ASTM D1500-12(2017)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
Standard Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 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 may 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 visual determination of the color of a wide variety of petroleum products, such as lubricating oils, heating oils, diesel fuel oils, and petroleum waxes.
Note 1: Test Method D156 is applicable to refined products that have an ASTM color lighter than 0.5.
1.2 This test method reports results specific to the test method and recorded as “ASTM Color.”
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
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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: D1500 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Designation: 196/97
Standard Test Method for
ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1500; 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 D2500 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products
and Liquid Fuels
1.1 This test method covers the visual determination of the
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
color of a wide variety of petroleum products, such as
Petroleum Products
lubricating oils, heating oils, diesel fuel oils, and petroleum
waxes.
3. Summary of Test Method
NOTE 1—Test Method D156 is applicable to refined products that have
3.1 Using a standard light source, a liquid sample is placed
an ASTM color lighter than 0.5.
in the test container and compared with colored glass disks
1.2 This test method reports results specific to the test
ranging in value from 0.5 to 8.0. When an exact match is not
method and recorded as “ASTM Color.”
found and the sample color falls between two standard colors,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the higher of the two colors is reported.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 Determinationofthecolorofpetroleumproductsisused
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mainly for manufacturing control purposes and is an important
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
quality characteristic, since color is readily observed by the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
user of the product. In some cases, the color may serve as an
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
indicationofthedegreeofrefinementofthematerial.Whenthe
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
colorrangeofaparticularproductisknown,avariationoutside
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
theestablishedrangemayindicatepossiblecontaminationwith
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
another product. However, color is not always a reliable guide
2. Referenced Documents to product quality and should not be used indiscriminately in
2 product specifications.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D156 Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products
5. Apparatus
(Saybolt Chromometer Method)
D938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum
5.1 Colorimeter, consisting of light source, glass color
Waxes, Including Petrolatum
standards, sample container housing with cover, and viewing
piece as listed in Annex A1.
5.2 Sample Container—For referee work, use the glass
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of samplejarasshowninFig.1.Forroutinetests,itispermissible
SubcommitteeD02.05onPropertiesofFuels,PetroleumCokeandCarbonMaterial.
to use a cylindrical, clear glass jar with a flat bottom of
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally
30 mm to 32.4 mm internal diameter, 115 mm to 125 mm in
approved in 1957. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1500 – 12. DOI:
external height, and a wall thickness no greater than 1.6 mm as
10.1520/D1500-12R17.
This is also a standard of Energy Institute issued under the fixed designation IP
specified in Test Method D2500, or an ordinary 125 mL oil
196. The final number indicates the year of last revision. This test method was
sample bottle if it meets these requirements.
adopted as a jointASTM-IPstandard in 1966. In the IP, this test method is under the
jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee.
5.3 Ultrasonic Bath, Unheated (optional)—of suitable di-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mensions to hold container(s) placed inside of bath, for use in
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
effectively dissipating and removing air or gas bubbles that can
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. be entrained in viscous sample types prior to analysis.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1500 − 12 (2017)
30 °F) above its congealing point, as determined in accordance
with Test Method D938, has been found suitable to test
samplesusingthistestmethod.Whenthesampleisdarkerthan
8 color, one may either stop the test and report “D8 ASTM
Color” (see 10.2) or continue the test and mix 15 volumes of
melted sample with 85 volumes of solvent kerosene or alter-
native material (see 7.1) brought to the same temperature and
test the mixture at that temperature.
9. Procedure
9.1 Place a sample container or containers, filled to a depth
of at least 50 mm with distilled or deionized water, in the
compartment or compartments of the colorimeter through
which the standard glasses will be observed. Place the sample
in its container in the other compartment. (When using a
three-field comparator, this will be the middle compartment.)
FIG. 1 Standard Glass Sample Jar Cover the containers to exclude all exterior light.
9.2 Switch on the light source and compare the color of the
sample with that of the standard glasses. When using a
6. Sampling
three-field comparator, the sample must be bracketed by darker
6.1 Samples shall be taken in accordance with the instruc-
and lighter discs or by an exact match and a darker disc.
tions in Practice D4057.
Determine for two-field comparators which glass matches the
6.2 Forsomesampletypes,suchasviscouslubeoilsthatare
color of the sample; or if an exact match is not possible, then
prone to having entrained air or gas bubbles present in the
use that glass which possesses the next darker color.
sample, the use of an ultrasonic bath (see 5.3) without the
heater turned on (if so equipped), has been found effective in 10. Report
dissipating bubbles typically within 10 min.
10.1 Report as the color of the sample, the designation of
theglassproducingamatchingcolor(forexample;“7.5ASTM
7. Diluent
Color.”)
7.1 Solvent Kerosene—(Warning—Combustible. Vapor
10.2 Ifthecolorofthesampleisintermediatebetweenthose
harmful.)Havingacolorlighterthan +21SayboltcolorbyTest
of two standard glasses, report that the sample is less than the
Method D156, this material is used for diluting dark samples
darker glass designation.As an example, report the designation
for the test.As an alternative, other solvents, such as white oil
of the darker glass preceded by the letter “L” (for example,
or solvent neutral 100 of satisfactory purity that meet the color
“L7.5ASTMColor”)orwitha“<”symbol(forexample,“<7.5
requirements specified here in 7.1, are also acceptable.
ASTM Color”). Never report the color as being darker than a
NOTE2—Solventkerosenecomplieswiththisrequirementifitislighter
given standard except those darker than 8 (for example, “D8
in color than potassium dichromate (K Cr O ) solution formed by
2 2 7
ASTM Color” or “>8 ASTM Color.”)
dissolving 4.8 mg of pure anhydrous K Cr O in 1 L of distilled water.
2 2 7
10.2.1 If the color of the sample is less than the 0.5 glass
color standard, report that the sample is less than the 0.5 glass
8. Preparation of Sample
color standard.As an example, report the designation as “L0.5
8.1 Liquid Petroleum Products such as Lubricating Oils—
ASTM Color” or “<0.5 ASTM Color.”
Fill the sample container to a depth of 50 mm or more and
10.3 If the sample has been diluted in accordance with 7.1,
observe the color. When the sample is not clear, heat it just
report the color of the mixture followed by the abbreviation
sufficiently enough to make it clear to perform the color
“Dil” (for example, “L7.5 Dil ASTM Color” or “<7.5 Dil
measurement at that temperature. A sample heated to a tem-
ASTM Color”). See Note 3.
perature of 6 °C (10 °F) above its cloud point (seeTest Method
D2500) has been found suitable to test samples using this test
NOTE 3—For samples that are diluted in 10.3, it is permissible for the
method. When the sample is darker than 8 color, one may
laboratory to annotate the report in any suitable manner, provided that the
information clearly conveys to the data recipient that the sample analyzed
either stop the test and report “D8ASTM Color” (see 10.2)or
was diluted.
continue the test and mix 15 volumes of sample into 85 vol-
umes of solvent kerosene or alternative material (see 7.1) and
11. Precision and Bias
observe the color of the mixture.
11.1 Precision—The precision of this test method as ob-
8.2 Petroleum Waxes, Including Petrolatum—Heat the
tained by statistical examination of interlaboratory test results
sample just sufficiently enough to make it fluid and clear to
is as follows:
perform the color measurement at that temperature without
heating the wax excessively, because oxidation can occur,
along with consequent discoloration of the test specimen. A
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
sample heated to a temperature of 11 °C to 17 °C (20 °F to be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1234.
D1500 − 12 (2017)
11.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
test results obtained by the same operator with the same the test method exceed the following value only in one case in
twenty: 1 color unit.
apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
material would, in the long run, in the normal and correct
11.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
operation of the test method, exceed the following value only
becausethevalueofASTMColorissubjectiveandcanonlybe
in one case in twenty: 0.5 color un
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D1500 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Designation: 196/97
Standard Test Method for
ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1500; 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 D2500 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products
and Liquid Fuels
1.1 This test method covers the visual determination of the
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
color of a wide variety of petroleum products, such as
Petroleum Products
lubricating oils, heating oils, diesel fuel oils, and petroleum
waxes.
3. Summary of Test Method
NOTE 1—Test Method D156 is applicable to refined products that have
3.1 Using a standard light source, a liquid sample is placed
an ASTM color lighter than 0.5.
in the test container and compared with colored glass disks
1.2 This test method reports results specific to the test
ranging in value from 0.5 to 8.0. When an exact match is not
method and recorded as “ASTM Color.”
found and the sample color falls between two standard colors,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the higher of the two colors is reported.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 Determination of the color of petroleum products is used
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mainly for manufacturing control purposes and is an important
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
quality characteristic, since color is readily observed by the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
user of the product. In some cases, the color may serve as an
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
indication of the degree of refinement of the material. When the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
color range of a particular product is known, a variation outside
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the established range may indicate possible contamination with
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
another product. However, color is not always a reliable guide
2. Referenced Documents to product quality and should not be used indiscriminately in
2 product specifications.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D156 Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products
5. Apparatus
(Saybolt Chromometer Method)
D938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum
5.1 Colorimeter, consisting of light source, glass color
Waxes, Including Petrolatum
standards, sample container housing with cover, and viewing
piece as listed in Annex A1.
1 5.2 Sample Container—For referee work, use the glass
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
sample jar as shown in Fig. 1. For routine tests, it is permissible
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.05 on Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material.
to use a cylindrical, clear glass jar with a flat bottom of
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally
30 mm to 32.4 mm internal diameter, 115 mm to 125 mm in
approved in 1957. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1500 – 12. DOI:
external height, and a wall thickness no greater than 1.6 mm as
10.1520/D1500-12R17.
This is also a standard of Energy Institute issued under the fixed designation IP specified in Test Method D2500, or an ordinary 125 mL oil
196. The final number indicates the year of last revision. This test method was
sample bottle if it meets these requirements.
adopted as a joint ASTM-IP standard in 1966. In the IP, this test method is under the
jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee.
5.3 Ultrasonic Bath, Unheated (optional)—of suitable di-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mensions to hold container(s) placed inside of bath, for use in
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
effectively dissipating and removing air or gas bubbles that can
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. be entrained in viscous sample types prior to analysis.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1500 − 12 (2017)
30 °F) above its congealing point, as determined in accordance
with Test Method D938, has been found suitable to test
samples using this test method. When the sample is darker than
8 color, one may either stop the test and report “D8 ASTM
Color” (see 10.2) or continue the test and mix 15 volumes of
melted sample with 85 volumes of solvent kerosene or alter-
native material (see 7.1) brought to the same temperature and
test the mixture at that temperature.
9. Procedure
9.1 Place a sample container or containers, filled to a depth
of at least 50 mm with distilled or deionized water, in the
compartment or compartments of the colorimeter through
which the standard glasses will be observed. Place the sample
in its container in the other compartment. (When using a
three-field comparator, this will be the middle compartment.)
Cover the containers to exclude all exterior light.
FIG. 1 Standard Glass Sample Jar
9.2 Switch on the light source and compare the color of the
sample with that of the standard glasses. When using a
6. Sampling
three-field comparator, the sample must be bracketed by darker
6.1 Samples shall be taken in accordance with the instruc-
and lighter discs or by an exact match and a darker disc.
tions in Practice D4057.
Determine for two-field comparators which glass matches the
6.2 For some sample types, such as viscous lube oils that are
color of the sample; or if an exact match is not possible, then
prone to having entrained air or gas bubbles present in the
use that glass which possesses the next darker color.
sample, the use of an ultrasonic bath (see 5.3) without the
heater turned on (if so equipped), has been found effective in 10. Report
dissipating bubbles typically within 10 min.
10.1 Report as the color of the sample, the designation of
the glass producing a matching color (for example; “7.5 ASTM
7. Diluent
Color.”)
7.1 Solvent Kerosene—(Warning—Combustible. Vapor
10.2 If the color of the sample is intermediate between those
harmful.) Having a color lighter than +21 Saybolt color by Test
of two standard glasses, report that the sample is less than the
Method D156, this material is used for diluting dark samples
darker glass designation. As an example, report the designation
for the test. As an alternative, other solvents, such as white oil
of the darker glass preceded by the letter “L” (for example,
or solvent neutral 100 of satisfactory purity that meet the color
“L7.5 ASTM Color”) or with a “<” symbol (for example, “<7.5
requirements specified here in 7.1, are also acceptable.
ASTM Color”). Never report the color as being darker than a
NOTE 2—Solvent kerosene complies with this requirement if it is lighter
given standard except those darker than 8 (for example, “D8
in color than potassium dichromate (K Cr O ) solution formed by
2 2 7
ASTM Color” or “>8 ASTM Color.”)
dissolving 4.8 mg of pure anhydrous K Cr O in 1 L of distilled water.
2 2 7
10.2.1 If the color of the sample is less than the 0.5 glass
color standard, report that the sample is less than the 0.5 glass
8. Preparation of Sample
color standard. As an example, report the designation as “L0.5
8.1 Liquid Petroleum Products such as Lubricating Oils—
ASTM Color” or “<0.5 ASTM Color.”
Fill the sample container to a depth of 50 mm or more and
10.3 If the sample has been diluted in accordance with 7.1,
observe the color. When the sample is not clear, heat it just
report the color of the mixture followed by the abbreviation
sufficiently enough to make it clear to perform the color
“Dil” (for example, “L7.5 Dil ASTM Color” or “<7.5 Dil
measurement at that temperature. A sample heated to a tem-
ASTM Color”). See Note 3.
perature of 6 °C (10 °F) above its cloud point (see Test Method
D2500) has been found suitable to test samples using this test
NOTE 3—For samples that are diluted in 10.3, it is permissible for the
method. When the sample is darker than 8 color, one may
laboratory to annotate the report in any suitable manner, provided that the
either stop the test and report “D8 ASTM Color” (see 10.2) or information clearly conveys to the data recipient that the sample analyzed
was diluted.
continue the test and mix 15 volumes of sample into 85 vol-
umes of solvent kerosene or alternative material (see 7.1) and
11. Precision and Bias
observe the color of the mixture.
11.1 Precision—The precision of this test method as ob-
8.2 Petroleum Waxes, Including Petrolatum—Heat the
tained by statistical examination of interlaboratory test results
sample just sufficiently enough to make it fluid and clear to
is as follows:
perform the color measurement at that temperature without
heating the wax excessively, because oxidation can occur,
along with consequent discoloration of the test specimen. A 3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
sample heated to a temperature of 11 °C to 17 °C (20 °F to be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1234.
D1500 − 12 (2017)
11.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
the test method exceed the following value only in one case in
test results obtained by the same operator with the same
apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test twenty: 1 color unit.
material would, in the long run, in the normal and correct
11.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
operation of the test method, exceed the following value only
because the value of ASTM Color is subjective and can only be
in one case in twenty: 0.5 color units.
defined in terms of this test method.
11.1.2 Reproducibil
...
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: D1500 − 12 D1500 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Designation: 196/97
Standard Test Method for
ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1500; 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*Scope
1.1 This test method covers the visual determination of the color of a wide variety of petroleum products, such as lubricating
oils, heating oils, diesel fuel oils, and petroleum waxes.
NOTE 1—Test Method D156 is applicable to refined products that have an ASTM color lighter than 0.5.
1.2 This test method reports results specific to the test method and recorded as “ASTM Color.”
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D156 Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer Method)
D938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum Waxes, Including Petrolatum
D2500 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products and Liquid Fuels
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Using a standard light source, a liquid sample is placed in the test container and compared with colored glass disks ranging
in value from 0.5 to 8.0. When an exact match is not found and the sample color falls between two standard colors, the higher of
the two colors is reported.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 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 may 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.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Colorimeter, consisting of light source, glass color standards, sample container housing with cover, and viewing piece as
listed in Annex A1.
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 Dec. 1, 2012Oct. 1, 2017. Published March 2013November 2017. Originally approved in 1957. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
D1500D1500 – 12.–07. DOI: 10.1520/D1500-12.10.1520/D1500-12R17.
This is also a standard of Energy Institute issued under the fixed designation IP 196. The final number indicates the year of last revision. This test method was adopted
as a joint ASTM-IP standard in 1966. In the IP, this test method is under the jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. 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
D1500 − 12 (2017)
5.2 Sample Container—For referee work, use the glass sample jar as shown in Fig. 1. For routine tests, it is permissible to use
a cylindrical, clear glass jar with a flat bottom of 30 to 32.4 mm internal diameter, 115 to 125 mm 30 mm to 32.4 mm internal
diameter, 115 mm to 125 mm in external height, and a wall thickness no greater than 1.6 mm 1.6 mm as specified in Test Method
D2500, or an ordinary 125-mL125 mL oil sample bottle if it meets these requirements.
5.3 Ultrasonic Bath, Unheated (optional)—of suitable dimensions to hold container(s) placed inside of bath, for use in
effectively dissipating and removing air or gas bubbles that can be entrained in viscous sample types prior to analysis.
6. Sampling
6.1 Samples shall be taken in accordance with the instructions in Practice D4057.
6.2 For some sample types, such as viscous lube oils that are prone to having entrained air or gas bubbles present in the sample,
the use of an ultrasonic bath (see 5.3) without the heater turned on (if so equipped), has been found effective in dissipating bubbles
typically within 10 min.
7. Diluent
7.1 Solvent Kerosine—Kerosene—(Warning—Combustible. Vapor harmful.) Having a color lighter than +21 Saybolt color by
Test Method D156, this material is used for diluting dark samples for the test. As an alternative, other solvents, such as white oil
or solvent neutral 100 of satisfactory purity that meet the color requirements specified here in 7.1, are also acceptable.
NOTE 2—Solvent kerosinekerosene complies with this requirement if it is lighter in color than potassium dichromate (K Cr O ) solution formed by
2 2 7
dissolving 4.8 mg 4.8 mg of pure anhydrous K Cr O in 1 L 1 L of distilled water.
2 2 7
8. Preparation of Sample
8.1 Liquid Petroleum Products such as Lubricating Oils—Fill the sample container to a depth of 50 mm or more and observe
the color. When the sample is not clear, heat it just sufficiently enough to make it clear to perform the color measurement at that
temperature. A sample heated to a temperature of 6°C (10°F)6 °C (10 °F) above its cloud point (see Test Method D2500) has been
found suitable to test samples using this test method. When the sample is darker than 8 color, one may either stop the test and report
“D8 ASTM Color” (see 10.2) or continue the test and mix 15 volumes of sample into 85 volumes 85 volumes of solvent
kerosinekerosene or alternative material (see 7.1) and observe the color of the mixture.
8.2 Petroleum Waxes, Including Petrolatum—Heat the sample just sufficiently enough to make it fluid and clear to perform the
color measurement at that temperature without heating the wax excessively, because oxidation can occur, along with consequent
discoloration of the test specimen. A sample heated to a temperature of 1111 °C to 17°C (2017 °C (20 °F to 30°F)30 °F) above its
congealing point, as determined in accordance with Test Method D938, has been found suitable to test samples using this test
method. When the sample is darker than 8 color, one may either stop the test and report “D8 ASTM Color” (see 10.2) or continue
the test and mix 15 volumes of melted sample with 85 volumes of solvent kerosinekerosene or alternative material (see 7.1)
brought to the same temperature and test the mixture at that temperature.
9. Procedure
9.1 Place a sample container or containers, filled to a depth of at least 50 mm 50 mm with distilled or deionized water, in the
compartment or compartments of the colorimeter through which the standard glasses will be observed. Place the sample in its
container in the other compartment. (When using a three-field comparator, this will be the middle compartment.) Cover the
containers to exclude all exterior light.
FIG. 1 Standard Glass Sample Jar
D1500 − 12 (2017)
9.2 Switch on the light source and compare the color of the sample with that of the standard glasses. When using a three-field
comparator, the sample must be bracketed by darker and lighter discs or by an exact match and a darker disc. Determine for
two-field comparators which glass matches the color of the sample; or if an exact match is not possible, then use that glass which
possesses the next darker color.
10. Report
10.1 Report as the color of the sample, the designation of the glass producing a matching color (for example; “7.5 ASTM
Color.”)
10.2 If the color of the sample is intermediate between those of two standard glasses, report that the sample is less than the
darker glass designation. As an example, report the designation of the darker glass preceded by the letter “L” (for example, “L7.5
ASTM Color”) or with a “<” symbol (for example, “<7.5 ASTM Color”). Never report the color as being darker than a given
standard except those darker than 8 (for example, “D8 ASTM Color” or “>8 ASTM Color.”)
10.2.1 If the color of the sample is less than the 0.5 glass color standard, report that the sample is less than the 0.5 glass color
standard. As an example, report the designation as “L0.5 ASTM Color” or “<0.5 ASTM Color.”
10.3 If the sample has been diluted in accordance with 7.1, report the color of the mixture followed by the abbreviation “Dil”
(for example, “L7.5 Dil ASTM Color” or “<7.5 Dil ASTM Color”). See Note 3.
NOTE 3—For samples that are diluted in 10.3, it is permissible for the laboratory to annotate the report in any suitable manner, provided that the
information clearly conveys to the data recipient that the sample analyzed was diluted.
11. Precision and Bias
11.1 Precision—The precision of this test method as obtained by statistical examination of interlaboratory test results is as
follows:
11.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive test results obtained by the same operator with the same apparatus
under constant operating conditions on identical test material would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the
test method, exceed the following value only in one case in twenty: 0.5 color units.
11.1.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single and independent test results obtained by different operators working
in different laboratories on identical test material would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test method
exceed the following value only in one case in twenty: 1 color unit.
11.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias becaus
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