ASTM E1-14(2020)
(Specification)Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
ABSTRACT
This specification covers the construction requirements for various 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. This specification also covers adjustable-range enclosed-scale thermometers (commonly called Beckmann thermometers), graduated in degrees Celsius, which are used in ASTM methods. The ASTM thermometers covered here are listed in a manner that helps facilitate selection according to temperature range, immersion, and scale-error requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers 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 various thermometers specified are listed in Table 1. The inclusion of an IP number in Table 1 indicates, where appearing, that the thermometer specification has been jointly agreed upon by the British Institute of Petroleum (IP) and ASTM.
1.2 This specification also covers adjustable-range enclosed-scale thermometers, graduated in degrees Celsius, which are used in ASTM methods.
1.3 The enclosed-scale thermometers are commonly called Beckmann thermometers. They are suitable for measuring small temperature differences not exceeding 6 °C within a larger range of temperature. The thermometers are unsuitable for measuring Celsius- or kelvin-scale temperatures unless they have been compared with standard instruments immediately before use.
1.4 An alphabetic list of the ASTM Thermometers included in this standard is given in Table 2.
1.5 A list of ASTM Thermometers is given in Table 3 to facilitate selection according to temperature range, immersion, and scale-error requirements.
Note 1: For a listing of thermometers recommended for general laboratory use, the Scientific Apparatus Makers Association Specifications for General Purpose Glass Laboratory Thermometers may be consulted.2
Note 2: It has been found by experience that these 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 Subcommittee E20.05 before choosing a currently specified thermometer for a new method to be sure the thermometer will be suitable for the intended application.
1.6 The thermometers found in Table 1 contain mercury, mercury thallium eutectic alloy, or toluene or other suitable liquid colored with a permanent red dye. For low-hazard precision non-mercury alternatives to E1 thermometers, see Specification E2251.
1.7 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by EPA and many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website- http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm - for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state may be prohibited by state law.
1.8 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.
1.9 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 Organiz...
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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: E1 − 14 (Reapproved 2020) Method 9501—Federal Test
Method Standard No. 791b
Standard Specification for
ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1; 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.
the thermometer will be suitable for the intended application.
1. Scope
1.6 The thermometers found in Table 1 contain mercury,
1.1 This specification covers liquid-in-glass thermometers
mercury thallium eutectic alloy, or toluene or other suitable
graduated in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit that are
liquid colored with a permanent red dye. For low-hazard
frequently identified and used in methods under the jurisdiction
precision non-mercury alternatives to E1 thermometers, see
of the various technical committees within ASTM. The various
Specification E2251.
thermometers specified are listed in Table 1. The inclusion of
an IP number in Table 1 indicates, where appearing, that the
1.7 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by EPA and
thermometer specification has been jointly agreed upon by the
many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause
British Institute of Petroleum (IP) and ASTM.
central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or
its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to
1.2 This specification also covers adjustable-range
materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and
enclosed-scale thermometers, graduated in degrees Celsius,
mercury containing products. See the applicable product Ma-
which are used in ASTM methods.
terial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website-
1.3 The enclosed-scale thermometers are commonly called
http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm - for additional informa-
Beckmann thermometers. They are suitable for measuring
tion. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or
small temperature differences not exceeding 6 °C within a
mercury containing products into your state may be prohibited
larger range of temperature. The thermometers are unsuitable
by state law.
for measuring Celsius- or kelvin-scale temperatures unless they
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
have been compared with standard instruments immediately
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
before use.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.4 An alphabetic list of the ASTM Thermometers included
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
in this standard is given in Table 2.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 A list of ASTM Thermometers is given in Table 3 to 1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
facilitate selection according to temperature range, immersion,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and scale-error requirements. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
NOTE 1—For a listing of thermometers recommended for general
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
laboratory use, the Scientific Apparatus Makers Association Specifications
for General Purpose Glass Laboratory Thermometers may be consulted. Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
NOTE 2—It has been found by experience that these ASTM
Thermometers, although developed in general for specific tests, may also
2. Referenced Documents
be found suitable for other applications, thus precluding the need for new
2.1 ASTM Standards:
thermometer specifications differing in only minor features. However, it is
suggested that technical committees contact Subcommittee E20.05 before
E77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Ther-
choosing a currently specified thermometer for a new method to be sure
mometers
E344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrom-
etry
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E20 on
E563 Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath
Temperature Measurement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E20.05
on Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers and Hydrometers.
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published May 2020. Originally
approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E1 – 14. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/E0001-14R20. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Available from SAMA Group of Assocs., 225 Reinekers, Ste. 625, Alexandria, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
VA 23314. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1 − 14 (2020)
as a Reference Temperature should an encapsulated or otherwise modified ASTM ther-
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom- mometer be used in performing tests that specify the use of an
eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids ASTM thermometer.
5. Type
3. Terminology
5.1 The thermometers, as specified in Table 1, shall be filled
3.1 Definitions:
with one of the following liquids:
3.1.1 The definitions given in Terminology E344 apply.
5.1.1 Mercury,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
5.1.2 Mercury thallium eutectic alloy, or
3.2.1 adjusting device, n—a section of the instrument used
5.1.3 Toluene or other suitable liquid colored with a perma-
to adjust the amount of mercury in the bulb and main capillary
nent red dye.
to that needed for the intended temperature interval.
5.2 The filling above the liquid shall be nitrogen or other
3.2.2 bulb length, n—the distance from the bottom of the
suitable inert gas.
bulb to the junction of the bulb and the stem tubing.
6. Stem
3.2.3 contraction chamber, n—an enlargement of the
capillary, that will appear below the main scale or between the
6.1 Stem—The stem shall be made of suitable thermometer
main scale and the auxiliary scale, which serves to reduce its
tubing and shall have a plain front and enamel back, unless
length or to prevent contraction of the liquid column into the
otherwise specified in Table 1.
bulb.
6.2 Top Finish—The top of all thermometers specified in
3.2.4 diameter, n—the largest outside dimension of the glass
Table 1 shall have a plain rounded finish, except the following
as measured with a ring gage.
which shall have the top finish indicated below (unless
indicated as optional). Any special top finish shall be included
3.2.5 expansion chamber, n—an enlargement at the top of
in the total length of the thermometer.
the capillary to provide protection against breakage caused by
6.2.1 Glass Button Finish:
excessive gas pressure.
Thermometers 23C, 24C, and 25C
3.2.6 interval error, n—the deviation of the nominal value of
6.2.2 Special Finish:
a temperature interval from its true value; either for the total
6.2.2.1 Suitable for assembly in a standard 304.8-mm (12-
range (total interval) or for a part of the range (partial interval).
in.) non-sparking metal armor with open face; in a cup case
3.2.7 saddle, n—the bottom support of the enclosed scale.
assembly; or in a flushing case assembly:
3.2.8 setting temperature, n—the temperature that yields a
Thermometers 58C, 58F, 59C, 59F, 60C, 60F, 97C, 97F, 98C, 98F,
reading of zero on the main scale for a given adjustment of the 130C, and 130F
amount of mercury in the bulb and main capillary.
6.2.2.2 Suitable for assembly in a 12-in. non-sparking metal
armor with open face:
3.2.9 thermometric liquid, n—the liquid in a liquid-in-glass
thermometer that indicates the value of temperature.
Thermometer 99C, 99F
6.2.3 Ring Top (optional only)—Thermometers 11C and
3.2.10 top of the thermometer, n—the top of the finished
11F.
instrument.
3.2.11 total length, n—overall length of the finished instru-
7. Bulb
ment.
7.1 The bulb shall be made of glass having a viscosity of at
14.6 13.4
3.2.12 Other descriptions of terms shall be in accordance
least 10 poises at 490 °C (914 °F) and at least 10 poises
with the Terminology section of Test Method E77.
at 520 °C (968 °F).
7.2 Thermometers made with bulb glasses not meeting the
Part A—Solid-Stem Thermometers
minimum properties in 7.1 shall not be subjected to tempera-
tures above 405 °C (760 °F) or be continuously exposed to
4. Specifications
temperatures above 370 °C (700 °F).
4.1 The individual thermometers shall conform to the de-
tailed specifications given in Table 1 and to the general 8. Capillary Clearances
requirements specified in Sections 5 – 15.
8.1 The following distances between graduations and the
bulb, and between graduations and enlargements in the
4.2 Thermometers manufactured to previous revisions of
capillary, shall be minimum limits for thermometers in this
this specification shall retain the same ASTM status as those
specification.
meeting current specifications.
NOTE 3—In order for a thermometer to be usable over its entire
4.3 The encapsulation (jacketing) of the glass of liquid-in-
graduated range, graduation marks should not be placed too close to any
glass thermometers with polyfluorinated hydrocarbons will
enlargement in the capillary. Insufficient immersion of the thermometric
change their performance and physical characteristics,
liquid in the main bulb or capillary enlargement, graduation marks placed
including, but not limited to, response time, accuracy, and
over parts of the capillary that have been changed by manufacturing
physical dimensions. Therefore, under no circumstances operations, or graduations so close to the top of the thermometer that
E1 − 14 (2020)
excessive gas pressure results when the thermometric liquid is raised to
Thermometers 1C, 1F, 2C, 2F, 3C, 3F, 5C, 5F, 6C, 6F, 7C, 7F, 8C,
this level, may lead to appreciable errors.
8F, 9C, 9F, 10C, 10F, 11C, 11F, 12C, 12F, 13C, 15C, 15F, 16C, 16F,
17C, 17F, 18C, 18F, 19C, 19F, 20C, 20F, 21C, 21F, 22C, 22F, 23C,
8.1.1 A 13-mm length of unchanged capillary between the
24C, 25C, 36C, 37C, 38C, 39C, 40C, 41C, 42C, 43C, 43F, 49C,
bulb and the immersion line or lowest graduation, if the
54C, 54F, 61C, 61F, 71C, 71F, 82C, 82F, 83C, 83F, 84C, 84F, 85C,
85F, 86C, 86F, 87C, 87F, 99C, 99F, 102C, 103C, 104C, 105C,
graduation is not above 100 °C (212 °F); a 30-mm length if the
106C, 107C, 108F, 109F, 114C, 122C, 123C, 124C, 125C, 134C,
graduation is above 100 °C (212 °F).
135C, 135F, 136C, and 136F.
8.1.2 A 5-mm length of unchanged capillary between an
9.2.3 Group 3—Maximum line width 0.20 mm; for ther-
enlargement and the graduation next below, except at the top of
mometers with more open scales, usually read to the nearest
the thermometer.
division, often times under adverse conditions where a bold
8.1.3 A 10-mm length of unchanged capillary between an
graduation is therefore desired:
enlargement, other than the bulb, and the immersion line or the
Thermometers 27C, 57C, 57F, 58C, 58F, 59C, 59F, 60C, 60F,
graduation next above, if the graduation is not above 100 °C
75F, 76F, 77F, 78F, 79F, 80F, 81F, 88C, 88F, 97C, 97F, 98C, 98F,
(212 °F); a 30-mm length if the graduation is above 100 °C
130C, and 130F.
(212 °F).
9.3 Immersion Line—On partial immersion thermometers
8.1.4 A 10-mm length of unchanged capillary above the
an immersion line shall be permanently marked on the front of
highest graduation, if there is an expansion chamber at the top
the thermometer at the distance above the bottom of the bulb as
of the thermometer; a 30-mm length if there is no expansion
specified in Table 1 within a tolerance of 60.5 mm, except for
chamber. For the purposes of this requirement, “an expansion
Thermometers 82F to 87F, which shall have no immersion line.
chamber” is interpreted as an enlargement at the top end of the
The immersion inscription shall be written in capital letters and
capillary bore which shall have a capacity equivalent to not less
abbreviated (for example, 76 mm immersion shall be written
than 20 mm of unchanged capillary.
76 MM IMM).
8.2 It is possible to manufacture thermometers that comply
9.4 Terminal Numbers—The terminal number shall be in
with the specifications given in Table 1, but do not meet the
full when there are one or more numbered graduations between
requirements for capillary clearances given above. In any case,
it and the last full number, before the terminal number. This
the distances given in this section shall be the governing factor.
rule need not necessarily be followed for:
Under no circumstances shall the scales on thermometers be
9.4.1 Saybolt Viscosity Thermometers :
placed closer than these minimum distances.
17C, 17F, 19C, 19F, 20C, 20F, 21C, 21F, 77F, 78F, 79F, 80F, and
81F
9. Graduations and Inscriptions
9.4.2 Kinematic Viscosity Thermometers:
9.1 All graduation lines, immersion lines, figures, and
letters shall be clearly defined, suitably colored, and perma- 28F, 29F, 30F, 44F, 45F, 46F, 47F, 48F, 72F, 73F, 74F, 110F, 118F,
126F, 128F, and 129F
nent. The width and the sharpness of the graduation lines shall
9.4.3 Engler Viscosity Thermometers :
be in accordance with 9.2. The middle of the graduation line
shall be determinable.
23C, 24C, and 25C
9.1.1 A suitably etched thermometer with the etched lines
9.4.4 Precision Thermometers:
and figures filled with a pigment shall be considered perma-
65F, 66F, 67C, 67F, and 68C
nently marked provided it passes the test for permanency of
9.4.5 Tank Thermometer:
pigment in Section 11.
97F
9.1.2 A thermometer marked by other means shall also be
considered permanently marked, provided it passes the test for
9.4.6 Solidification Point Thermometers:
permanency of pigment in Section 11.
100C and 101C
9.2 Graduation Lines—All graduation lines shall be
9.4.7 Reid Vapor Pressure:
straight, of uniform width, and perpendicular to the axis of the
18C and 18F
thermometer. The width of the graduation lines shall be as
9.4.8 Oxidation Stability:
follows:
22C and 22F
9.2.1 Group 1—Maximum line width 0.10 mm; for ther-
mometers that may read to fractions of a division, often with 9.5 Scale Below Zero—When a scale extends both above
magnifying aids: and below 0 °C or 0 °F, the two parts of the scale shall be
differentiated by some means. Examples of suitable means are:
Thermometers 14C, 14F, 26C, 28C, 28F, 29C, 29F, 30F, 33C,
33F, 34C, 34F, 35C, 35F, 44C,
...
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