ASTM D2503-92(2012)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Relative Molecular Mass (Molecular Weight) of Hydrocarbons by Thermoelectric Measurement of Vapor Pressure
Standard Test Method for Relative Molecular Mass (Molecular Weight) of Hydrocarbons by Thermoelectric Measurement of Vapor Pressure
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Relative molecular mass (molecular weight) is a fundamental physical constant that can be used in conjunction with other physical properties to characterize pure hydrocarbons and their mixtures.
A knowledge of the relative molecular mass (molecular weight) is required for the application of a number of correlative methods that are useful in determining the gross composition of the heavier fractions of petroleum.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the average relative molecular mass (molecular weight) of hydrocarbon oils. It can be applied to petroleum fractions with molecular weights (relative molecular mass) up to 3000; however, the precision of this test method has not been established above 800 molecular weight (relative molecular mass). This test method should not be applied to oils having initial boiling points lower than 220°C.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, 5.2.1, 5.2.3, and 5.2.3.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: D2503 − 92(Reapproved 2012)
Standard Test Method for
Relative Molecular Mass (Molecular Weight) of
Hydrocarbons by Thermoelectric Measurement of Vapor
Pressure
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2503; 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 3. Significance and Use
3.1 Relative molecular mass (molecular weight) is a funda-
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationoftheaverage
mental physical constant that can be used in conjunction with
relative molecular mass (molecular weight) of hydrocarbon
otherphysicalpropertiestocharacterizepurehydrocarbonsand
oils. It can be applied to petroleum fractions with molecular
their mixtures.
weights (relative molecular mass) up to 3000; however, the
precision of this test method has not been established above 3.2 A knowledge of the relative molecular mass (molecular
800 molecular weight (relative molecular mass). This test weight) is required for the application of a number of correla-
tive methods that are useful in determining the gross compo-
method should not be applied to oils having initial boiling
sition of the heavier fractions of petroleum.
points lower than 220°C.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4. Apparatus
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1 Vapor Pressure Osmometer, with operating diagram.
standard.
5. Reagents and Materials
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
statements, 5.2.1, 5.2.3, and 5.2.3.
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
2. Summary of Test Method sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
accuracy of the determination.
2.1 Aweighedportionofthesampleisdissolvedinaknown
5.2 Solvents—Solvents that do not react with the sample
quantity of appropriate solvent. A drop of this solution and a
must be used. Since many organic materials exhibit a tendency
drop of solvent are suspended, side by side, on separate
to associate or dissociate in solution, it is desirable to use polar
thermistors in a closed chamber saturated with solvent vapor.
solvents for polar samples and nonpolar solvents for nonpolar
Sincethevaporpressureofthesolutionislowerthanthatofthe
samples. The solvents listed have been found suitable for
solvent, solvent condenses on the sample drop and causes a
hydrocarbons and petroleum fractions.
temperature difference between the two drops. The resultant
change in temperature is measured and used to determine the
relative molecular mass (molecular weight) of the sample by
Avapor pressure osmometer is available from H. Knauer and Co., Berlin, West
reference to a previously prepared calibration curve.
Germany. The manufacture of the Mechrolab instrument previously referred to in
this footnote has been discontinued. However, some models may be available from
stocks on hand at laboratory supply houses, or as used equipment from laboratory
instrument exchanges.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For Suggestions on the testing of reagents not
D02.04.0D on Physical and Chemical Methods. listed by the American Chemical Society, see Annual Standards for Laboratory
Current edition approved April 15, 2012. Published April 2012. Originally Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D2503–92(2007). and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
DOI: 10.1520/D2503-92R12. MD.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2503 − 92 (2012)
NOTE 3—No measurements should be attempted until the “Null
5.2.1 Benzene (Warning—Poison. Carcinogen. Harmful if
Detector” switch has been on for at least 30 min.
swallowed. Extremely flammable. Vapors may cause flash fire.
Vapor harmful, may be absorbed through skin.)
7.6 Turn on the “Bridge” switch and turn the “T-∆T” switch
5.2.2 Chloroform (Warning—May be fatal if swallowed.
to “T”.Approximately zero the meter with the “T” potentiom-
Harmful if inhaled. May produce toxic vapors if burned.)
eter and observe the drift of the needle. If the solvent chamber
5.2.3 1,1,1-Trichloroethane(Warning—Harmfulifinhaled.
is at equilibrium, the needle should not drift more than 1 to 2
High concentrations may cause unconsciousness or death. mm during one complete heating cycle; a steady drift to the
Contact may cause skin irritation and dermatitis.)
right indicates that the chamber is still warming up; if “T” is
stable, switch the selector to the “∆T” position.
NOTE 1—The precision data given in 10.1 will apply only when
benzene is used as the solvent. There is also some evidence that
7.7 While observing the thermistors in the viewing mirror,
determinationsonthesameoilsamplecarriedoutindifferentsolventswill
lower the syringe in position “5”, by rotating the knurled collar
produce results that differ somewhat in absolute magnitude of apparent
of the holder fully clockwise. With the end of the needle
molecular weight (relative molecular mass).
directly above the reference thermistor, turn the feed screw and
5.3 Reference Standards—A calibration curve must be con-
rinse the thermistor with about 4 drops of solvent. Finally,
structed for each new lot of solvent using a pure compound
deposit a drop of solvent on the thermistor bead and raise the
whose relative molecular mass (molecular weight) is accu-
syringe by rotating the knurled collar in a counterclockwise
rately known. Compounds that have been used successfully
direction. Rinse the sample thermistor with solvent from
include benzil (210.2), n-octadecane (254.5), and squalane
syringe“6”andapplyadropapproximatelythesizeofthedrop
(422.8).
on the reference thermistor. Depress the zero button, and zero
the meter with the “Zero” control. Set the decade resistance to
6. Sampling
zero, and balance the bridge using the “Balance” control.
6.1 The sample must be completely soluble in the selected
Repeat the balancing of the bridge with fresh drops of solvent
solvent at concentrations of at least 0.10 M, and it must not
on each thermistor to assure a good reference zero.
have an appreciable vapor pressure at the test temperature.
7.8 Lower syringe “1” and rinse the sample ther
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