ASTM E2251-03

Standard Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids

SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this standard is to specify liquid-in-glass ASTM thermometers using low hazard thermometric liquids defined in this standard.
1.2 This standard specifies liquid-in-glass thermometers graduated in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit that are frequently identified and used in methods under the jurisdiction of the various technical committees within ASTM. The current approved thermometers are listed in Table 1.
1.3 The technical requirements for the thermometric liquids used in the thermometers in are specified in . Tests for conformity to the technical requirements are also found in Annex A1.
Note 1—It has been found by experience that ASTM Thermometers, although developed in general for specific tests, may also be found suitable for other applications, thus precluding the need for new thermometer specifications differing in only minor features. However, it is suggested that technical committees contact E20.05 before choosing a currently designated thermometer for a new method to be sure the thermometer will be suitable for the intended application.
1.4 For full rationale, see Appendix X1.
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 requirements prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Jan-2003
• ICS: 17.200.20 - Temperature-measuring instruments
• Technical Committee: E20 - Temperature Measurement
• Drafting Committee: E20.05 - Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers and Hydrometers

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM E2251-03a - Standard Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D721-17 - Standard Test Method for Oil Content of Petroleum Waxes
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM C1810/C1810M-22 - Standard Guide for Comparing Performance of Concrete-Making Materials Using Mortar Mixtures
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D3685/D3685M-13(2021) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Determination of Particulate Matter in Stack Gases
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F483-09(2020) - Standard Practice for Total Immersion Corrosion Test for Aircraft Maintenance Chemicals
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E126-19 - Standard Test Method for Inspection, Calibration, and Verification of ASTM Hydrometers
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D1125-23 - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D1608-16 - Standard Test Method for Oxides of Nitrogen in Gaseous Combustion Products (Phenol-Disulfonic Acid Procedures) (Withdrawn 2023)
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D5865/D5865M-19 - Standard Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D2914-15(2022) - Standard Test Methods for Sulfur Dioxide Content of the Atmosphere (West-Gaeke Method)
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM C403/C403M-23 - Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D8055-23 - Standard Guide for Selecting an Appropriate Electronic Thermometer for Replacing Mercury Thermometers in D04 Road and Paving Standards
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D6084/D6084M-21 - Standard Test Method for Elastic Recovery of Asphalt Materials by Ductilometer
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E1-14(2020) - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D4889-21 - Standard Test Methods for Polyurethane Raw Materials: Determination of Viscosity of Crude or Modified Isocyanates
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: E 2251 – 03
Standard Specification for
Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard
Precision Liquids
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2251; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E 563 Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath
as a Reference Temperature
1.1 The purpose of this standard is to specify liquid-in-glass
ASTM thermometers using low hazard thermometric liquids
3. Terminology
defined in this standard.
3.1 Definitions—The definitions given in Terminology
1.2 This standard specifies liquid-in-glass thermometers
E 344 apply.
graduated in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit that are
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
frequently identified and used in methods under the jurisdiction
3.2.1 bulb length, n—the distance from the bottom of the
of the various technical committees within ASTM. The current
bulb to the junction of the bulb and the stem tubing.
approved thermometers are listed in Table 1.
3.2.2 contraction chamber, n—an enlargement of the cap-
1.3 The technical requirements for the thermometric liquids
illary, located below the main scale or between the main scale
used in the thermometers in Table 1 are specified in Annex A1.
and the auxiliary scale, that serves to reduce the scale length or
Tests for conformity to the technical requirements are also
to prevent contraction of all the liquid column into the bulb.
found in Annex A1.
3.2.3 diameter, n—the largest outside dimension of the
NOTE 1—It has been found by experience that ASTM Thermometers,
glass tubing as measured with a ring gage.
although developed in general for specific tests, may also be found
3.2.4 expansion chamber, n—an enlargement at the top of
suitable for other applications, thus precluding the need for new thermom-
the capillary to provide protection against breakage caused by
eter specifications differing in only minor features. However, it is
excessive gas pressure.
suggested that technical committees contact E20.05 before choosing a
3.2.5 faden thermometer, n—a thermometer with a long,
currently designated thermometer for a new method to be sure the
thermometer will be suitable for the intended application. thin bulb used to determine emergent stem temperatures.
3.2.6 interval error, n—the deviation of the nominal value
1.4 For full rationale, see Appendix X1.
of a temperature interval from its true value; either for the total
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
range (total interval) or for a part of the range (partial interval).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.7 low-hazard liquid, n—a liquid that is biodegradable,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
non-hazardous and considered non-toxic in thermometer quan-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
tities.
bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.
NOTE 2—It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to determine the
2. Referenced Documents
suitability of a liquid for this standard. In marking the thermometer with
the ASTM designation the manufacturer is confirming that the liquid in the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
thermometer is non-hazardous as defined by current OSHA (Occupational
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
Safety and Health Administration) standards and non-toxic in thermom-
E 77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Ther-
eter quantities per current definitions of the United States Environmental
mometers
Protection Agency.
E 344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrom-
2 3.2.8 thermometric liquid, n—the liquid in a liquid-in-glass
etry
thermometer that indicates the value of temperature.
3.2.9 top of the thermometer, n—the top of the finished
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E20 on
instrument.
Temperature Measurement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E20.05
3.2.10 total length, n—the distance from the bottom of the
on Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers and Hydrometers.
bulb to the top of the finished thermometer, including any
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 2003. Published February 2003.
special finish at the top.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
E2251–03
3.3 Other terms may be found in the Terminology sections 8.1.1 A 13-mm length of unchanged capillary between the
of Specification E 1 and Test Method E 77. bulb and the immersion line or lowest graduation, if the
graduation is not above 100°C (212°F); a 30-mm length if the
4. Specifications
graduation is above 100°C (212°F).
4.1 The individual thermometers shall conform to the de- 8.1.2 A 5-mm length of unchanged capillary between an
tailed specifications given in Table 1, the general requirements enlargement and the graduation next below, except at the top of
specified in Sections 5-15, and Annex A1 and Annex A2. the thermometer.
8.1.3 A 10-mm length of unchanged capillary between an
NOTE 3—Thermometers manufactured to previous revisions of this
enlargement, other than the bulb, and the immersion line or the
standard shall retain the same ASTM status as those meeting current
graduation next above, if the graduation is not above 100°C
specifications.
NOTE 4—The encapsulation (jacketing) of the glass of liquid-in-glass (212°F); a 30-mm length if the graduation is above 100°C
thermometers with polyflourinated hydrocarbons will change their perfor-
(212°F).
mance and physical characteristics, including, but not limited to, response
8.1.4 A 10-mm length of unchanged capillary above the
time, accuracy, and physical dimensions. Therefore, under no circum-
highest graduation, if there is an expansion chamber at the top
stances should an encapsulated or otherwise modified ASTM thermometer
of the thermometer; a 30-mm length if there is no expansion
be used in performing tests that specify the use of an ASTM thermometer.
chamber. For the purposes of this requirement, “an expansion
5. Type chamber” is interpreted as an enlargement at the top end of the
capillary bore that shall have a capacity equivalent to not less
5.1 Each thermometer in Table 1 shall be of the liquid-in-
than 20 mm of unchanged capillary.
glass type filled with a low hazard thermometric liquid that
8.2 Due to a change in the methods used for scale place-
meets the specifications in Annex A1. The gas filling above the
ment, it is possible to manufacture thermometers that comply
liquid shall be nitrogen or other suitable inert gas. The filling
with the specifications given in Table 1, but not meet the
gas shall be chosen to have very low solubility in the
requirements for capillary clearances given above. In any case,
thermometric fluid.
the distances given in this section are the governing factor.
6. Stem
Under no circumstances shall the scales on thermometers be
placed closer than these minimum distances.
6.1 Stem—The stem shall be made of suitable thermometer
tubing and shall have a plain front and enamel back.
9. Graduations and Inscriptions
6.2 Top Finish—The top of all thermometers specified in
Table 1 shall have a plain rounded finish, except the following,
9.1 All graduation lines, figures, and letters shall be clearly
which shall have the top finish indicated below:
defined, suitably colored, and permanent. The width and the
6.2.1 Special Finish:
sharpness of the graduation lines shall be designed in accor-
6.2.1.1 Any finish suitable for assembly in a standard
dance with necessary space between the graduations and the
304.8-mm (12-in.) non-sparking metal armor with open face;
desired accuracy of interpolation. The middle of the graduation
in a cup case assembly; or in a flushing case assembly as
line shall be accurately determinable.
defined in standards the thermometers are used in:
9.1.1 A suitably etched thermometer with the etched lines
Thermometers S59C, S59F
and figures filled with a suitable colorant shall be considered
permanently marked provided it passes the test for permanency
7. Bulb
of pigment in Test Method E 77.
7.1 The bulb shall be made of glass having a viscosity of at
9.2 Graduation Lines—All graduation lines shall be
14.6 13.4
least 10 poises at 490°C (914°F) and at least 10 poises at
straight, of uniform width, and perpendicular to the axis of the
520°C (968°F).
thermometer. The width of the graduation lines shall be as
follows:
NOTE 5—Thermometers made with bulb glasses having properties
close to these minimum requirements should not be subjected to tempera- 9.2.1 Group 1—Maximum line width 0.10 mm; for ther-
tures above 405°C (760°F) or be continuously exposed to temperatures
mometers that may read to fractions of a division, often with
above 370°C (700°F).
magnifying aids:
Thermometers S56C, S56F, S62C, S62F, S63C, S63F, S64C, S64F,
8. Capillary Clearances
S65C, S65F, S66C, S66F, S67C, S67F, S91C, S120C
8.1 The following distances between graduations and the
9.2.2 Group 2—Maximum line width 0.15 mm; for ther-
bulb, and between graduations and enlargements in the capil-
mometers that may be read to the nearest half division or where
lary, are minimum limits acceptable for thermometers in this
the congestion of scale dictates the use of a scale to moderate
standard.
fineness:
NOTE 6—In order for a thermometer to be usable over its entire
Thermometers S12C, S12F
graduated range, graduation marks must not be placed too close to any
enlargement in the capillary. Insufficient immersion of the thermometric 9.2.3 Group 3—Maximum line width 0.20 mm; for ther-
liquid in the main bulb or capillary enlargement, graduation marks placed
mometers with more open scales, usually read to the nearest
over parts of the capillary that have been changed by manufacturing
division, often times under adverse conditions where a bold
operations, or graduations so close to the top of the thermometer that
graduation is therefore desired:
excessive gas pressure results when the thermometric liquid is raised to
Thermometers S59C, S59F
this level, may lead to appreciable errors.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
E2251–03
9.3 Immersion Line—On partial immersion thermometers eter. The pigment shall not chalk, burn out, or loosen as a result
an immersion line shall be permanently marked on the front of of this test (see Test Method E 77).
the thermometer at the distance above the bottom of the bulb as
12. Bulb Stability
specified in Table 1 within a tolerance of 60.5 mm. The
immersion inscription shall be written in capital letters and 12.1 No test for bulb stability is necessary for any thermom-
abbreviated (for example, 76 mm immersion shall be written
eters currently in this standard. However, should there be in the
76 MM IMM.) future, the bulb stability test as found in Specification E 1 shall
9.4 Terminal Numbers—The terminal number shall be in
be used.
full when there are one or more numbered graduations between
13. Scale Error
it and the next full number. This rule need not necessarily be
followed for: 13.1 Thermometers shall be verified and calibrated at the
9.4.1 Precision Thermometers:
temperatures specified in Table 4. Partial immersion thermom-
eters shall be calibrated for the emergent stem temperatures
S65F, S66F, S67C, and S67F
specified in Table 4 using faden thermometers.
9.5 Scale Below Zero—When a scale extends both above
13.1.1 At the time of purchase, the scale errors must be
and below 0°C or 0°F, the two parts of the scale shall be
within the maximum scale error found in Table 1. The
differentiated by some means. Examples of suitable means are:
indications of many high temperature and fractionally gradu-
9.5.1 Different colorants for the graduations for the two
ated thermometers may change with time and continued use,
parts of the scale,
due to minute changes in bulb volume. Periodic verification of
9.5.2 Different style of numerical characters for the two
these thermometers either over the entire scale or reverification
parts of the scale, and
at the reference temperature (ice point or steam point), in
9.5.3 Use of minus signs before appropriate numbers below
accordance with procedures set forth in Test Method E 77, is
0°C or 0°F.
recommended.
10. Special Inscription
13.2 Due to the application requirements for range and
construction of the following thermometer(s) do not have
10.1 The special inscription specified in Table 1 shall be
reference points such as ice and steam points:
marked on the thermometer in capital letters and Arabic
S91C
numbers without the use of periods. Include year of current
revision in the ASTM designation (for example ASTM S56C-
14. Case and Instructions
03).
14.1 Each thermometer shall be supplied in a suitable case
10.1.1 Each thermometer shall be permanently marked with
on which shall appear the following marking (except when a
a unique serial number and the manufacturer’s tradename or
transparent case is used): the letters “ASTM,” the thermometer
mark.
number (S59C, S59F, etc.), and the temperature range.
10.1.2 Each thermometer shall have the average coefficient
14.2 Each thermometer shall be supplied with suitable user
of thermal expansion of the liquid permanently marked.
instructions. See Appendix X2 for Sample User Instructions.
10.1.3 When the length of the thermometer permits, the
words “TOTAL IMMERSION” may also be inscribed on the
15. Methods of Verification and Calibration
back of thermometers calibrated for total immersion.
15.1 Thermometers shall be verified and calibrated at the
11. Permanency of Pigment
specified immersion in accordance with Test Method E 77. For
11.1 The test for permanency of pigment shall be performed partial immersion thermometers careful consideration to emer-
on any convenient portion of the scale section of the thermom- gent stem temperatures shall be observed.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
E2251–03
TABLE 1 Specification for E 2251 ASTM Thermometers
All dimensions are in millimetres.
See Table 4 for Verification and Ca
...