Designation: D1657 − 12´1

Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS), Chapter 9.2

Standard Test Method for

Density or Relative Density of Light Hydrocarbons by
Pressure Hydrometer1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1657; 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.

ε1 NOTE—Corrected API MPMS naming convention throughout editorially in October 2012.

1. Scope* subsequent calculation procedure (measurement ticket

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density calculation, meter factor calculation, or base prover volume
or relative density of light hydrocarbons including liquefied determination).
petroleum gases (LPG) having Reid vapor pressures exceeding 1.6 Annex A1 contains a procedure for verifying or certify-
101.325 kPa (14.696 psi). ing the equipment for this test method.
1.2 The prescribed apparatus should not be used for mate- 1.7 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
rials having vapor pressures higher than 1.4 MPa (200 psi) at US Customary values shown in adjacent parentheses are for
the test temperature. This pressure limit is dictated by the type information only and may not be exactly equivalent. Both SI
of equipment. Higher pressures can apply to other equipment and customary units have been rounded so that they may not be
designs. exactly equivalent.
1.3 The initial pressure hydrometer readings obtained are 1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
uncorrected hydrometer readings and not density measure- safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ments. Readings are measured on a hydrometer at either the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
reference temperature or at another convenient temperature, priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
and readings are corrected for the meniscus effect, the thermal bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
glass expansion effect, alternate calibration temperature effects
and to the reference temperature by means of calculations and 2. Referenced Documents
Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
(API MPMS Chapter 11.1) or API MPMS Chapter 11.2.4 (GPA D1250 Guide for Use of the Petroleum Measurement Tables
TP-27), as applicable. D1265 Practice for Sampling Liquefied Petroleum (LP)
1.4 Values determined as density or relative density can be Gases, Manual Method
converted to equivalent values in the other units or alternative D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
reference temperatures by means of Interconversion Proce- Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod-
dures API MPMS Chapter 11.5, or Adjunct to D1250 Guide for ucts by Hydrometer Method (API MPMS Chapter 9.1)
Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) or E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
API MPMS Chapter 11.2.4 (GPA TP-27), as applicable. E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
1.5 The calculations required in Section 11 shall be applied 2.2 API Standards:3
to the initial pressure hydrometer reading with observations MPMS Chapter 9.1 Test Method for Density, Relative
and results reported as required by Section 11 prior to use in a Density, and API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid
Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method (ASTM Test
Method D1298)
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and the API Committee on Petroleum
2
Measurement, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.02 /COMQ, the For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
joint ASTM-API Committee on Hydrocarbon Measurement for Custody Transfer contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
(Joint ASTM-API). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved June 1, 2012. Published August 2012. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D1657–02(2007). Available from American Petroleum Institute (API), 1220 L. St., NW,
DOI: 10.1520/D1657-12E01. Washington, DC 20005-4070, http://www.api.org.

*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

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 1

 D1657 − 12´1
MPMS Chapter 11.1 Temperature and Pressure Volume Cor- ture by means of the volume correction factors or tables as
rection Factors for Generalized Crude Oils, Refined Prod- applicable by use of the appropriate Adjunct to D1250 Guide
ucts and Lubricating Oils (Adjunct to ASTM D1250) for Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1)
MPMS Chapter 11.2.2 Compressibility Factors for Hydro- or API MPMS Chapter 11.2.4 (GPA TP-27), as applicable, and
carbons: 0.350-0.0637 Relative Density (60°F/60°F) and observed temperature from the thermometer.
-50°F to 140°F Metering Temperature
MPMS Chapter 11.2.2M Compressibility Factors for Hydro- 5. Significance and Use
carbons: 350-637 Kilograms per Cubic Meter Density 5.1 The density or relative density of light hydrocarbons and
15°C and -46°C to 60°C Metering Temperatures liquefied petroleum gases is used in custody transfer quantity
MPMS Chapter 11.2.4 Temperature Correction for the Vol- calculations or to satisfy transportation, storage, and regulatory
ume of NGL and LPG Tables 23E, 24E, 53E, 54E, 59E requirements.
and 60E (joint standard with GPA TP-27)
MPMS Chapter 11.5 Density/Weight/Volume Intraconver- 6. Apparatus
sion 6.1 Hydrometers, graduated in density with a range from
2.3 GPA Standards:4 500 to 650 kg/m3, or in relative density with a range from
GPA Technical Publication TP-27 Temperature Correction 0.500 to 0.650, and conforming to the dimensions in Specifi-
for the Volume of NGL and LPG, Tables 23E, 24E, 53E, cation E100.
54E, 59E and 60E (joint standard with API MPMS 6.1.1 Thermohydrometers, for field applications, thermohy-
Chapter 11.2.4) drometers may be more convenient than hydrometers with
2.4 ASTM Adjuncts: separate thermometers. They shall conform to Specification
Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables E100, Thermohydrometer Nos. 101H or 310H.
(API MPMS Chapter 11.1)5 6.1.1.1 Thermohydrometers shall be of suitable range and
have dimensions to float freely within the pressure hydrometer
3. Terminology cylinder with clearances of 5 mm at the wall and 25 mm at the
3.1 Definitions: top and bottom.
3.1.1 density, n—the mass of liquid per unit volume at 15°C 6.1.1.2 The test report shall state that a thermohydrometer
and its saturation pressure with the standard unit of measure- was used.
ment being kilograms per cubic metre. 6.1.1.3 The user should ascertain that the instruments used
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Other reference temperatures, such as for this procedure conform to the requirements set out above
20°C may be used for some products or in some locations. Less with respect to materials, dimensions, and scale errors. In cases
preferred units of measurement; for example, kg/L or g/mL, are where the instrument is provided with a calibration certificate
still in use. issued by a recognized standardizing body, the instrument is
3.1.2 relative density (specific gravity), n—the ratio of the classed as certified and the appropriate corrections for the
mass of a given volume of liquid at a specific temperature to meniscus effect, the thermal glass expansion effect, and alter-
the mass of an equal volume of pure water at the same or native calibration temperature effects shall be applied to the
different temperature. Both reference temperatures shall be observed readings prior to corrections. Instruments that satisfy
explicitly stated. the requirements of this test method, but are not provided with
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Common reference temperatures in- a recognized calibration certificate, are classed as uncertified
clude 60/60°F, 20/20°C, 20/4°C. The historic deprecated term and the appropriate corrections for the meniscus effect, the
“specific gravity” may still be found. thermal glass expansion effect, and alternative calibration
temperature effects shall be applied to the observed readings
3.1.3 thermohydrometer, n—a glass hydrometer with a self-
prior to corrections.
contained mercury thermometer.
6.2 Hydrometer Cylinder, constructed of transparent plastic;
4. Summary of Test Method for example, poly(methyl methacrylate) or equivalent material,
4.1 The apparatus is purged with a portion of the sample conforming to the design and recommended dimensions given
before filling with the portion to be used for testing. The in Fig. 1. The cylinder shall be of such dimensions that the
pressure cylinder is filled to a level at which the enclosed hydrometer shall float freely within it. The ends shall be tightly
hydrometer floats freely, and the cylinder is then placed in a sealed with neoprene gaskets and metal end plates as shown in
constant-temperature bath (if needed). When the temperature Fig. 1. (Warning—A protective shield shall be placed around
has reached equilibrium, the hydrometer reading and the the cylinder. Replace any cylinders that show signs of fogging,
temperature of the sample are read. The observed hydrometer crazing, cracking, or etching.)
reading is corrected for the meniscus effect, alternate calibra- NOTE 1—Certain compounds attack plastics and cloud the inner surface
tion temperature effects and reduced to the reference tempera- of the cylinder, making it difficult or impossible to read the hydrometer.
Tests showed no attack by ethane, ethene (ethylene), propane, propylene,
butane, methylpropane (isobutane), butenes (normal butylenes), methyl-
4
Available from Gas Processors Association (GPA), 6526 E. 60th St., Tulsa, OK propene (isobutylene), pentane, and methylbutane (isopentane), and no
74145, http://www.gpaglobal.org. attack is expected from butadiene and acetaldehyde. Users are cautioned,
5
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. however, to clean the cylinder thoroughly after each determination.
ADJD1250. Original adjunct produced in 1983. Ketones and alcohols should not be used for cleaning as they attack and

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 2

 D1657 − 12´1

FIG. 1 Pressure Hydrometer Cylinder

weaken plastics while aromatics also tend to attack the surface of plastics 6.2.1 The liquid inlet valve and the liquid outlet valve shall
and should similarly not be used. A light aliphatic hydrocarbon is be tightly connected to a base plate that shall be bored to give
recommended for cleaning. (Warning—Extremely flammable. Harmful if
inhaled. Vapors may cause flash fire.) both valves a common inlet to the cylinder. The vapor vent

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 3

 D1657 − 12´1
valve shall be similarly connected to the top plate, which shall the cylinder to be withdrawn completely and the pressure
be bored to provide a vapor outlet from the pressure cylinder. inside the cylinder to be returned to atmospheric pressure.
All valves shall be 6 mm (1⁄4 in.) or equivalent needle valves. 8.1.4 Close the outlet and vent valves and open the inlet
6.2.2 The cylinder shall not be operated at a gage pressure valve, filling the cylinder to a level at which the enclosed
greater than 1.4 MPa (200 psi). A hydrostatic test at 2.8 MPa hydrometer floats freely. If it is necessary to accomplish this
(400 psi) shall be carried out at intervals no greater than 12 filling by venting vapor through the vent valve, repeat the
months. purging to cool the cylinder sufficiently to permit its being
filled without venting.
NOTE 2—For Safety—The cylinder should be equipped with appropri-
ate safety devices to prevent over-pressure. Consideration should be given 8.1.5 With all valves closed, examine the apparatus for
to pressure testing the cylinder at 1.25 to 1.5 times its normal maximum leaks. If leaks are detected, discard the sample, reduce the
operating pressure on a periodic basis, not to exceed two years. pressure to atmospheric and repair the leaks. Repeat the
6.3 Thermometers, conforming to ASTM 12C or 12F in sampling procedure.
Specification E1. The thermometer shall be held firmly inside
the hydrometer cylinder by a clip in such a manner that it does 9. Verification of Apparatus
not interfere with the free movement of the hydrometer. 9.1 Carefully clean and dry the hydrometer and the inside
6.4 Constant-Temperature Bath, of dimensions such that it wall of the pressure cylinder.
can accommodate the hydrometer cylinder with the test portion 9.2 Insert the hydrometer in the pressure cylinder and attach
fully immersed below the test portion liquid surface, and a the thermometer and cover plate. Connect the source of supply
temperature control system capable of maintaining the bath of the reference liquid to the inlet valve and ascertain that the
temperature within 0.25°C of the test temperature throughout connections are free of leaks. Fill the hydrometer with one of
the duration of the test. the reference fluids (see Section 7) by the procedure given in
8.1.2 – 8.1.5.
7. Reference Liquids
9.3 Disconnect the hydrometer cylinder from the source of
7.1 The following reference liquids are required for stan- supply of liquid and place it in the constant-temperature bath
dardization of the hydrometer: maintained within 0.2°C of the test temperature until thermal
7.1.1 Propane, pure grade, having a nominal density of equilibrium has been obtained. To accelerate thermal
507.6 kg/m3 at 15°C or a relative density 60/60°F of 0.50699. adjustment, occasionally remove the hydrometer cylinder from
(Warning—Extremely flammable. Harmful if inhaled. Vapors the constant-temperature bath, tilt to a horizontal position, rock
may cause flash fire.) The density of the reference liquid used gently a few times to ensure mixing, and replace in the
shall be known. constant-temperature bath. Exercise care to prevent damage to
7.1.2 Butane, pure grade, having a nominal density of the hydrometer and thermometer.
584.1 kg ⁄m3 at 15°C or a relative density 60/60°F of 0.5840.
9.4 When the hydrometer cylinder and thermometer have
(Warning—Extremely flammable. Harmful if inhaled. Vapors
reached equilibrium, as shown by the thermometer inside the
may cause flash fire.) The density of the reference liquid used
cylinder, remove the cylinder from the constant-temperature
shall be known.
bath, stand it on a firm level surface, and while the hydrometer
8. Sampling is floating freely, take the hydrometer reading promptly as
described in 9.4.1 and 9.4.2.
8.1 Unless otherwise specified, samples of liquid hydrocar- 9.4.1 Observe a point slightly below the plane of the liquid
bons shall be obtained by the procedures described in Practice surface and then raise the line of vision until this surface, seen
D1265. The procedure for sampling for verification of the as an ellipse, becomes a straight line. Record the point where
apparatus and for subsequent testing is described as follows. this line cuts the hydrometer scale, estimating to the nearest
8.1.1 Connect the source of supply of the liquid to be tested one fifth of a scale division the observed hydrometer reading.
to the inlet valve by suitable fittings so that a representative A white card held behind the cylinder just below the liquid
sample can be introduced into the cylinder. Ascertain that these level will improve the visibility of the surface.
connections are free of leaks. Open the outlet and vent valves 9.4.2 Read and record the temperature of the liquid to the
and purge the sampling connections by opening the inlet valve nearest 0.2°C, immediately before and after reading the hy-
slightly, permitting the product to flow through the outlet valve drometer. If the temperature differs by more than 0.4°C,
at the bottom of the cylinder and the vent valve at the top of the replace the hydrometer cylinder in the bath to restore equilib-
cylinder. rium and repeat the readings.
8.1.2 When the connections have been purged, close the
outlet and vent valves and open the inlet valve, permitting the 9.5 Repeat the verification with a second portion of the
liquid to enter the cylinder until it is full. If necessary, the vent same reference fluid.
valve may be opened slightly to permit complete filling of the 9.6 If the temperatures measured in 9.4.2 are within 0.2°C
cylinder after which it shall be closed. At no time shall the of the reference temperature and the two determinations are
pressure in the cylinder be allowed to rise above a gage within 0.7 kg/m3 or 0.0007 relative density, average the two
pressure of 1.4 MPa (200 psi). determinations. If the temperatures are not within 0.2°C of the
8.1.3 When the cylinder has been filled, close the inlet valve reference temperature, correct the observed hydrometer read-
and open the outlet and vent valves, permitting the contents of ings to the reference temperature by use of the appropriate

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 4

 D1657 − 12´1
table from Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Petroleum Measure- 11.3.1.2 The type and complete identification of the product
ment Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) or API MPMS Chapter tested.
11.2.4 (GPA TP-27). Repeat the verification with two addi- 11.3.1.3 The result of the test.
tional determinations. 11.3.1.4 The date of the test.
9.7 Compare the average results with the known density of 11.3.1.5 Any deviations from the test method.
the reference fluids used (see 9.2). 11.3.1.6 State whether a thermohydrometer was used.
9.7.1 If the results are within 0.2 kg/m3 (0.0002 relative 11.4 The reporting values have no precision or bias deter-
density), accept the hydrometer scale as suitable for direct mination. It is up to the user to determine whether this test
reading. method provides results of sufficient accuracy for the intended
9.7.2 If the difference is between 0.2 and 1.0 kg/m3 (0.0002 purpose.
and 0.001 relative density) from the known value, apply this 11.5 Certified hydrometers from a recognized standardizing
correction to readings obtained on test portions of samples. body, such as NIST, report the output density as ‘Density in
9.7.3 If the readings differ more than 1.0 kg/m3 (0.001 Vacuo.’
relative density) from the known value, replace the hydrometer.
9.8 After each determination, empty the cylinder and vent to 12. Precision and Bias
reduce the pressure to atmospheric in a safe place. Highly 12.1 Precision—The precision of this test method as deter-
volatile liquids and liquefied petroleum gases shall not be left mined by statistical examination of interlaboratory test results
in the apparatus because, at high ambient temperatures, they is as follows:
might generate sufficient pressure to burst the cylinder. 12.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between two test
10. Procedure results, obtained by the same operator with the same apparatus
under constant operating conditions on identical test material
10.1 Purge and empty the apparatus and draw a sample of would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
the product to be tested as in Section 8. the test method, exceed the following value only one case in
10.2 Carry out the procedures and take the reading as twenty.
described in Section 9. After each determination, empty the Repeatability 5 1 kg/m 3
cylinder and vent to reduce the pressure to atmospheric in a
safe place. 12.1.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single
NOTE 3—For measurements in the field, this method may be used at and independent results obtained by different operators work-
ambient temperatures, with the realization that the accuracy is decreased. ing in different laboratories on identical test material would, in
(Warning—If so used, the cylinder must be vented and the test discarded the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test
if the pressure rises above a gauge pressure of 1.4 MPa (200 psi).)
NOTE 4—ASTM Test Method D1298 (API MPMS Chapter 9.1) can
method, exceed the following value only in one case in twenty.
provide additional assistance in how to perform these tests Reproducibility 5 3 kg/m 3
NOTE 5—The precision of this test method has only been determined in
11. Calculation and Report the units of density.
11.1 Apply hydrometer corrections, if any, to the observed NOTE 6—No precision data are available for thermohydrometers.
readings and report the corrected reading to the nearest 12.2 Bias—Bias for this test method has not been deter-
0.5 kg ⁄m3 or 0.0005 relative density. mined. However, to determine that the bias is within acceptable
11.2 If the determinations were not carried out within 0.2°C limits, verification of the hydrometer and thermometer using
of the reference temperature, correct the results by use of the standards traceable to international standards shall occur before
appropriate Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Petroleum Measure- the thermohydrometer or hydrometer and thermometer are
ment Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) or API MPMS Chapter placed into service. Periodic re-verification may be required.
11.2.4 (GPA TP-27). 12.3 The repeatability and reproducibility values provided
11.2.1 When a density-scaled hydrometer was used, use are not based on any interlaboratory round robin results. They
Table 53E for densities up to 635 kg/m3 to obtain density at should be considered historical numbers, the source of which
15°C. cannot be verified by either ASTM or API and have been in this
11.2.2 When a relative density hydrometer was used, use standard prior to the current slate of Light Hydrocarbons
Table 23E for relative densities up to 0.655 to obtain relative including liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). These values do
density at 60°F. not apply to the current calculation procedures, and it is up to
11.3 Report the final result as density to the nearest the user to determine whether this test method provides results
0.5 kg/m3 at 15°C or as relative density to the nearest 0.0005 of sufficient accuracy for the intended purpose.
and specify the reference temperature.
11.3.1 The test report shall contain at least the following 13. Keywords
information: 13.1 density; hydrocarbons; hydrometer; petroleum prod-
11.3.1.1 A reference to this standard. ucts; pressure hydrometer; relative density

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 5

 D1657 − 12´1
ANNEX

A1. APPARATUS

A1.1 Apparatus Verification and Certification A1.1.1.2 Hydrometers shall be certified or verified at inter-
A1.1.1 Hydrometers, shall either be certified or verified. vals of no more than 24 months.
Verification shall be either by comparison with a certified A1.1.2 Thermometers, shall be verified at intervals of no
hydrometer (see 6.1.1) or by the use of a certified reference more than six months for conformance with specifications.
material (CRM) specific to the reference temperature used. Either comparison with a referenced temperature measurement
A1.1.1.1 The hydrometer scale shall be correctly located system traceable to an international standard, or a determina-
within the hydrometer stem by reference to the datum mark. If tion of ice point, is suitable.
the scale has moved, reject the hydrometer.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.02/COMQ has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last
issue (D1657–02(2007)) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Added 1.3–1.6 to provide additional clarification. (5) Enhanced safety note in 6.2 to provide improve guidance.
(2) Added ASTM Test Method D1298 (API MPMS Chapter (6) Revised 9.6, 11.2, 11.2.1, and 11.2.2 to update the correct
9.1) to the Referenced Documents and standard text. GPA reference.
(3) Added an additional sentence to 4.1 to provide additional (7) Added 11.4 and 12.3 to clarify to the user the reliability of
clarification on what additional corrections are needed after the precision and bias statement.
obtaining the observed hydrometer reading.
(4) Added 6.1.1.3 to clarify the differences between verified
and certified apparatus; the need for the user to ascertain that
their instrument conforms to the criteria in the standard and the
various corrections that the user may need to perform to the
observed hydrometer reading to complete the determination
procedure.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 6