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: D287 − 12b (Reapproved 2019)

Standard Test Method for

API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products
(Hydrometer Method)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D287; 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 mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.1 This test method covers the determination by means of For specific warning statement, see 8.3.
a glass hydrometer in conjunction with a series of calculations 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-

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of the API gravity of crude petroleum and petroleum products
normally handled as liquids and having a Reid vapor pressure ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
(Test Method D323) of 101.325 kPa (14.696 psi) or less. Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Gravities are determined at 60 °F (15.56 °C), or converted to mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
values at 60 °F, by means of Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1).
2. Referenced Documents
These tables are not applicable to nonhydrocarbons or essen-
tially pure hydrocarbons such as the aromatics. 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D323 Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products
1.2 The initial values obtained are uncorrected hydrometer
(Reid Method)
readings and not density measurements. Values are measured
D1250 Guide for the Use of the Joint API and ASTM
on a hydrometer at either the reference temperature or at
Adjunct for Temperature and Pressure Volume Correction
another convenient temperature, and readings corrected for the
Factors for Generalized Crude Oils, Refined Products, and
meniscus effect, the thermal glass expansion effect, alternate
Lubricating Oils: API MPMS Chapter 11.1
calibration temperature effects and to the reference temperature
D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API
by means of volume correction tables.
Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod-
1.3 The hydrometer readings determined shall be recorded ucts by Hydrometer Method
before performing any calculations. Then the calculations D6822 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
required in Section 9 shall be performed and documented Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod-
before using the final result in a subsequent calculation ucts by Thermohydrometer Method
procedure (measurement ticket calculation, meter factor E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
calculation, or base prover volume determination). E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 2.2 EI Standards:3
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical Specifications for IP Standard Thermometers
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only IP Specifications for Petroleum Hydrometers
and are not considered standard. 2.3 API Standards:4
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the MPMS Chapter 9.1 Test Method for Density, Relative
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Density, or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method (ASTM Test
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- Method D1298)

1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and the API Committee on contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Petroleum Measurement, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.02 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
/COMQ, the joint ASTM-API Committee on Hydrocarbon Measurement for the ASTM website.
3
Custody Transfer (Joint ASTM-API). Available from Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish St., London, WIG 7AR,
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. Originally U.K., http://www.energyinst.org.
4
approved in 1928. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D287–12b. DOI: Available from American Petroleum Institute (API), 1220 L. St., NW,
10.1520/D0287-12BR19. Washington, DC 20005-4070, http://www.api.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D287 − 12b (2019)
MPMS Chapter 9.3 Test Method for Density, Relative 4.3 The observed hydrometer reading is corrected for the
Density, and API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid meniscus effect, the thermal glass expansion effect, alternate
Petroleum Products by Thermohydrometer Method calibration temperature effects and reduced to the reference
(ASTM Test Method D6822) temperature by means of the volume correction tables. If
MPMS Chapter 11.1 Temperature and Pressure Volume Cor- necessary, the hydrometer cylinder and its contents are placed
rection Factors for Generalized Crude Oils, Refined in a constant temperature bath to avoid excessive temperature
Products, and Lubricating Oils (Adjunct to ASTM D1250) variation during the test.
2.4 ASTM Adjuncts:
5. Significance and Use
Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables
(API MPMS Chapter 11.1)5 5.1 Accurate determination of the gravity of petroleum and
its products is necessary for the conversion of measured
3. Terminology volumes to volumes at the standard temperature of 60 °F
(15.56 °C).
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 API gravity, n—a special function of relative density 5.2 This procedure is most suitable for determining the API
60/60 °F (15.56/15.56 °C), represented by: gravity of low viscosity transparent liquids. This test method
can also be used for viscous liquids by allowing sufficient time
°API 5 @ 141.5/ ~ relative density 60/60°F ! # 2 131.5 (1)
for the hydrometer to reach temperature equilibrium, and for
No statement of reference temperature is required, since opaque liquids by employing a suitable meniscus correction.
60 °F is included in the definition. Additionally for both transparent and opaque fluids the read-
3.1.2 hydrometer reading, n—the point on the hydrometer ings shall be corrected for the thermal glass expansion effect
scale at which the surface of the liquid cuts the scale. before correcting to the reference temperature.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—In practice for transparent fluids this 5.3 When used in connection with bulk oil measurements,
can be readily determined by aligning the surface of the liquid volume correction errors are minimized by observing the
on both sides of the hydrometer and reading the Hydrometer hydrometer reading at a temperature as close to reference
scale where these surface readings cut the scale (Hydrometer temperature as feasible.
Reading – Observed). For nontransparent fluids the point at
5.4 Gravity is a factor governing the quality of crude oils.
which the liquid surface cuts the Hydrometer scale cannot be
However, the gravity of a petroleum product is an uncertain
determined directly and requires a correction (Meniscus Cor-
indication of its quality. Correlated with other properties,
rection). The value represented by the point (Meniscus Read-
gravity can be used to give approximate hydrocarbon compo-
ing) at which the liquid sample rises above the main surface of
sition and heat of combustion.
the liquid subtracted from the value represented by where the

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main surface of the liquid cuts the Hydrometer scale is the 5.5 Gravity is an important quality indicator for automotive,
amount of the correction or Meniscus correction. This menis- aviation and marine fuels, where it affects storage, handling
cus correction is documented and then subtracted from the and combustion.
value represented by the Meniscus Reading to yield the
Hydrometer Reading corrected for the Meniscus (Hydrometer 6. Apparatus
Reading – Observed, Meniscus Corrected). 6.1 Hydrometers, of glass, graduated in degrees API as
3.1.3 specific gravity, n—historical term, no longer used, listed in Table 1 and conforming to Specification E100.
which has been replaced by relative density. 6.1.1 The user should ascertain that the instruments used for
this method conform to the requirements set out above with
4. Summary of Test Method respect to materials, dimensions, and scale errors. In cases
where the instrument is provided with a calibration certificate
4.1 This test method is based on the principle that the issued by a recognized standardizing body, the instrument is
gravity of a liquid varies directly with the depth of immersion classed as certified and the appropriate corrections for the
of a body floating in it. The floating body, which is graduated meniscus effect, the thermal glass expansion effect, and alter-
by API gravity units in this test method, is called an API native calibration temperature effects shall be applied to the
hydrometer. observed readings prior to corrections. Instruments that satisfy
4.2 The API gravity is read by observing the freely floating
API hydrometer and noting the graduation nearest to the
apparent intersection of the horizontal plane surface of the TABLE 1 Available Hydrometers Scaled, Degrees API
liquid with the vertical scale of the hydrometer, after tempera- API Range, deg Scale
ture equilibrium has been reached. The temperature of the Designation Type
Series Total Each Unit Division Error
sample is read from a separate accurate ASTM thermometer in 1H to 10H long plain −1 to 101 12 0.1 0.1
the sample. 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
71H to 74H thermo −1 to 41 12 0.1 0.1
A
thermo 15 to 51 8
5 A
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. Eight-degree range thermohydrometers are available.
ADJD1250. Original adjunct produced in 1983.

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 D287 − 12b (2019)
the requirements of this test method, but are not provided with boiling constituents of the more volatile samples. (Warning—
a recognized calibration certificate, are classed as uncertified. Extremely flammable. Vapors may cause flash fire.) For the
6.2 Thermometers, having a range from −5 °F to +215 °F more volatile samples, transfer to the hydrometer cylinder by
and conforming to the requirements for Thermometer 12F as siphoning. (Do not start the siphon by mouth.) Use a rubber
prescribed in Specification E1 or Thermometer 64F of the aspirator bulb. Remove any air bubbles formed, after they have
Specification for IP Standard Thermometers. collected on the surface of the sample, by touching them with
6.2.1 Alternate measuring devices or systems may be used, a piece of clean filter paper or other suitable means before
provided that the total uncertainty of the calibrated system is no inserting the hydrometer. For field testing, make the gravity
greater than when using liquid-in-glass thermometers. The measurement directly in the sampling thief. Place the cylinder
stated repeatability and reproducibility values are not appli- containing the sample in a vertical position in a location free
cable if alternate fluids are used in the liquid-in-glass thermom- from air currents. Take precautions to prevent the temperature
eters. of the sample from changing appreciably during the time
NOTE 1—The ASTM Gravity Thermometer 12F has 0.5 °F subdivisions necessary to complete the test. During this period, the tempera-
and allowable 60.25 °F scale error. ture of the surrounding medium should not change more than
6.3 Hydrometer Cylinder, clear glass, plastic, or metal (see 5 °F (2 °C).
6.3.1). The inside diameter of the cylinder shall be at least 8.4 Lower the hydrometer gently into the sample and, when
25 mm greater than the outside diameter of the hydrometer and it has settled, depress it about two scale divisions into the liquid
the height shall be such that the appropriate hydrometer floats and then release it; keep the rest of the stem dry, as unnecessary
in the test portion with at least 25 mm clearance between the liquid on the stem changes the effective weight of the
bottom of the hydrometer and the bottom of the cylinder. instrument, and so affects the reading obtained. With samples
6.3.1 Hydrometer cylinders constructed of plastic materials of low viscosity, a slight spin imparted to the instrument on
shall be resistant to discoloration or attack by oil samples and releasing assists in bringing it to rest, floating freely away from
shall not affect the material being tested. They shall not become the walls of the hydrometer cylinder. Allow sufficient time for
opaque under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
the hydrometer to become completely stationary and for all air
7. Temperature of Test bubbles to come to the surface. This is particularly necessary in
the case of the more viscous samples.
7.1 The gravity determined by the hydrometer method is
most accurate at or near the standard temperature of 60 °F 8.5 When the hydrometer has come to rest, floating freely,
(15.56 °C). Use this or any other temperature between 0 °F and and the temperature of the sample is constant to 0.2 °F
195 °F (–18 °C and + 90 °C) for the test, so far as it is (0.1 °C), read the hydrometer to the nearest scale division. The
consistent with the type of sample and necessary limiting correct reading is that point on the hydrometer scale at which
conditions shown in Table 2. the surface of the liquid cuts the scale. Determine this point by
placing the eye slightly below the level of the liquid and slowly
8. Procedure raising it until the surface, first seen as a distorted ellipse,
8.1 For referee testing, use the long plain form of hydrom- appears to become a straight line cutting the hydrometer scale.
eter (1H to 10H). For field testing, use the thermohydrometer
8.6 To make a reading with nontransparent liquids, observe
method in Test Method D6822 (API MPMS Chapter 9.3).
the point on the hydrometer scale to which the sample rises
8.2 Adjust the temperature of the sample in accordance with above its main surface, placing the eye slightly above the plane
Table 2. For field testing, test temperatures other than those surface of the liquid. This reading requires a correction.
listed in Table 2 may be used. The hydrometer cylinder shall be Determine this correction for the particular hydrometer in use
approximately the same temperature as the sample to be tested. by observing the height above the main surface of the liquid to
8.3 Transfer the sample into the clean hydrometer cylinder which the sample rises on the hydrometer scale when the
without splashing, so as to avoid the formation of air bubbles hydrometer in question is immersed in a transparent liquid
and to reduce to a minimum the evaporation of the lower having a surface tension similar to that of a sample under test.

TABLE 2 Limiting Conditions and Testing Temperatures

Initial Boiling Point
Sample Type Gravity Limits Other Limits Test Temperature
Limits
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 at Heat to minimum temperature for sufficient
65 °F (18 °C) fluidity.
Nonvolatile heavier than 70° API above 250 °F (120 °C) Any temperature between 0 °F and 195 °F
(−18 °C and 90 °C) as convenient.
Mixtures of nonpetroleum products or 60 °F ± 0.25 °F (15.56 °C ± 0.1 °C)
essentially pure hydrocarbons

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 D287 − 12b (2019)
8.7 Observe the temperature of the sample to the nearest density ~ kg / m 3 ! 5 ~ 141.5*999.016! / ~ 131.51API! (2)
0.25 °F (0.1 °C) immediately before and after the observation
of the gravity, the liquid in the cylinder being thoroughly but Leave the result unrounded.
cautiously stirred with the thermometer (Note 2), and the Step 2. Calculate the hydrometer thermal glass expansion
whole of the mercury thread being immersed. Should these correction factor (HYC) using the appropriate equation below
temperature readings differ by more than 1 °F (0.5 °C), repeat (t is observed temperature).
the temperature and gravity observations when the temperature Correction for a Base Temperature (Tb) of 60 °F:
of the sample has become more stable. Record the mean of the HYC 5 1.0 2 @ 0.00001278 ~ t 2 60! # 2 @ 0.0000000062 ~ t 2 60! 2 # (3)
thermometer reading before and after the final hydrometer Leave the result unrounded.
reading, to the nearest 1°F, as the temperature of the test.
Step 3. Multiply the hydrometer reading in kg/m3 from Step
NOTE 2—When thermohydrometers are used, stir the sample by
carefully raising and lowering the hydrometer. It is satisfactory in this case
1 by HYC from Step 2 to obtain the glass expansion corrected
to read the thermometer scale after the hydrometer reading has been hydrometer reading.
observed. Read the thermometer to the nearest 1 °F (0.5 °C). kg/m 3 HYC 5 kg/m 3 *HYC (4)

9. Calculation Step 4a. Convert the hydrometer reading in density (kg/

9.1 Apply any relevant thermometer corrections to the m3HYC) from Step 3 to a R.D. (relative density) hydrometer
temperature reading observed in 8.3 and 8.7 and record the reading.
average of those two temperatures to the nearest 1 °F. NOTE 4—The current C source code, compiled dll and Excel Add-in has
9.2 Record the observed hydrometer scale readings to the an omission and cannot use a kg/m3 call with degree F.
nearest 0.1° API for transparent liquids. R.D. 5 kg/m 3 HYC/999.016 (5)
9.3 When gravities have been observed on opaque liquids Step 4b. Input R.D. and degree F into section 11.1.6.2 of the
using the procedure given in 8.6, subtract the meniscus Adjunct to D1250-04 Guide for Petroleum Measurement
correction from the hydrometer reading observed. Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1-2004) which returns R.D. @
NOTE 3—The meniscus correction for a particular hydrometer in use is 60 °F.
determined by observing the maximum height above the principal surface
of the liquid to which liquid rises on the hydrometer scale when the NOTE 5—Pressure will have to be atmospheric gauge, or 0 psig as the
hydrometer in question is immersed in a transparent liquid having a Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS
surface tension similar to that of the sample under test. Chapter 11.1) values are only valid at atmospheric pressure.
9.4 Apply any meniscus hydrometer correction to the ob- Step 4c. Convert the calculated R.D. value @ 60 °F to a
served hydrometer reading and record the meniscus corrected calculated API Gravity @ 60 °F using Eq 6.
hydrometer scale reading to the nearest 0.1° API. API Gravity 5 ~ 141.5/R.D. ! 2 131.5 (6)
9.5 Application of the glass thermal expansion correction 9.7 Future versions of the Adjunct to D1250 Guide for
depends upon what edition of Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1)
Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) will code will be corrected so that it can accept any combination of
be used to calculate the base density. input units and return any combination of output units. When
9.5.1 The 1980 version of the Adjunct to D1250 Guide for available, the Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Petroleum Measure-
Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) has ment Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) code can be accessed
the hydrometer glass thermal expansion correction included. directly from Step 3 and return API Gravity @ 60 °F, R.D. @
Input into the VCF software requires the Hydrometer Reading 60 °F, and kg/m3 at any selected base temperature.
– Observed or Hydrometer Reading – Observed, Meniscus
Example 1
Corrected in API units from 9.2 or 9.4, observed temperature of Sample: Crude Oil
the sample, and the built-in hydrometer glass thermal correc- Observed Temperature: 77 °F
tion switch set to on (0) or off (1). It will return API @ 60 °F. Observed Hydrometer Reading: 33.2 API Gravity
Observed Pressure: 0 psig
9.5.2 The 2004 version of the Adjunct to D1250 Guide for Base Temperature: 60 °F
Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS Chapter 11.1) Step 1: 858.292434730... (Eq 2)
Step 2: 0.999780948... (Eq 3)
does not include the hydrometer glass thermal expansion Step 3: 858.104424227... (Eq 4)
correction, so that correction must be made before entering the Step 4a: 0.858949631... (Eq 5)
software. Depending on the specific end use of the calculation Step 4b: 0.865678279...
Step 4c.1: 31.955643312... unrounded (Eq 6)
results, the final value may be left rounded or unrounded. See Step 4c.2: 32.0 °API rounded (Eq 6)
9.6.
9.6 The following steps are required to implement 9.5.2: 10. Report
Step 1. Convert the meniscus corrected hydrometer scale 10.1 Report the corrected hydrometer reading as degrees
reading to density in kg/m3 using Eq 2. API (°API) or as API Gravity.
Hydrometer Scale Conversion to Density
Reading Units 10.2 Report the final value as API gravity, at the reference
For API gravity: temperature, to the nearest 0.1° API.
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 D287 − 12b (2019)
10.3 The reporting values have no precision or bias deter- 11.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive
mination. It is up to the user to determine whether this test test results obtained by the same operator with the same
method provides results of sufficient accuracy for the intended apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
purpose. material, would in the long run, in the normal and correct
operation of the test method, exceed 0.2° API only in one case
10.4 If the hydrometer readings are being used as an input to in twenty.
a calculation process intended to return a volume correction 11.1.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single
factor for use in ticket or meter proving calculations, stop the and independent results, obtained by different operators, work-
calculation process identified above at Step 3 (if the density ing in different laboratories on identical test material, would in
value is desired at flowing conditions) or Step 4 (if the density the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test
value is desired at base density conditions) and input the results method, exceed 0.5° API only in one case in twenty.
into the calculation process.
NOTE 6—The precision for this test method was not obtained in
10.5 Certified hydrometers from a recognized standardizing accordance with RR:D02-1007.
body, such as NIST, report the output density as ‘Density in NOTE 7—This precision statement applies only to measurements made
at temperatures differing from 60 °F (15.56 °C) by less than 18 °F (10 °C).
Vacuo’.
11.2 Bias—Bias for this test method has not been deter-
11. Precision and Bias mined.

11.1 The precision of this test method as obtained by 12. Keywords

statistical examination of interlaboratory test results is as 12.1 API gravity; crude petroleum; hydrometer; thermohy-
follows: drometer; thermometer

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