ASTM D4052-09
Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter

Standard No.

ASTM D4052-09

Release Date

2009

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4052-11

Latest

ASTM D4052-22

Scope

Density is a fundamental physical property that can be used in conjunction with other properties to characterize both the light and heavy fractions of petroleum and petroleum products.

Determination of the density or relative density of petroleum and its products is necessary for the conversion of measured volumes to volumes at the standard temperature of 15°C.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density, relative density, and API Gravity of petroleum distillates and viscous oils that can be handled in a normal fashion as liquids at the temperature of test, utilizing either manual or automated sample injection equipment. Its application is restricted to liquids with total vapor pressures (see Test Method D5191) typically below 100 kPa and viscosities (see Test Method D445 or D7042) typically below about 15 000 mm²/s at the temperature of test. The total vapor pressure limitation however can be extended to >100 kPa provided that it is first ascertained that no bubbles form in the U-shaped, oscillating tube, which can affect the density determination. Some examples of products that may be tested by this procedure include: gasoline and gasoline-oxygenate blends, diesel, jet, basestocks, waxes, and lubricating oils.

1.1.1 Waxes were not included in the 1999 interlaboratory study (ILS) sample set that was used to determine the current precision statements of the method, since all samples evaluated at the time were analyzed at a test temperature of 15ºC. Wax samples require a temperature cell operated at elevated temperatures necessary to ensure a liquid test specimen is introduced for analysis. Consult instrument manufacturer instructions for appropriate guidance and precautions when attempting to analyze wax sample types. Refer to the Precision and Bias section of the method and Note 6 for more detailed information about the 1999 ILS that was conducted.

1.2 In cases of dispute, the referee method is the one where samples are introduced manually as in 6.3 or 6.4, as appropriate for sample type.

1.3 This test method should not be applied to samples so dark in color that the absence of air bubbles in the sample cell cannot be established with certainty. For the determination of density in crude oil samples use Test Method D5002.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are regarded as the standard, unless stated otherwise, such as the “torr” units of pressure in Eq 1. The accepted units of measure for density are grams per millilitre (g/mL) or kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³).

1.5 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. For specific hazard statements, see 7.4, 7.5, and 10.3.

ASTM D4052-09 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1193 Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D1250 Standard Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables
• ASTM D1298 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
• ASTM D287 Standard Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
• ASTM D4057 Standard Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• ASTM D4177 Standard Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• ASTM D4377 Standard Test Method for Water in Crude Oils by Potentiometric Karl Fischer Titration
• ASTM D445 Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• ASTM D5002 Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Crude Oils by Digital Density Analyzer
• ASTM D5191 Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Mini Method)
• ASTM D7042 Standard Test Method for Dynamic Viscosity and Density of Liquids by Stabinger Viscometer (and the Calculation of Kinematic Viscosity)

ASTM D4052-09 history

• 2022 ASTM D4052-22 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• 2018 ASTM D4052-18a Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• 2018 ASTM D4052-18 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• 2016 ASTM D4052-16 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• 2015 ASTM D4052-15 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• 2011 ASTM D4052-11 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• 2009 ASTM D4052-09 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• 1996 ASTM D4052-96(2002)e1 Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• 1996 ASTM D4052-96 Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Liquids by Digital Density Meter