UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

PROCESS & UTILITIES

POINT LISAS CAMPUS
Engineering Chemistry
Course Code: ENCH 110D

Laboratory Experiment
A.P.I. Gravity- Hydrometer Method (modified A.S.T.M D287)

1.0 TITLE: To determine the A.P.I. Gravity of petroleum liquids using the hydrometer
method.

2.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

2.1 DENSITY is the ratio of the weight of a given material to the volume occupied by
that material.

OR

Where : ρ, DENSITY is measured in grams per cubic centimeter g/cm3 (g/mL)

m, MASS is measured in grams, g
v, VOLUME is measured in milliliters, mL

2.2 A.P.I GRAVITY: the American Petroleum Institute has arbitrarily defined the
following density of gravity concept

NB. To derive the API gravity from the density or specific gravity, the density is first
measured using the hydrometer.

3.0 APPARATUS AND MATERIAL

Relative Density glass hydrometers
Glass thermometers, general purpose in ˚C
250 ml graduated cylinders
Paper towels

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4.0 PROCEDURE
4.1 Obtain a sample for measurement and pour the sample, without splashing of
spilling, into a 250ml graduated cylinder. Fill about 80% full to allow the liquid to
rise once the hydrometer is inserted.
4.2 Lower the glass hydrometer gently into the fluid and allow it to float vertically
and away from the cylinder walls. Sometimes spinning the hydrometer will centre
it and get rid of any air bubbles that could cause false readings.
4.3 The hydrometer scale is read to the nearest scale division. The correct reading is
the point on the hydrometer scale at which the liquid cuts the scale, when viewed
with a horizontal line of sight. For opaque or dark liquids, the eye level has to be
above the liquid surface and the reading requires a correction. For S.G readings
add 0.001 to the observed result.
4.4 The temperature of the sample should be measured before an dafter the test to the
nearest 0.5˚C. If the temperature has changed, average the results and report to the
nearest degree Celsius.
4.5 Remove the thermometer and hydrometer and dry with paper towel. Store
horizontally. Remember to dispose of paper towels in a proper waste container.

5.0 Laboratory Report

5.1 As per Report Format
5.2 Fill in the data table and complete all calculations
5.3 Answer the following:
5.3.1 A high API gravity will give a _________ specific gravity value.
5.3.2 Using the appropriate formula convert an API gravity reading of
63.5 at 15˚C to a density at 15˚C in g/cm3 and kg/m3.
5.3.3 If a sample had an API gravity of 63.5 at 15.6˚C, then this sample
would be a sample of ______________.
5.4 List precautions and also observations

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6.0 DATA SHEET
Results Table
Calculated Specific
Measured Specific
Gravity at 15.6 degrees C
Gravity at ambient Calculated API
Description of (consult relative density
Temperature Gravity at 15.6
Sample tables)
degrees C
S.G. TEMP S.G. TEMP

Kerosene          
Gasoline          
Diesel/Lube Oil          
Crude Oil          

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