Designation: D 287 – 92 (Reapproved 2000)e1 An American National Standard

Standard Test Method for

API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products
(Hydrometer Method)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 287; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This test method has been adopted for use by government agencies to replace Method 401 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 791b.

e1 NOTE—Editorial corrections were made throughout in April 2000.

1. Scope E 100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers3

1.1 This test method covers the determination by means of 2.2 IP Standards:4
a glass hydrometer of the API gravity of crude petroleum and Specifications for IP Standard Thermometers
petroleum products normally handled as liquids and having a IP Specifications for Petroleum Hydrometers
Reid vapor pressure (Test Method D 323) of 26 psi (180 kPa)
or less. Gravities are determined at 60°F (15.56°C), or con- 3. Terminology
verted to values at 60°F, by means of standard tables. These 3.1 Definitions:
tables are not applicable to nonhydrocarbons or essentially 3.1.1 API gravity—a special function of relative density
pure hydrocarbons such as the aromatics. (specific gravity) 60/60°F (15.56/15.56°C), represented by:
NOTE 1—The international version of this test method is described in API gravity, deg 5 ~141.5/sp gr 60/60°F!2 131.5 (1)
Practice D 1298.
No statement of reference temperature is required, since
1.2 Values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as 60°F is included in the definition.
the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
information purposes only. 4. Summary of Test Method
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4.1 This test method is based on the principle that the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the gravity of a liquid varies directly with the depth of immersion
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- of a body floating in it. The floating body, which is graduated
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- by API gravity units in this method, is called an API hydrom-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard eter.
statements, see 8.3. 4.2 The API gravity is read by observing the freely floating
API hydrometer and noting the graduation nearest to the
2. Referenced Documents apparent intersection of the horizontal plane surface of the
2.1 ASTM Standards: liquid with the vertical scale of the hydrometer, after tempera-
D 323 Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Prod- ture equilibrium has been reached. The temperature of the
ucts (Reid Method)2 sample is read from a separate accurate ASTM thermometer in
D 1250 Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables2 the sample or from the thermometer which is an integral part
D 1298 Practice for Density, Relative Density (Specific of the hydrometer (thermohydrometer).
Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid
Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method2 5. Significance and Use
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers3 5.1 Accurate determination of the gravity of petroleum and
its products is necessary for the conversion of measured
volumes to volumes at the standard temperature of 60°F
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on (15.56°C).
Petroleum Products and Lubricants, and is the direct responsibility of 5.2 Gravity is a factor governing the quality of crude oils.
Subcommittee D02.04 on Hydrocarbon Analysis.
Current edition adopted Aug. 15, 1992. Published October 1992. Originally However, the gravity of a petroleum product is an uncertain
published as D 287 – 28 T, replacing former D 47. Last previous edition
D 287 – 82 (1987) e1.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01. 4
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03. Available from the Institute of Petroleum, 61 New Cavendish St., London
WIM, 8AR, England.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 287
indication of its quality. Correlated with other properties,
gravity can be used to give approximate hydrocarbon compo- a rubber aspirator bulb. Remove any air bubbles formed, after
sition and heat of combustion. they have collected on the surface of the sample, by touching
them with a piece of clean filter paper before inserting the
6. Apparatus hydrometer. For field testing, make the gravity measurement
6.1 Hydrometers, of glass, graduated in degrees API as directly in the sampling thief. Place the cylinder containing the
listed in Table 1 and conforming to Specification E 100, or the sample in a vertical position in a location free from air
IP Specifications for Petroleum Hydrometers. currents. Take precautions to prevent the temperature of the
6.2 Thermometers, having a range from − 5 to + 215°F and sample from changing appreciably during the time necessary
conforming to the requirements for Thermometer 12F as to complete the test. During this period, the temperature of the
prescribed in Specification E 1 or Thermometer 64F of the surrounding medium should not change more than 5°F (2°C).
Specifications for IP Standard Thermometers. A thermometer 8.4 Lower the hydrometer gently into the sample and, when
is not required if a thermohydrometer is employed. it has settled, depress it about two scale divisions into the
liquid and then release it; keep the rest of the stem dry, as
NOTE 2—The ASTM Gravity Thermometer 12F has 0.5°F subdivisions
unnecessary liquid on the stem changes the effective weight of
and allowable 60.25°F scale error. The thermometers incorporated in
thermohydrometers have 2°F subdivisions and allowable 61°F scale the instru- ment, and so affects the reading obtained. With
error. samples of low viscosity, a slight spin imparted to the
instrument on releasing assists in bringing it to rest, floating
6.3 Hydrometer Cylinders, of metal, clear glass, or plastic.
freely away from the walls of the hydrometer cylinder. Allow
For convenience in pouring, the cylinder may have a lip on the
sufficient time for the hydrometer to become completely
rim. The inside diameter of the cylinder shall be at least 25
stationary and for all air bubbles to come to the surface. This
mm greater than the outside diameter of the hydrometer used
is particularly necessary in the case of the more viscous
in it. The height of the cylinder shall be such that the length of
samples.
the column of sample it contains is greater by at least 25 mm
8.5 When the hydrometer has come to rest, floating freely,
than the portion of the hydrometer which is immersed beneath
and the temperature of the sample is constant to 0.2°F (0.1°C),
the surface of the sample. For field testing, a sampling thief of
read the hydrometer to the nearest scale division. The correct
suitable dimensions may be used.
reading is that point on the hydrometer scale at which the
7. Temperature of Test surface of the liquid cuts the scale. Determine this point by
7.1 The gravity determined by the hydrometer method is placing the eye slightly below the level of the liquid and
most accurate at or near the standard temperature of 60°F slowly raising it until the surface, first seen as a distorted
(15.56°C). Use this or any other temperature between 0 and ellipse, appears to become a straight line cutting the
195°F (−18 and + 90°C) for the test, so far as it is consistent hydrometer scale.
with the type of sample and necessary limiting conditions 8.6 To make a reading with nontransparent liquids, observe
shown in Table 2. the point on the hydrometer scale to which the sample rises
above its main surface, placing the eye slightly above the
8. Procedure plane surface of the liquid. This reading requires a correction.
8.1 For referee testing, use the long plain form of hydrom- Determine this correction for the particular hydrometer in use
eter (1H to 10H). For field testing, use the thermohydrometer. by observing the height above the main surface of the liquid to
8.2 Adjust the temperature of the sample in accordance which the sample rises on the hydrometer scale when the
with Table 2. For field testing, test temperatures other than hydrometer in question is immersed in a transparent liquid
those listed in Table 2 may be used. The hydrometer cylinder having a surface tension similar to that of a sample under test.
shall be approximately the same temperature as the sample to 8.7 Observe the temperature of the sample to the nearest
be tested. 0.25°F (0.1°C) immediately before and after the observation
8.3 Transfer the sample into the clean hydrometer cylinder of the gravity, the liquid in the cylinder being thoroughly but
without splashing, so as to avoid the formation of air bubbles cautiously stirred with the thermometer (Note 3), and the
and to reduce to a minimum the evaporation of the lower whole of the mercury thread being immersed. Should these
boiling constituents of the more volatile samples. (Warning— temperature readings differ by more than 1°F (0.5°C), repeat
Extremely flammable. Vapors may cause flash fire.) For the the temperature and gravity observations when the
more volatile samples, transfer to the hydrometer cylinder by temperature of the sample has become more stable. Record the
siphoning. (Warning—Do not start the siphon by mouth.) Use mean of the thermometer reading before and after the final
hydrometer reading, to the nearest 1°F, as the temperature of
TABLE 1 Available Hydrometers Scaled, Degrees API
the test.
API Range, deg Scale NOTE 3—When thermohydrometers are used, stir the sample by care-
fully raising and lowering the hydrometer. It is satisfactory in this case to
read the thermometer scale after the hydrometer reading has been
observed. Read the thermometer to the nearest 1°F (0.5°C).
Designation Type
Series Total Each Unit Division Error 9. Calculation
1H to 10H long plain −1 to 101 12 0.1 0.1 9.1 When gravities have been observed on opaque liquids
21H to 40H short plain 0 to 101 6 0.1 0.2
51H to 60H thermo −1 to 101 12 0.1 0.1 using the procedure given in 8.6, subtract the correction from
71H to 74H thermo −1 to 41 12 0.1 0.1
2
 D 287
the hydrometer reading observed.
A
thermo 15 to 51 8 9.2 Correct all hydrometer readings to 60°F (15.56°C),
A
Eight-degree range thermohydrometers are available. using Tables 5A or Tables 5B of Guide D 1250.

3
 D 287
TABLE 2 Limiting Conditions and Testing Temperatures
Initial Boiling Point
Sample Type Gravity Limits
Limits
Other Limits Test Temperature
Highly volatile lighter than 70° API Cool to 35°F (2°C) or lower in original closed
container.
Moderately volatile heavier than 70° API below 250°F (120°C) Cool to 65°F (18°C) or lower in original closed
container.
Moderately volatile and viscous heavier than 70° API below 250°F (120°C) Viscosity too high Heat to minimum temperature for sufficient
at 65°F (18°C) fluidity.
Nonvolatile heavier than 70° API above 250°F (120°C) Any temperature between 0 and 195°F (−18
and 90°C) as convenient.
Mixtures of nonpetroleum prod- 60 6 0.25°F (15.56 6 0.1°C)
ucts or essentially pure hy-
drocarbons

10. Report and independent results, obtained by different operators,

10.1 Report the corrected hydrometer reading as degrees work- ing in different laboratories on identical test material,
API (°API) or as API Gravity. would in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
the test method, exceed 0.5° API only in one case in twenty.
11. Precision and Bias
11.1 The precision of this test method as obtained by NOTE 4—The precision for this method was not obtained in accordance
statistical examination of interlaboratory test results is as with RR:D02-1007.3
follows: NOTE 5—This precision statement applies only to measurements made
11.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive at temperatures differing from 60°F (15.56°C) by less than 18°F (10°C).
test results obtained by the same operator with the same 11.2 Bias—Bias for this method has not been determined.
apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
material, would in the long run, in the normal and correct 12. Keywords
operation of the test method, exceed 0.2° API only in one case
in twenty. 12.1 API gravity; crude petroleum; hydrometer; thermohy-
11.1.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single drometer; thermometer

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