ASTM D1217-93(2007)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density (Specific Gravity) of Liquids by Bingham Pycnometer
Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density (Specific Gravity) of Liquids by Bingham Pycnometer
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Density is a fundamental physical property which can be used in conjunction with other properties to characterize pure hydrocarbons and their mixtures.
This test method was originally developed for the determination of the density of the ASTM Knock Test Reference Fuels n-heptane and isooctane, with an accuracy of 0.00003 g/mL. Although it is no longer employed extensively for this purpose, this test method is useful whenever accurate densities of pure hydrocarbons or petroleum fractions with boiling points between 90 and 110°C are required.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the density of pure hydrocarbons or petroleum distillates boiling between 90 and 110°C that can be handled in a normal fashion as a liquid at the specified test temperatures of 20 and 25°C.
1.2 This test method provides a calculation procedure for the conversion of density to relative density (specific gravity).
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warning statements are given in Section 7.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:D1217 −93(Reapproved 2007)
Standard Test Method for
Density and Relative Density (Specific Gravity) of Liquids by
Bingham Pycnometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1217; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope density of water is unity, relative density (specific gravity) and
density are numerically equal.
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the density
of pure hydrocarbons or petroleum distillates boiling between
4. Summary of Test Method
90 and 110°C that can be handled in a normal fashion as a
liquid at the specified test temperatures of 20 and 25°C. 4.1 The liquid sample is introduced into a pycnometer,
equilibrated to the desired temperature, and weighed. The
1.2 This test method provides a calculation procedure for
relative density (specific gravity) or density is then calculated
the conversion of density to relative density (specific gravity).
from this weight and the previously determined weight of
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
water that is required to fill the pycnometer at the same
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
temperature, both weights being corrected for the buoyancy of
only.
air.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 Densityisafundamentalphysicalpropertywhichcanbe
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
used in conjunction with other properties to characterize pure
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warning
hydrocarbons and their mixtures.
statements are given in Section 7.
5.2 This test method was originally developed for the
2. Referenced Documents
determination of the density of the ASTM Knock Test Refer-
2 ence Fuels n-heptane and isooctane, with an accuracy of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
0.00003 g/mL. Although it is no longer employed extensively
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
for this purpose, this test method is useful whenever accurate
densities of pure hydrocarbons or petroleum fractions with
3. Terminology
boiling points between 90 and 110°C are required.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 density—the weight in vacuo, (that is, the mass) of a
6. Apparatus
unit volume of the material at any given temperature.
6.1 Pycnometer, Bingham-type, conforming to the dimen-
3.1.2 relative density (specific gravity)—the ratio of the
sions given in Fig. 1, constructed of borosilicate glass, and
mass (weight in vacuo) of a given volume of material at a
having a total weight not exceeding 30 g.
temperature, t , to the mass of an equal volume of water at a
reference temperature, t ; or it is the ratio of the density of the 6.2 Constant-Temperature Bath, provided with suitable py-
material at t to the density of water at t . When the reference
cnometer holders or clips and means for maintaining tempera-
1 2
temperature is 4.00°C, the temperature at which the relative tures constant to 60.01°C in the desired range.
6.3 Bath Thermometer, graduated in 0.1°C subdivisions and
1 standardizedfortheicepointandtherangeofusetothenearest
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.04.0D on Physical and Chemical Methods.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2007. Published January 2008. Originally
ϵ1
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D1217–93(2003) . The sole source of supply of the pycnometer known to the committee at this
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or time is Reliance Glass Co., 220 Gateway Rd., Bensenville, IL 60106-0825. If you
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a
the ASTM website. DOI: 10.1520/D1217-93R07. meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
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D1217−93 (2007)
shall be made by the method of substitution, in which the
calibrated weights and pycnometer are alternately weighed on
the same balance pan. The same balance shall be used for all
related weighings.
6.9 Weights, whose relative values are known to the nearest
0.05 mg or better.The same set of weights shall be used for the
calibration of the pycnometer and the determination of densi-
ties.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 Acetone—(Warning— Extremely flammable. Use ad-
equate ventilation.)
7.2 Isopentane—( Warning—Extremely flammable. Avoid
buildupofvaporsandremoveallsourcesofignition,especially
non-explosion proof electrical apparatus.)
7.3 Chromic Acid (Potassium Dichromate/Conc. Sulfuric
Acid)—(Warning—Causes severe burns. A recognized car-
cinogen. Do not get in eyes, or on skin or clothing.)
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Thoroughly clean the pycnometer with hot chromic acid
cleaning solution by means of the assembly shown in Fig. 4.
Chromic acid solution (Warning—See 7.3) is the most effec-
tive cleaning agent. However, surfactant cleaning fluids have
also been used successfully. Mount the apparatus firmly and
connect the trap to the vacuum.Warm the necessary amount of
cleaning acid in the beaker, place the pycnometer on the
ground joint, and evacuate by opening the stopcock to vacuum.
FIG. 1 Bingham-Type Pycnometer, 25 mL
Fill the pycnometer with acid by turning the stopcock, repeat
several times or remove the filled pycnometer, and allow it to
standforseveralhoursat50to60°C.Removetheacidfromthe
0.01°C. ASTM Saybolt Viscosity Thermometer 17C as pre-
pycnometer by evacuation, empty the acid from the trap, and
scribed in Specification E1, designed for tests at 21.1°C and
flush the pycnometer with water. Cleaning should be made in
25°C, is recommended. A standardized platinum resistance
this manner whenever the pycnometer is to be calibrated or
thermometer may also be used, and offers the best means for
whenever liquid fails to drain cleanly from the walls of the
observing minute temperature changes in the bath. Whichever
pycnometer or its capillary. Ordinarily, the pycnometer may be
means are available, it must be realized that for most hydro-
cleaned between determinations by washing with a suitable
carbons the density coefficient is about 0.0008 units/°C, and
solvent,rinsingwithpure,dryacetone,followedbyisopentane,
therefore an error of 60.013°C would cause an error of
60.00001 in density. and vacuum drying.
6.4 Hypodermic Syringe, 30-mL capacity, of chemically 8.2 Transfer the pycnometer to the cleaner assembly shown
resistant glass, equipped with a 152-mm (6-in.) needle made of in Fig. 3, with vacuum line and trap attached to the side tube
as indicated. Place the pycnometer on the cleaner with the
stainless steel tubing as shown in Fig. 2.
upper hypodermic needle extending upward into the pycnom-
6.5 Draw-Off Needle, made of stainless steel tubing as
eter, and press the edge of the ground joint on the rubber
shown in Fig. 2.
stopper until the vacuum holds it in place. Draw out all the
6.6 Solvent-Cleaning Assembly, as shown in Fig. 3.
liquid or sample. Immerse the lower end of the hypodermic
tube in a suitable solvent and draw 20 to 25 mL through the
6.7 Chromic Acid Cleaning Apparatus, similar to that
pycnometer.Leavingthepycnometerinplace,drawairthrough
shown in Fig. 4.
it until it is dry. Clean the hypodermic syringe with the same
6.8 Balance, capable of reproducing weighings within 0.1
apparatus.
mg. Mechanical balances should have sensitivity which causes
the pointer to be deflected 2 or 3 scale divisions per 1 mg when
9. Calibration of Pycnometer
carrying a load of 30 g or less on each pan.The balance should
be located in a room shielded from drafts and fumes and in 9.1 Proceeding as directed in Section 10, determine the
which the temperature changes between related weighings weight of freshly-boiled and cooled distilled water (distilled
(empty and filled pycnometer) do not cause a significant from alkaline permanganate through a tin condenser) held by
change in the ratio of the balance arms. Otherwise weighings the pycnometer when equilibrated to volume at the bath
D1217−93 (2007)
FIG. 2 Accessories for Bingham-Type Pycnometer
FIG. 3 Cleaner Assembly for Bingham-Type Pycnometer
NOTE 1—It is convenient to use the lightest of a set of pycnometers as
temperature to be used in the determination. Repeat until at
a tare. For best results the treatment and environment of both pycnometer
least three values agree to 60.2 mg.
and tare should be identical for some time prior to weighing.
10.
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