ASTM D70/D70M-21

Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity and Density of Semi-Solid Asphalt Binder (Pycnometer Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Values of density are used for converting volumes to units of mass, and for correcting measured volumes from the temperature of measurement to a standard temperature using Practice D4311/D4311M.  
5.2 The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluation and controlling some of these factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the specific gravity (relative density) and density of semi-solid asphalt binder by use of a pycnometer.
Note 1: An alternate method for determining the specific gravity or density of asphalt binder is Test Method D3289. An alternate method for determining density of asphalt binder is Test Method D8188. For materials which are too fluid for use of this test method, use Test Method D3142/D3142M.
Note 2: This test method may also be used for the determination of the specific gravity (relative density) and density of soft tar pitches.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.  
1.3 Warning—Mercury has been designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (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) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for details and the EPA’s website (www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm) for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury, mercury-containing products, or both, in your state may be prohibited by state law.  
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 31-Dec-2020
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.47 - Miscellaneous Asphalt Tests

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-16(2023) - Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E644-11(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3142/D3142M-17 - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity, API Gravity, or Density of Cutback Asphalts by Hydrometer Method
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3666-16 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-16 - Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-15 - Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-14 - Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM E77-14 - Standard Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D3666-13 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM C670-13 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1-13 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E879-12 - Standard Specification for Thermistor Sensors for General Purpose and Laboratory Temperature Measurements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3142/D3142M-11 - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity, API Gravity, or Density of Cutback Asphalts by Hydrometer Method
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2011

Overview

ASTM D70/D70M-21: Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity and Density of Semi-Solid Asphalt Binder (Pycnometer Method) establishes a precise procedure for determining the specific gravity (relative density) and density of semi-solid asphalt binders and soft tar pitches using a pycnometer. Published by ASTM International, this widely referenced standard ensures uniformity in measuring critical properties that affect the performance, quality control, and trade of asphalt materials. Accurate measurement of density and specific gravity is fundamental for converting volumes to mass and adjusting volumes to standardized conditions.

Key Topics

• Test Scope: Applies to the determination of specific gravity and density of semi-solid asphalt binders and soft tar pitches through the pycnometer method. Not suitable for highly fluid materials; alternative ASTM methods should be used for those cases.
• Units of Measurement: Accepts both SI (metric) and inch-pound (imperial) units, but systems are not to be combined to maintain compliance and avoid conversion errors.
• Procedure Summary:
  • Use of a standardized glass pycnometer, filled with the asphalt sample and a final fill with water.
  • Accurate temperature control during measurement.
  • Calculation of specific gravity and density based on a series of precise mass measurements.
• Accuracy and Competence: The reliability of results relies on the competence of personnel, proper calibration, and maintenance of equipment, following guidelines such as ASTM D3666.
• Safety Considerations: Highlights the hazardous nature of mercury if used, referencing EPA guidance and state restrictions, and emphasizes following all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Precision Statements: Documents the typical single-operator and multi-laboratory precision, supporting users in assessing repeatability and reproducibility.

Applications

• Quality Assurance in Asphalt Production: Enables producers and laboratories to verify asphalt binder density and specific gravity, ensuring conformity with specifications.
• Construction Material Testing: Essential for paving contractors and engineering consultants to assess materials for road, highway, and infrastructure projects.
• Volume-to-Mass Conversions: Facilitates calculation of accurate material quantities, supporting cost estimation, billing, and regulatory reporting.
• Adjustment for Temperature Effects: Used in conjunction with volume correction standards (such as ASTM D4311/D4311M) to standardize measurements to reference temperatures.
• Research and Development: Provides a repeatable test method for innovation in asphalt binder formulations and comparative studies.

Related Standards

• ASTM D140/D140M: Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials, which defines proper sample collection procedures.
• ASTM D3142/D3142M: Test Method for Specific Gravity, API Gravity, or Density of Cutback Asphalts by Hydrometer Method - alternative for more fluid materials.
• ASTM D3289: Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid and Solid Asphalt Materials (Nickel Crucible Method) - alternative approach.
• ASTM D3666: Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials, ensuring laboratory competency.
• ASTM D4311/D4311M: Practice for Determining Asphalt Volume Correction to a Base Temperature.
• ASTM D8188: Test Method for Determination of Density and Relative Density by Digital Density Meter (U-tube).
• ASTM E1, E77, E563, E644, E879, E1137/E1137M: Specifications for thermometers and temperature measurement essential to the procedure.

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Keywords: ASTM D70/D70M-21, asphalt binder density, specific gravity, pycnometer method, semi-solid asphalt, road construction testing, quality control, laboratory standards, density measurement, paving materials.

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: D70/D70M −21
Standard Test Method for
Specific Gravity and Density of Semi-Solid Asphalt Binder
(Pycnometer Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D70/D70M; 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* 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationofthespecific
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
gravity (relative density) and density of semi-solid asphalt
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
binder by use of a pycnometer.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—An alternate method for determining the specific gravity or 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
density of asphalt binder is Test Method D3289. An alternate method for
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
determiningdensityofasphaltbinderisTestMethodD8188.Formaterials
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
which are too fluid for use of this test method, use Test Method
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D3142/D3142M.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
NOTE2—Thistestmethodmayalsobeusedforthedeterminationofthe
specific gravity (relative density) and density of soft tar pitches. Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
2. Referenced Documents
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
with the standard.
D3142/D3142M Test Method for Specific Gravity, API
1.3 Warning—Mercury has been designated by the United
Gravity, or Density of Cutback Asphalts by Hydrometer
States Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) and many state
Method
agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous
D3289 Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid and Solid
system, kidney, and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may
Asphalt Materials (Nickel Crucible Method)
be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
should be taken when handling mercury and mercury-
cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
containing products. See the applicable product Material
D4311/D4311M Practice for Determining Asphalt Volume
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for
Correction to a Base Temperature
details and the EPA’s website (www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm)
D8188 Test Method for Determination of Density and Rela-
for additional information. Users should be aware that selling
tiveDensityofAsphalt,Semi-SolidBituminousMaterials,
mercury, mercury-containing products, or both, in your state
and Soft-Tar Pitch by Use of a Digital Density Meter
may be prohibited by state law.
(U-Tube)
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
E77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Ther-
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
mometers
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
E563 Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath
as requirements of the standard.
as a Reference Temperature
E644 Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Ther-
mometers
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.47 on
Miscellaneous Asphalt Tests. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published February 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D70 – 18a. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D0070_D0070M-21. 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
D70/D70M − 21
E879 Specification for Thermistor Sensors for General Pur- 6. Apparatus
pose and Laboratory Temperature Measurements
6.1 Pycnometer, glass, consisting of a cylindrical or conical
E1137/E1137M Specification for Industrial Platinum Resis-
vessel carefully ground to receive an accurately fitting glass
tance Thermometers
stopper 22 to 26 mm [0.9 to 1.0 in.] in diameter. The stopper
2.2 Other:
shall be provided with a hole 1.0 to 2.0 mm [0.04 to 0.08 in.]
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
in diameter, centrally located in reference to the vertical axis.
The top surface of the stopper shall be substantially plane and
3. Terminology
have no chips, and the lower surface shall be concave to allow
all air to escape through the bore. The height of the concave
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
section shall be 4.0 to 18.0 mm [0.16 to 0.71 in.] at the center.
3.1.1 density, n—the mass per unit volume of a material.
Thestopperedpycnometershallhaveacapacityof24to30mL
3.1.2 specific gravity, n—the ratio of the mass of a given
[0.8 to 1.0 fl oz] and shall weigh not more than 40 g [1.4 oz].
volume of a material to the mass of the same volume of water
Suitable pycnometers are illustrated in Fig. 1.
at the same temperature (see Note 3).
6.2 Water Bath, constant-temperature, capable of maintain-
NOTE 3—Specific gravity is also described as relative density.
ing the temperature within 0.1 °C [0.2 °F] of the test tempera-
ture. The water bath shall be equipped with a thermometer as
4. Summary of Test Method
described in 6.3.
4.1 The sample is placed in a standardized pycnometer. The
6.3 Thermometer—The thermometer shall be one of the
pycnometer and sample are weighed, then the remaining
following:
volume is filled with water.The filled pycnometer is brought to
the test temperature and weighed. The specific gravity or 6.3.1 A liquid-in-glass partial immersion thermometer of
density of the sample is calculated from its mass and the mass
suitable range with subdivisions and maximum scale error of
of water displaced by the sample in the filled pycnometer. 0.1 °C [0.2 °F] which conforms to the requirements of Speci-
fication E1. Calibrate the thermometer in accordance with one
5. Significance and Use of the methods in Test Method E77 or verify its original
calibration at the ice point (Notes 4 and 5). A thermometer
5.1 Values of density are used for converting volumes to
commonly used is an ASTM 63C.
units of mass, and for correcting measured volumes from the
temperature of measurement to a standard temperature using
NOTE4—PracticeE563providesinstructionsonthepreparationanduse
Practice D4311/D4311M.
of an ice-point bath as a reference temperature.
NOTE 5—If the thermometer does not read 0.0 6 0.1 °C [32.0 6 0.2 °F]
5.2 The quality of the results produced by this standard are
at the ice point, then the thermometer should be recalibrated.
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the
procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of 6.3.2 Aplatinum resistance thermometer (PRT) with sensor
the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Speci- which conforms to the requirements of Specification E1137/
fication D3666 are generally considered capable of competent E1137M. The thermometer shall be calibrated annually as a
and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this single unit and have a three- or four-wire connection configu-
standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification ration. The sensing element shall be immersed to the depth
D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. specified by the manufacturer. Calibrate the PRT system
Reliable results depend on many factors; following the sug- (sensor and readout) in accordance with Test Methods E644 or
gestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable verify its original calibration at the ice point (Notes 4 and 5).
guideline provides a means of evaluation and controlling some Corrections shall be applied to ensure accurate measurements
of these factors. within 0.1 °C [0.2 °F].
FIG. 1 Suitable Pycnometers and Stopper
D70/D70M − 21
6.3.3 A thermistor thermometer with sensor which con- water, placing the stopper gently in the pycnometer. Place the
forms to the requirements of Specification E879, calibrated pycnometerinthebeakerandpressthestopperinplace.Donot
annually as a single unit.The sensing element of the thermistor allow any air bubbles to remain in the pycnometer. Return the
shall be completely immersed. Calibrate the thermistor ther- beaker to the water bath if previously removed.
mometer system (sensor and readout) in accordance with Test
10.1.3 Allow the pycnometer to remain in the water for a
Methods E644 or verify its original calibration at the ice point
period of not less than 30 min at the test temperature. The test
(Notes 4 and 5). Corrections shall be applied to ensure accurate
temperature shall be determined
...

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: D70 − 18a D70/D70M − 21
Standard Test Method for
Specific Gravity and Density of Semi-Solid Asphalt Binder
(Pycnometer Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D70;D70/D70M; 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 relative density specific gravity (relative density) and density of semi-solid
asphalt binder by use of a pycnometer.
NOTE 1—An alternate method for determining the specific gravity or density of asphalt binder is Test Method D3289. An alternate method for determining
density of asphalt binder is Test Method D8188. For materials which are too fluid for use of this test method, use Test Method D3142/D3142M.
NOTE 2—This test method may also be used for the determination of the relative density specific gravity (relative density) and density of soft tar pitches.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
1.3 Warning—Mercury has been designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (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) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for details and the EPA’s website
(www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm) for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury, mercury-containing
products, or both, in your state may be prohibited by state law.
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.47 on
Miscellaneous Asphalt Tests.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2018Jan. 1, 2021. Published December 2018February 2021. Originally approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as
D70 – 18.D70 – 18a. DOI: 10.1520/D0070-18A.10.1520/D0070_D0070M-21.
*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
D70/D70M − 21
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
D3142/D3142M Test Method for Specific Gravity, API Gravity, or Density of Cutback Asphalts by Hydrometer Method
D3289 Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid and Solid Asphalt Materials (Nickel Crucible Method)
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
D4311/D4311M Practice for Determining Asphalt Volume Correction to a Base Temperature
D8188 Test Method for Determination of Density and Relative Density of Asphalt, Semi-Solid Bituminous Materials, and
Soft-Tar Pitch by Use of a Digital Density Meter (U-Tube)
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
E563 Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath as a Reference Temperature
E644 Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Thermometers
E879 Specification for Thermistor Sensors for General Purpose and Laboratory Temperature Measurements
E1137/E1137M Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers
2.2 Other:
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 density—density, n—the mass per unit volume of a material.
3.1.2 relative density—specific gravity, n—the ratio of the mass of a given volume of a material to the mass of the same volume
of water at the same temperature (see Note 3).
NOTE 3—Relative densitySpecific gravity is also described as specific gravity.relative density.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sample is placed in a standardized pycnometer. The pycnometer and sample are weighed, then the remaining volume is
filled with water. The filled pycnometer is brought to the test temperature and weighed. The specific gravity or density of the
sample is calculated from its mass and the mass of water displaced by the sample in the filled pycnometer.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Values of density are used for converting volumes to units of mass, and for correcting measured volumes from the temperature
of measurement to a standard temperature using Practice D4311/D4311M.
5.2 The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the
procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification
D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on
many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of
evaluation and controlling some of these factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Pycnometer, glass, consisting of a cylindrical or conical vessel carefully ground to receive an accurately fitting glass stopper
22 to 26 mm [0.9 to 1.0 in.] in diameter. The stopper shall be provided with a hole 1.0 to 2.0 mm [0.04 to 0.08 in.] in diameter,
centrally located in reference to the vertical axis. The top surface of the stopper shall be substantially plane and have no chips, and
the lower surface shall be concave to allow all air to escape through the bore. The height of the concave section shall be 4.0 to
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.
D70/D70M − 21
18.0 mm [0.16 to 0.71 in.] at the center. The stoppered pycnometer shall have a capacity of 24 to 30 mL [0.95[0.8 to 1.18 in.] 1.0 fl
oz] and shall weigh not more than 40 g [1.4 oz]. Suitable pycnometers are illustrated in Fig. 1.
6.2 Water Bath, constant-temperature, capable of maintaining the temperature within 0.1 °C [0.2 °F] of the test temperature. The
water bath shall be equipped with a thermometer as described in 6.3.
6.3 Thermometer—The thermometer shall be one of the following:
6.3.1 A liquid-in-glass partial immersion thermometer of suitable range with subdivisions and maximum scale error of 0.1 °C
[0.2 °F] which conforms to the requirements of Specification E1. Calibrate the thermometer in accordance with one of the methods
in Test Method E77 or verify its original calibration at the ice point (Notes 4 and 5). A thermometer commonly used is an ASTM
63C.
NOTE 4—Practice E563 provides instructions on the preparation and use of an ice-point bath as a reference temperature.
NOTE 5—If the thermometer does not read 0.0 6 0.1 °C [32.0 6 0.2 °F] at the ice point, then the thermometer should be recalibrated.
6.3.2 A platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) with sensor which conforms to the requirements of Specification E1137/E1137M.
The thermometer shall be calibrated annually as a single unit and have a 3-three- or 4-wirefour-wire connection configuration. The
sensing element shall be immersed to the depth specified by the manufacturer. Calibrate the PRT system (sensor and readout) in
accordance with Test Methods E644 or verify its original calibration at the ice point (Notes 4 and 5). Corrections shall be applied
to ensure accurate measurements within 0.1 °C [0.2 °F].
6.3.3 A thermistor thermometer with sensor which conforms to the requirements of Specification E879, calibrated annually as a
single unit. The sensing element of the thermistor shall be completely immersed. Calibrate the thermistor thermometer system
(sensor and readout) in accordance with Test Methods E644 or verify its original calibration at the ice point (Notes 4 and 5).
Corrections shall be applied to ensure accurate measurements within 0.1 °C [0.2 °F].
6.4 Balance, capable of making the required measurements to an accuracy of at least 0.001 g [0.00001 oz].
6.5 Beaker, 600-mL [20-fluid 600 mL [20 fluid oz] or larger Griffin low-form beaker.
6.6 Tongs or Clean Nitrile (or Similar) Gloves, for placing and removing the pycnometer from the beaker.
7. Materials
7.1 Water—Boiled and cooled distilled or deionized water, free of visual contaminants. Water greater than three days post boiling
and cooling shall not be used (Note 7).
NOTE 6—Water should be discarded or re-boiled if bubbles are seen in the pycnometer during testing.
FIG. 1 Suitable Pycnometers and Stopper
D70/D70M − 21
NOTE 7—As an alternative to using heat, a vacuum source to pull a negative pressure until the water boils without heat may be used. In this case, the
water does not have to be cooled before use.
8. Sampling
8.1 Take samples in accordance with Practice D140/D140M. The sample shall be free of foreign substances.
8.2 Thoroughly mix the sample before removing a representative portion for testing.
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Partially fill a 600-mL [20-fluid [20 fluid oz] or larger Griffin low-form beaker with freshly boiled and cooled distilled or
deionized water to a level that will allow the top of the pycnometer to be immersed to a depth of not less than 40 mm [1.6 in.].
...