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Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
one another for density (or 0.0002 for relative density). If the 13.3 If it is necessary to convert a result obtained using the
two determinations fall outside this acceptance criteria, both density meter to API Gravity, or a density or relative density at
determinations are to be discarded and 12.2.2 shall be repeated another temperature, Guide D1250 can be used only if the glass
until the acceptance criteria identified in the previous sentence expansion factor has been excluded.
is satisfied. In cases where the acceptance criteria is not NOTE 7—Some digital density analyzers are equipped to automatically
initially satisfied, the lab may need to investigate and take calculate and report sample results in API gravity units (see Test Method
D287 or D1298), based on the density or relative density results, or a
corrective actions before proceeding with subsequent analyses. combination thereof, determined by this test method and using the
12.2.4 For determining the API Gravity of gasoline or RFG appropriate conversion equation derived from Guide D1250 (which
samples analyzed by automated injection, follow the same excludes the glass expansion factor), for the specific sample type being
protocol defined in 12.2.3, except that the acceptance criteria analyzed.
for the results of the two determinations for API Gravity are to
14. Report
be within 0.05° API Gravity units before averaging and
reporting the results. 14.1 In reporting density, state the test temperature and the
12.2.5 Record the density, relative density, or API Gravity units (for 3example: density at 20°C = 0.8765 g/mL or
results, or a combination thereof, determined by the analyses as 876.5 kg/m ).
appropriate, such as by using the instrument print out of results 14.2 In reporting relative density, state both the test tem-
to meet the recording requirements. perature and the reference temperature, but no units (for
example: relative density, 20/20°C = 0.xxxx).
13. Calculation
14.3 Report the final result for density or relative density to
13.1 Calculating Density Analyzers—The recorded or
four significant figures.
printed value is the final result when a single determination is
conducted (or taking the average of two determinations as the 14.4 If reporting sample results in API gravity units (see
final result as identified in Section 12), expressed either as Note 7), report the final results to the nearest 0.1° API.
density in g/mL, kg/m3 or as relative density. Note that kg/m3 = 14.5 In some cases, it may be necessary to report if results
1000 × g/mL. were based on a single determination or an average of two
13.2 Noncalculating Density Analyzers—Using the ob- determinations, as well as if results were determined by manual
served T-value for the sample and the T-value for water and injection or automated injection to meet specific requirements,
appropriate instrument constants determined in 10.4.3, calcu- such as data recipients wanting to know such information in
late the density or relative density using Eq 6 and 7. Carry out order to understand how to interpret results relative to the
all calculations to six significant figures and round the final published method precision values. In such cases, it is permis-
results to four. sible to report this information along with the test results.
For density:
15. Precision and Bias6
3 2 2
density, g/mL ~ kg/m ! at t 5 d w 1K 1 ~ T s 2 T w ! (6)
15.1 The precision of the method as obtained by statistical
For relative density: examination of interlaboratory test results at a test temperature
relative density, t/t 5 11K 2 ~ T s 2 2 T w 2 ! (7) of 15°C is as follows for the following sample types and
ranges:
where: 15.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive
Tw = observed period of oscillation for cell containing water, test results obtained by the same operator with the same
Ts = observed period of oscillation for cell containing apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
sample, material, would in the long run, in the normal and correct
dw = density of water at test temperature, operation of the test method, exceed the following value only
K1 = instrument constant for density, in one case in twenty:
K2 = instrument constant for relative density, and 15.1.1.1 Density (g/mL) and Relative Density—See Table 2.
T = temperature of test, °C. 15.1.1.2 API Gravity—See Table 3.
15.1.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single sample types are likely due to the volatile nature of these materials, even
and independent results, obtained by different operators work- though the ILS participants were provided instructions for how to properly
handle these materials to minimize or prevent sample losses. The
ing in different laboratories on identical test material, would in subcommittee responsible for the method is planning to conduct a
the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test subsequent ILS for gasoline and RFG sample types with additional
method, exceed the following values only in one case in scrutiny paid to sample handling issues as a means to try and improve the
twenty: precision statements for these materials.
15.1.2.1 Density (g/mL) and Relative Density—See Table 4. NOTE 9—Four (4) of the samples analyzed in the ILS indicated in Note
8 were ASTM Interlaboratory Crosscheck samples (that is, Gaso-
15.1.2.2 API Gravity—See Table 5. line–MG9808 and MG9812, RFG–RFG9807, and RFG9809). The robust
NOTE 8—The ASTM Interlaboratory Study (ILS) conducted in Fall mean of the total vapor pressures reported by Test Method D5191 for
19996 involved 11 labs and 23 samples. The samples included 5 motor these samples ranged from a low of 7.77 psi (MG9808) to a high of 13.40
gasolines, 1 motor gasoline + ethanol, 4 reformulated gasolines (RFG), 2 psi (RFG9809). This corresponds to an approximate total vapor pressure
lube oils, 1 basestock oil, 4 Jet-A fuels, 1 JP8 fuel, and 5 diesel fuels. The range of 54 to 92 kPa.
ILS protocol required labs to perform a total of four measurements per
sample, which included both manual and automated injections, with the 15.2 Bias—After suggestions of its existence from litera-
first two determinations representing the first analysis set and the second ture,7 a study has been performed which has confirmed the
two determinations representing the second analysis set. This protocol was
used to evaluate if a precision effect existed between taking the first
presence of a bias between known density values for reference
determination from each analysis set (i.e., single determination) versus materials and from values determined according to this test
taking the average of the two determinations from each analysis set, as method on the same reference materials. The matrix for this
well as determining if there was a precision effect between manual and bias study comprised 15 participants, each analyzing four
automated injections. The repeatability and reproducibility statements reference oils with certified density values, established by the
determined by the statistician reflect the corresponding precision values
associated with testing conditions identified. It should be noted that the
Netherlands Meet Instituut (NMI), by pyknometry, covering
precision statements determined for the gasoline and RFG sample types in densities in the range of 747 to 927 kg/m3 at 20°C, with
the 1999 ILS were poorer than expected relative to the precision viscosities between 1 and 5000 mPa.s (also at 20°C). This
statements determined for the distillates, basestocks, and lubricating oils
as well as relative to the previously published method version precision
statements (which were based on the analysis of just three pure com-
pounds (benzene, toluene, and xylene) analyzed by 3 labs in duplicate). 7
Fitzgerald, H. and D., “An Assessment of Laboratory Density Meters,”
The poorer than expected precision statements for the gasoline and RFG Petroleum Review, November 1992, pp. 544–549.
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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