ASTM D2501-14(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils
Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) is a useful function for the approximate characterization of the viscous fractions of petroleum.2 It is relatively insensitive to molecular weight and is related to a fluids composition as expressed in terms of certain structural elements. Values of VGC near 0.800 indicate samples of paraffinic character, while values close to 1.00 indicate a preponderance of aromatic structures. Like other indicators of hydrocarbon composition, the VGC should not be indiscriminately applied to residual oils, asphaltic materials, or samples containing appreciable quantities of nonhydrocarbons.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the calculation of the viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) of petroleum oils2 having viscosities in excess of 5.5 mm2/s at 40 °C (104 °F) and in excess of 0.8 mm2/s at 100 °C (212 °F).
1.2 Annex A1 describes a method for calculating the VGC from Saybolt (SUS) viscosity and relative density.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3.1 The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is mm2/s.
1.3.2 Exception—Fahrenheit temperature units are used in this practice because they are accepted by industry for the type of legacy conversions described in this practice.
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-Apr-2019
- Technical Committee
- D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
- Drafting Committee
- D02.04.0K - Correlative Methods
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2012
Overview
ASTM D2501-14(2019), titled "Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils," is a widely recognized international standard developed by ASTM International. This test method specifies procedures for calculating the viscosity-gravity constant of petroleum oils, enabling approximate characterization of the viscous fractions in these substances.
The VGC is a significant compositional indicator for petroleum oils with kinematic viscosities exceeding 5.5 mm²/s at 40°C or 0.8 mm²/s at 100°C. It offers valuable insights into the paraffinic or aromatic nature of a petroleum sample and supports the industry in the quality assessment, processing, and formulation of petroleum-based products.
Key Topics
- Purpose of VGC Calculation: The VGC provides an approximate measure of the hydrocarbon composition, distinguishing between paraffinic (VGC near 0.800) and aromatic (VGC near 1.00) structures within petroleum oils.
- Applicability: This standard applies exclusively to petroleum oils and should not be used with residual oils, asphaltic materials, or samples with notable quantities of nonhydrocarbons.
- Test Methodology:
- Determination of kinematic viscosity at 40°C or, for highly viscous samples, at 100°C.
- Density measurement at 15°C using standardized ASTM test methods (such as D1298, D4052, D7042, or API Gravity by D287).
- Calculations can be adapted for legacy units, including Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) and relative density.
- International Compliance: The standard aligns with the principles for the development of international standards as set by the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
- Units of Measurement: The method exclusively uses SI units, except for legacy temperature conversions in degrees Fahrenheit for industry compatibility.
Applications
- Petroleum Refining and Blending: Enables refineries and blenders to characterize feedstocks and blends, ensuring that finished products exhibit desired performance characteristics relating to flow, stability, and combustion.
- Product Quality Control: Used in laboratories and quality assurance departments to verify the compositional consistency of lubricating oils, transformer oils, and other petroleum-derived fluids.
- Research and Development: Supports R&D teams in tracking compositional trends for new oil formulations and process changes.
- Comparative Analysis: Assists in distinguishing between different types of crude oils and petroleum distillates based on their relative paraffinic or aromatic content.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps companies meet local and international requirements for petroleum product reporting and standardization.
Note: Proper safety, health, and environmental practices must be established when applying this standard, and users should be aware of regulatory limitations relevant to their jurisdiction.
Related Standards
For accurate determination and calculation of VGC, reference may be made to these related ASTM standards:
- ASTM D445: Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
- ASTM D1298: Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
- ASTM D287: Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
- ASTM D4052: Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
- ASTM D7042: Test Method for Dynamic Viscosity and Density of Liquids by Stabinger Viscometer
- ASTM D2140: Practice for Calculating Carbon-Type Composition of Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin
Keywords: viscosity-gravity constant, VGC, petroleum oils, kinematic viscosity, density measurement, paraffinic oils, aromatic oils, ASTM standards, petroleum product analysis, lubricating oil characterization.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D2501-14(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) is a useful function for the approximate characterization of the viscous fractions of petroleum.2 It is relatively insensitive to molecular weight and is related to a fluids composition as expressed in terms of certain structural elements. Values of VGC near 0.800 indicate samples of paraffinic character, while values close to 1.00 indicate a preponderance of aromatic structures. Like other indicators of hydrocarbon composition, the VGC should not be indiscriminately applied to residual oils, asphaltic materials, or samples containing appreciable quantities of nonhydrocarbons. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the calculation of the viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) of petroleum oils2 having viscosities in excess of 5.5 mm2/s at 40 °C (104 °F) and in excess of 0.8 mm2/s at 100 °C (212 °F). 1.2 Annex A1 describes a method for calculating the VGC from Saybolt (SUS) viscosity and relative density. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3.1 The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is mm2/s. 1.3.2 Exception—Fahrenheit temperature units are used in this practice because they are accepted by industry for the type of legacy conversions described in this practice. 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) is a useful function for the approximate characterization of the viscous fractions of petroleum.2 It is relatively insensitive to molecular weight and is related to a fluids composition as expressed in terms of certain structural elements. Values of VGC near 0.800 indicate samples of paraffinic character, while values close to 1.00 indicate a preponderance of aromatic structures. Like other indicators of hydrocarbon composition, the VGC should not be indiscriminately applied to residual oils, asphaltic materials, or samples containing appreciable quantities of nonhydrocarbons. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the calculation of the viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) of petroleum oils2 having viscosities in excess of 5.5 mm2/s at 40 °C (104 °F) and in excess of 0.8 mm2/s at 100 °C (212 °F). 1.2 Annex A1 describes a method for calculating the VGC from Saybolt (SUS) viscosity and relative density. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3.1 The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is mm2/s. 1.3.2 Exception—Fahrenheit temperature units are used in this practice because they are accepted by industry for the type of legacy conversions described in this practice. 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.
ASTM D2501-14(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.080 - Petroleum products in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D2501-14(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D2501-14, ASTM D445-24, ASTM D2140-23e1, ASTM D2140-23, ASTM D445-23, ASTM D445-16, ASTM D445-14e1, ASTM D445-14, ASTM D7042-14, ASTM D7042-12a, ASTM D1298-12a, ASTM D287-12a, ASTM D445-12, ASTM D7042-12, ASTM D7042-12e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D2501-14(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D2501 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of
Petroleum Oils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2501; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D445Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of DynamicViscos-
1.1 This test method covers the calculation of the viscosity-
2 ity)
gravityconstant(VGC)ofpetroleumoils havingviscositiesin
2 D1298Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API
excess of 5.5 mm /s at 40°C (104°F) and in excess of
2 Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod-
0.8mm /s at 100°C (212°F).
ucts by Hydrometer Method
1.2 Annex A1 describes a method for calculating the VGC
D2140Practice for Calculating Carbon-Type Composition
from Saybolt (SUS) viscosity and relative density.
of Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as D4052Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. D7042Test Method for Dynamic Viscosity and Density of
Liquids by Stabinger Viscometer (and the Calculation of
1.3.1 The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is mm /s.
1.3.2 Exception—Fahrenheit temperature units are used in Kinematic Viscosity)
this practice because they are accepted by industry for the type
3. Summary of Test Method
of legacy conversions described in this practice.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 The kinematic viscosity at 40°C (104°F) and the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the density at 15°C of the oil are determined. If the oil is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- extremely viscous, or if it is otherwise inconvenient to deter-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- mine the viscosity at 40°C, the kinematic viscosity at 100°C
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (212°F) can be used. The viscosity-gravity constant is calcu-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- lated from the measured physical properties using the appro-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
priate equation.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 4. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 The viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) is a useful func-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
tion for the approximate characterization of the viscous frac-
tions of petroleum. It is relatively insensitive to molecular
2. Referenced Documents
weight and is related to a fluids composition as expressed in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
termsofcertainstructuralelements.ValuesofVGCnear0.800
D287Test Method forAPI Gravity of Crude Petroleum and
indicate samples of paraffinic character, while values close to
Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
1.00 indicate a preponderance of aromatic structures. Like
other indicators of hydrocarbon composition, the VGC should
not be indiscriminately applied to residual oils, asphaltic
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
materials, or samples containing appreciable quantities of
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
nonhydrocarbons.
Subcommittee D02.04.0K on Correlative Methods.
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D2501–14. DOI:
5. Measurement of Physical Properties
10.1520/D2501-14R19.
5.1 Preferably,determinethekinematicviscosityat40°Cas
Coats, H. B., and Hill, J. B., Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vol 20,
1928, p. 641.
described in Test Method D445 or D7042. However, if the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
sample is extremely viscous or if it is otherwise inconvenient
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
to measure the viscosity at 40°C, the viscosity at 100°C may
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. be determined.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2501 − 14 (2019)
5.2 Determine the density at 15°C in accordance with Test 8. Precision and Bias
Method D1298, D4052,or D7042. Equivalent results can be
8.1 The calculation of viscosity-gravity constant from kine-
obtained by determining API Gravity at 60°F (15.56°C) in
maticviscosityat40°Canddensityat15°Cisexact.Precision
accordance with Test Method D287, and converting the result
limits are not assigned to this calculation.
to density at 15°C by means of Table 3 of the Petroleum
8.2 The precision and bias for this test method for calculat-
Measurement Tables (American Edition).
ing VGC are essentially as specified in Test Methods D287,
D445, D1298, D4052, and D7042, and Practice D2140. The
NOTE 1—If it is necessary to convert a result obtained using the digital
densitymetertoadensityatanothertemperature,thePetroleumMeasure-
precision can be calculated as follows:
ment Tables can be used only if the glass expansion factor has been
8.2.1 For viscosity measured at 40°C,
excluded.
r 5 (3)
Y
0.94 2 0.109log ~V 2 5.5!
6. Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant
6.1 From Kinematic Viscosity at 40 °C and Density at
0.00224 ~Y 2 1.059!
2 2
·Œr 1r
15 °C—Use the following equation to calculate the VGC from G V
~V 2 5.5!
the measured properties:
where:
NOTE 2—The original formulae used Saybolt Universal Seconds and
r = precision of the VGC,
Y
specific gravity as the input parameters. The formulae were later trans-
r = precision of the gravity from D287, D1298, D4052,or
2 G
formedtousekinematicviscosityinexcessof4mm at40°Canddensity
D7042,
as input parameters and further revised to use kinematic viscosity in
r = preci
...
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