ASTM D156-23

Standard Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Determination of the color of petroleum products is used mainly for manufacturing control purposes and is an important quality characteristic since color is readily observed by the user of the product. In some cases the color may serve as an indication of the degree of refinement of the material. When the color range of a particular product is known, a variation outside the established range can indicate possible contamination with another product. However, color is not always a reliable guide to product quality and should not be used indiscriminately in product specifications.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the color of refined oils such as undyed motor and aviation gasoline, jet propulsion fuels, naphthas and kerosine, and, in addition, petroleum waxes and pharmaceutical white oils.  
Note 1: For determining the color of petroleum products darker than Saybolt Color − 16, see Test Method D1500.  
1.2 This test method reports results specific to this test method and recorded as, “Saybolt Color units.”  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units or in SI units and which are not in parentheses are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
Note 2: Oil tubes and apparatus used in this test method have traditionally been marked in inches, (the tube is required to be etched with 1/8 in. divisions.) The Saybolt Color Numbers are aligned with inch, 1/2 in., 1/4 in., and 1/8 in. changes in the depth of oil. These fractional inch changes do not readily correspond to SI equivalents and in view of the preponderance of apparatus already in use and marked in inches, the inch/pound unit is regarded as the standard. However the test method does use SI units of length when the length is not directly related to divisions on the oil tube and Saybolt Color Numbers. The test method uses SI units for temperature.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2023
• ICS: 75.080 - Petroleum products in general
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.05 - Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D156-15 - Standard Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4175-23e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4175-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D3735-22 - Standard Specification for VM&P Naphthas
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D1209-05(2019) - Standard Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D128-98(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Analysis of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D268-22 - Standard Guide for Sampling and Testing Volatile Solvents and Chemical Intermediates for Use in Paint and Related Coatings and Material
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E805-22 - Standard Practice for Identification of Instrumental Methods of Color or Color-Difference Measurement of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E284-22 - Standard Terminology of Appearance
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D5983-21 - Standard Specification for Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) for Blending With Gasolines for Use as Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D235-22 - Standard Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits) (Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7618-13(2021) - Standard Specification for Ethyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (ETBE) for Blending with Aviation Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D1836-07(2021) - Standard Specification for Commercial Hexanes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D3734-05(2018) - Standard Specification for High-Flash Aromatic Naphthas
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7058-19 - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Red Dye Concentration and Estimation of Saybolt Color of Aviation Turbine Fuels and Kerosine Using a Portable Visible Spectrophotometer
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D156 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer
1
Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D156; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the color of 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum
refined oils such as undyed motor and aviation gasoline, jet
propulsion fuels, naphthas and kerosine, and, in addition, Waxes, Including Petrolatum
D1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products
petroleum waxes and pharmaceutical white oils.
(ASTM Color Scale)
NOTE 1—For determining the color of petroleum products darker than
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
Saybolt Color − 16, see Test Method D1500.
Petroleum Products
1.2 This test method reports results specific to this test
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid
method and recorded as, “Saybolt Color units.”
Fuels, and Lubricants
E308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units or in SI units and
the CIE System
which are not in parentheses are to be regarded as the standard.
The values given in parentheses are for information only.
3. Terminology
NOTE 2—Oil tubes and apparatus used in this test method have
3.1 Definitions:
traditionally been marked in inches, (the tube is required to be etched with
1 1
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
⁄8 in. divisions.) The Saybolt Color Numbers are aligned with inch, ⁄2 in.,
1 1
⁄4 in., and ⁄8 in. changes in the depth of oil. These fractional inch changes
to Terminology D4175.
do not readily correspond to SI equivalents and in view of the prepon-
3.1.2 clear-and-bright, n—condition in which the sample is
derance of apparatus already in use and marked in inches, the inch/pound
free of haze or cloudiness. (Also termed clean-and-bright .)
unit is regarded as the standard. However the test method does use SI units
of length when the length is not directly related to divisions on the oil tube
3.1.3 free water, n—water in excess of that soluble in the
and Saybolt Color Numbers. The test method uses SI units for tempera-
sample and appearing in the sample as a haze or cloudiness, as
ture.
droplets, or as a separated phase or layer.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 particulates, n—small solid or semisolid particles,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
sometimes referred to as silt or sediment, that can be suspended
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
in the sample or can settle to the bottom.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.5 turbidity, n—reduction of transparency of a sample
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- due to the presence of particulate matter or water haze, or both.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.1 Saybolt color, n—an empirical definition of the color
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
of a clear petroleum liquid based on a scale of −16 (darkest)
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
to +30 (lightest).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The number is derived by finding the
height of a column of the sample that, when viewed through
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
2
Subcommittee D02.05 on Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1923. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D156 – 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D0156-23. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Bar
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D156 − 15 D156 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer
1
Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D156; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the color of refined oils such as undyed motor and aviation gasoline, jet
propulsion fuels, naphthas and kerosine, and, in addition, petroleum waxes and pharmaceutical white oils.
NOTE 1—For determining the color of petroleum products darker than Saybolt Color − 16, see Test Method D1500.
1.2 This test method reports results specific to this test method and recorded as, “Saybolt Color units.”
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units or in SI units and which are not in parentheses are to be regarded as the standard. The
values given in parentheses are for information only.
1
NOTE 2—Oil tubes and apparatus used in this test method have traditionally been marked in inches, (the tube is required to be etched with ⁄8 in. divisions.)
1 1 1
The Saybolt Color Numbers are aligned with inch, ⁄2 in., ⁄4 in., and ⁄8 in. changes in the depth of oil. These fractional inch changes do not readily
correspond to SI equivalents and in view of the preponderance of apparatus already in use and marked in inches, the inch/pound unit is regarded as the
standard. However the test method does use SI units of length when the length is not directly related to divisions on the oil tube and Saybolt Color
Numbers. The test method uses SI units for temperature.
1.4 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 healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum Waxes, Including Petrolatum
D1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.05 on Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material.
Current edition approved April 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2023. Published April 2015October 2023. Originally approved in 1923. Last previous edition approved in 20122015 as
D156 – 12.D156 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/D0156-15.10.1520/D0156-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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D156 − 23
TABLE 1 Saybolt Colors Corresponding to Depths of Oil
Number of Color Number of Color Depth of Oil,
Depth of Oil, in. (mm) Color Number Color Number
Standards Standards in. (mm)
One-half 20.00 (508) +30 Two 6.00 (152) +6
One-half 18.00 (457) +29 Two 5.75 (146) +5
One-half 16.00 (406) +28 Two 5.50 (139) +4
One-half 14.00 (355) +27 Two 5.25 (133) +3
One-half 12.00 (304) +26 Two 5.00 (127) +2
One 20.00 (508) +25 Two 4.75 (120) +1
One 18.00 (457) +24 Two 4.50 (114) 0
One 16.00 (406) +23 Two 4.25 (107) −1
One 14.00 (355) +22 Two 4.00 (101) −2
One 12.00 (304) +21 Two 3.75 (95) −3
One 10.75 (273) +20 Two 3.625 (92) −4
One 9.50 (241) +19 Two 3.50 (88) −5
One 8.25 (209) +18 Two 3.375 (85) −6
One 7.25 (184) +17 Two 3.25 (82) −7
One 6.25 (158) +16 Two 3.125 (79) −8
Two 10.50 (266) +15 Two 3.00 (76) −9
Two 9.75
...