products. except clcctrical insulating oils and tluid
power hydraulic tluids. Sampling crude petroleum and
nonunil’orm pctrolcum stocks and shipments also arc
covjcrcd. although the representative nature of thcsc
sampling methods is in doubt.
API Chap. 9-Density Determination
Sec. l-Hydrometer Test Method for Density,
Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity
of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products.
API Ptrbliwtiort 852-30181 (ASTM D 12981, first ed-
rio/r (JI/Hc,/YE/). This section describes the mcthodx and
practices relating to the determination of the density.
rclativc density. or API gravity of crude petroleum and
liquid petroleum products by using the hydromctcr
method (laboratory dctcmlination).
Sec. 2-Pressure Hydrometer Test Method for Densi-
ty or Relative Density. API Pubkation 852-30182,
jrst edition (April 1982). This section provides a guide
for determining the density, relative density (specific
gravity), or API gravity of light hydrocarbons, including
liquefied petroleum products, using a pressure
hydrometer.
API Chap. IO-Sediment and Water
Sec. l-Determination of Sediment in Crude Oils and
Fuel Oils by the Extraction Method. API Publication
852-30201, j7rst edition (April 19811. This section
specifies a method for the determination of sediment in
crude oils and fuel oils by extraction with toluene.
Sec. 2-Determination of Water in Crude Oil by the
Distillation Method. API Publicutiot~ 852-30202, ,jrst
17-5
edition (April 1981). This publication specifies a method
for the determination of water in crude oil.
Sec. 3-Determination of Water and Sediment in
Crude Oil by the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory
Procedure). API Publication 852-30203, first edition
(April 1981). This method describes the laboratory deter-
mination of water and sediment in crude oil by means of
the centrifuge procedure. This centrifuge method is not
entirely satisfactory. The amount of water detected is
almost always lower than the actual water content. When
a highly accurate value is required, the revised pro-
cedures for water by distillation (API Chap. 10.2) and
sediment by extraction (API Chap. IO. I) must be used.
API Chap. ll-Physical Properties Data
Chap. I1 includes the physical data that have direct ap-
plication to volumetric measurement of liquid hydrocar-
bons. It is presented in table form, in equations relating
volume to temperature and pressure, computer
subroutines, magnetic tape, and microfilm.
Chap. 11.1, “Volume Correction Factors, 1980,”
(ASTM D 1250) (IP 200) is available on magnetic tape
and includes a paper edition of Vol. X. [APT Pubhcation
852-27150, first edition (Aug. 198011. The tape is nine-
track, 1,600 bites/in., EBCDIC, unlabeled, fixed block
and requires a 32-bit or higher machine. Chap. I I. I is
also available as a FORTRAN card deck (includes paper
edition of Vol. X) [API Publication 852-27151,jrst edi-
tion (Aug. 1980)] and on microfiche (includes paper edi-
tion of Vol. X) [API Publication 8.52-27152, first edition
(Aug. 1980)].
The following is a list of tables and computer
subroutines to found in Chap. Il. I through I I .3.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. I, 1980. ASTMpublication (ASTM D
1250). (ASTM publications can be ordered from ASTM,
I916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.) Table
SA-Generalized Crude Oils. Correction of Observed
API Gravity to API Gravity at 60°F.
Table 6A-Generalized Crude Oils. Correction of
Volume to 60°F Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. II, 1980. API Publication 852-27015,
firstedition (Aug. 1980). Table SB-Generalized Prod-
ucts, Correction of Observed API Gravity to API Gravi-
ty at 60°F.
Table 6B-Generalized Products. Correction of
Volume to 60°F Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. III, 1980. ASTM publication (ASTM
D 12.50). Table 6C-Volume Correction Factors for In-
dividual and Special Applications, Volume Correction to
60°F Against Thermal Expansion Coefficients at 60°F.
Chap. 11.1, Volume IV, 1980. API Publication
852-27045, first edition (Aug. 1980). Table 23A-
Generalized Crude Oils, Correction of Observed
Relative Density to Relative Density at 60160°F.
Table 24A-Generalized Crude Oils, Correction of
Volume to 60°F Against Relative Density 60/60”F.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. V, 1980. API Publication 852-27060,
,first edition (Aug. 1980). Table 23B-Generalized Pro-
17-6
ducts, Correction of Observed Relative Density to
Relative Density at 60160°F.
Table 24B-Generalized Products, Correction of
Volume to 60°F Against Relative Density 60/6O”F.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. VI, 1980. API Publicurion
8.52-27085, first edition (Aug. 1980). Table
24C-Volume Correction Factors for Individual and
Special Applications, Volume Correction to 60°F
Against Thermal Expansion Coefficients at 60°F.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. VII, 1980. API Publication
852-27100, first edition (Aug. 1980). Table 53A-
Generalized Crude Oils, Correction of Observed Density
to Density at 15°C.
Table 54A-Generalized Crude Oils, Correction of
Volume to 15°C Against Density of 15°C.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. VIII, 1980. API Publication
852-27115, $rst edition (Aug. 1980). Table 53B-
Generalized Products, Correction of Observed Density
to Density at 15°C.
Table 54B-Generalized Products, Correction of
Volume to 15°C Against Density at 15°C.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. IX, 1980. API Publication
852-27130, first edition (Aug. 1980). Table 54C-
Volume Correction Factors for Individual and Special
Applications, Volume Corrections to 15°C Against
Thermal Expansion Coefficients at 15°C.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. X, 1980. API Publication 852-27145,
jrst edition (Aug. 1980). This volume gives the
background, development, and computer documentation
for all tables listed in Chap. 11.1 Vol. 1 through Vol. IX.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. XI, 1982, “Petroleum Measurement
Subsidiary.” ASTM Publicution (ASTM D 1250).
Table 1-Interrelation of Units of Measurcmcnt.
Table 2-Temperature Conversions.
Table 3-API Gravity at 60°F to Relative Density
60160°F and to Density at 15°C.
Table 4-U.S. Gallons at 60°F and Barrels at 60°F to
Liters at 15°C Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Table g--Pounds per U.S. Gallon at 60°F and U.S.
Gallons at 60°F per Pound against API Gravity at 60°F.
Table 9-Short Tons per 1000 U.S. Gallons at 60°F
and per Barrel at 60°F Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Table lo-U.S. Gallons at 60°F and Barrels at 60°F
per Short Ton Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Table 1 I-Long Tons per 1000 U.S. Gallons at 60°F
and per Barrel at 60°F Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Table 12-U.S. Gallons at 60°F and Barrels at 60°F
per Long Ton Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Table 13-Metric Tons (Tonnes) per 1000 U.S.
Gallons at 60°F and per Barrel at 60°F Against API
Gravity at 60°F.
Table 14-Cubic Meters at 15°C per Short Ton and
per Long Ton Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. XII, 1982, “Petroleum Measure-
ment Subsidiary.” ASTM Publication (ASTM D 1250).
Table 21--Relative Density 60/6O”F to API Gravity at
60°F and to Density at 15 “C.
PETROLEUM ENGINEERING HANDBOOK
Table 22-U.S. Gallons at 60°F to Liters at 15°C and
Barrels at 60°F to Cubic Meters at 15°C.
Table 26-Pounds per U.S. Gallon at 60°F and U.S.
Gallons at 60°F per Pound Against Relative Density
60160°F.
Table 27-Short Tons per 1000 U.S. Gallons at 60°F
and per Barrel at 60°F Against Relative Density
60160°F.
Table 28-U.S. Gallons at 60°F and Barrels at 60°F
per Short Ton Against Relative Density 60160°F.
Table 29-Long Tons per 1000 U.S. Gallons at 60°F
and per Barrel at 60°F Against Relative Density
60160°F.
Table 30-U.S. Gallons at 60°F and Barrels at 60°F
per Long Ton Against Relative Density 60160°F.
Table 31-Cubic Meters at 15°C per Short Ton and
per Long Ton Against Relative Density 60160°F.
Table 33-Specific Gravity Reduction to 60°F for Li-
quefied Petroleum Gases and Natural Gasoline.
Table 34-Reduction of Volume to 60°F Against
Specific Gravity 60/60”F for Liquefied Petroleum
Gases.
Table 51-Density at 15°C to Relative Density
60160°F and to API Gravity at 60°F.
Table 52-Barrels at 60°F to Cubic Meters at 15°C
and Cubic Meters at 15°C to Barrels at 60°F.
Table 56--Kilograms per Liter at 15°C and Liters at
15°C per Metric Ton Against Density at 15°C.
Table 57-Short Tons and Long Tons per 1000 Liters
at 15°C Against Density at 15°C.
Table 58-U.S. Gallons and Barrels per Metric Ton
Against Density at 15°C.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. XIII, 1982. API Publication
852-27185, first edition (Jan. 1982). Table 5D-
Generalized Lubricating Oils, Correction of Observed
API Gravity to API Gravity at 60°F.
Table 6D-Generalized Lubricating Oils, Correction
of Volume to 60°F Against API Gravity at 60°F.
Chap. 11.1, Vol. XIV, 1982. API Publication
852-27200, first edition (Jun. 1982). Table 53D-
Generalized Lubricating Oils, Correction of Observed
Density to Density at 15°C.
Table 54D-Generalized Lubricating Oils, Correction
of Volume to 15°C Against Density at 15°C.
Chap. 11.1.77, Extrapolation of Table 6A to -5O”F,
Volume Reduction Factors, 1976. API Publication
852-25393. This chapter is a computer printout of
Subroutine Table 6 in extrapolated form.
Standard Tables for Positive Displacement Meter
Prover Tanks, 1966. API Publication 852-25410, API
Standard. These tables provide multipliers for convert-
ing to 60°F the volumes of petroleum and petroleum
products measured at temperatures between 0 and 125°F
in insulated, mild steel prover tanks for positive
displacement meters.
Chap. 11.3.2.1, Ethylene Density. API Publication
852-25650, jrst edition (1974). This chapter is a com-
puter subroutine and includes subordinate subroutines
“rubin” and “taint” on one FORTRAN IV card deck. It
MEASURING, SAMPLING 8. TESTING CRUDE OIL
will produce either a density (Ibmicu ft) or a com-
pressibility factor for vapor-phase ethylene over the
temperature range of 65 to 167°F and the pressure range
of 200 to 2,100 psia.
Chap. 11.3.3.1, Propane Compressibility Table. API
Publication 852-25654, first edition (1974). This FOR-
TRAN IV subroutine is applicable to liquid-phase pro-
pane in the following ranges: relative density, 0.500 to
0.510: temperature, -20 to 120°F; saturation pressure
to 1,500 psia. The subroutine computes the following
two values: average compressibility per psi {this factor
would be applied in the same manner as com-
pressibilities in the current API Standard 1101) and the
ratio of volume at flowing temperature and pressure to
volume at flowing temperature and saturation pressure.
Chap. 11.3.3.2, Propylene Compressibility Table.
API Publication 852-25656, first edition (1974). This
FORTRAN IV subroutine is applicable to liquid-phase
propylene in the following ranges: temperature, 30 to
165°F: and saturation pressure to 1,600 psia. The
subroutine computes the following two values: density in
lbm/cu ft at flowing temperature and pressure, and the
ratio of density at flowing conditions to density at 60°F
and saturation pressure.
API Chap. 12-Calculation of Petroleum Quantities
Sec. 2-Calculation of Liquid Petroleum Quantities
Measured by Turbine or Displacement Meters. API
Publication 852-30302, first edition (Sept. 1981). This
publication defines the various terms (words or symbols)
employed in the calculation of metered petroleum quan-
tities. Where two or more terms customarily are
employed in the oil industry for the same thing, this
publication selects what should become the new standard
term-for example, “run tickets,” “receipt and delivery
tickets,” and the like are herein simply “measurement
tickets.”
The publication also specifies the equations that allow
the values of correction factors to be computed. Rules
for sequence, rounding, and significant figures to be
employed in a calculation are given. In addition, some
tables, convenient for manual as well as computer
calculations, are provided.
Field Manual, Sec. 2--Instructions for Calculating
Liquid Petroleum Quantities Measured by Turbine
or Displacement Meters. API Publication 852-30303,
first edition (Sept. 1981). This document is the user’s
field manual. It is addressed to those who need instruc-
tions without explanations as to why a particular course
of action is necessary to achieve the same answer from
the same data, regardless of who or what does the
computing.
The user’s field manual is an instruction document.
Those who wish or need to know more about the
background to a set of instructions should obtain Chap.
12, Sec. 2, which is an instruction and explanation
document.
API Interim Chap. 13-Measurement Control
Charts and Statistical Methods for Petroleum Meter-
ing Systems. API Publication 852-25342, API Standard
17-7
2534, Appendix B, first edition (March 1970). The more
accurate petroleum measurement becomes, the more its
practitioners stand in need of statistical methods to ex-
press residual uncertainties. This chapter covers the ap-
plication of statistical methods to petroleum measure-
ment and sampling. Chap. 13 is in preparation.
API Chap. 14-Natural Gas Fluids Measurement
Sec. l-Measuring, Sampling, Testing, and Base
Conditions for Natural Gas Fluids. API Publication
852-30341, third edition (March 1975). This chapter
presents recommended practices that cover the produc-
tion, transportation, and custody transfer of natural gas
and the products recovered excluding LNG.
Sec. 3-Orifice Metering of Natural Gas. API
Publication 852-30343, first edition (Sept. 1981). This
standard provides guidance on the measurement of
natural gas flow. It provides the standards for construc-
tion and installation of orifice plates and associated fit-
tings and instructions for computing the flow of natural
gas through orifice meters. Also included are the
necessary tables providing the basic factors to apply to
adjust for expansion, Reynolds number, temperature,
pressure, specific gravity, and supercompressibility.
Sec. %-Calculation of Gross Heating Value, Specific
Gravity, and Compressibility of Natural Gas Mix-
tures From Compositional Analysis. API Publication
852-30345, jrst edition (Jan. 1981). This publication
outlines a procedure for calculating from compositional
analysis the following properties of natural gas mixtures:
heating value, specific gravity, and compressibility
factor.
Sec. 6-Installing and Proving Density Meters Used
To Measure Hydrocarbon Liquid with Densities Be-
tween 0.3 and 0.7 g/cm3 at 1556°C [60”F] and Satu-
ration Vapor Pressure. API Publication 852-30346,
first edition (Sept. 1979). This publication provides a
method for installation and accurately proving density
meters that measure light hydrocarbons used in static or
dynamic conditions.
API Chap. 15-Guidelines for the Use of the Intl.
System of Units (SI) in the Petroleum and Allied
Industries. API Publication 852-25640, second edition
(Dec. 1980).
This publication specifies the API preferred units for
quantities involved in petroleum industry measurements
and indicates factors for conversion of quantities ex-
pressed in customary units to the API-preferred metric
units. The quantities that comprise the tables are grouped
into convenient categories related to their use. They wet-c
chosen to meet the needs of the many and varied aspects
of the petroleum industry but also should be useful in
other, similar process industries. Chap. 58 of this edition
of Petroleum Engineering Handbook is the SPE Metric
Standard.
API Chap. 16-Measurement of Petroleum by
Weight (in preparation)
The purpose of this chapter is to provide references to
model regulations promulgated by the National Con-
17-8 PETROLEUM ENGINEERING HANDBOOK

ference of Weights and Measures regarding commercial References

weighing, tolerances, and other technical requirements,
Method of Muusrtrin~ the Tmprrurure of Prtrokm md
and to describe the recognized practices of the petroleum
Petroleum Products, API Standard 2543. API. Washington, DC
industry when products are handled on a weight basis.
(Oct. 1965).
API Chap. 17-Marine Measurement API Chap. 8, Manual r!f Pm&urn Meusurrmrnt Stundurds,
Sampling; Sec. I-Manual .Sm~p/in~ of Petrolrum und Pm&urn
This chapter provides guidelines that suggest the actions
Products. API, Washington, DC (Oct. 1981)
to be taken in measuring and reporting quantities of
API Chap. 9, Manual of Perrolrun~ Me~.wrmm~ Sttmdard.~, Do-
crude oil or petroleum product marine transfers by shore
~ifi Determination, Ser. I-Hw~rornet~r Test M~~rhodfor Drnviry.
terminal operators, vessel personnel, and other parties
Relative Density (Specific Grrr~‘it~). or API Grrnity (f Crudr
involved in cargo transfer measurement and accounta-
Petroleum andLiquid Petroleum Products. API, Washington. DC
bility operations.
(June 1981).
Sec. l-Guidelines for Marine Cargo Inspection. API Method of Gauging Petroleum and Petrokum Product.\. API Stan-
Phlicution 852-30401, jirst cdi~io~r (April 1982). This dard 2545. API, Washington, DC (OCI. 1965).
chapter provides guidelines to encourage uniform marine API Chap. IO, Momal of Perroleurn M~crwrem~w Srundurd\.
cargo inspection practices and to simplify the making of Sediment and Water; Sec. 3-Determination of Wurrar md Sedim
contracts that can be interpreted clearly and cxccuted ment in Crude Oil by the Centrifuge Method (Laborctro~ Pro-
between parties. cedure), API, Washington, DC (April 1981) Appendix A