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: D156 − 15

Standard Test Method for

Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer
Method)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D156; 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* Waxes, Including Petrolatum

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the color of D1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products
refined oils such as undyed motor and aviation gasoline, jet (ASTM Color Scale)
propulsion fuels, naphthas and kerosine, and, in addition, D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
petroleum waxes and pharmaceutical white oils. Petroleum Products
E308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using
NOTE 1—For determining the color of petroleum products darker than the CIE System
Saybolt Color − 16, see Test Method D1500.
1.2 This test method reports results specific to this test 3. Terminology
method and recorded as, “Saybolt Color units.” 3.1 Definitions:
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units or in SI units and 3.1.1 clear-and-bright, n—condition in which the sample is
which are not in parentheses are to be regarded as the standard. free of haze or cloudiness. (Also termed clean-and-bright .)
The values given in parentheses are for information only. 3.1.2 free water, n—water in excess of that soluble in the
NOTE 2—Oil tubes and apparatus used in this test method have sample and appearing in the sample as a haze or cloudiness, as
traditionally been marked in inches, (the tube is required to be etched with droplets, or as a separated phase or layer.
1⁄8 in. divisions.) The Saybolt Color Numbers are aligned with inch, 1⁄2 in.,
1⁄4 in., and 1⁄8 in. changes in the depth of oil. These fractional inch changes
3.1.3 particulates, n—small solid or semisolid particles,
do not readily correspond to SI equivalents and in view of the prepon- sometimes referred to as silt or sediment, that can be suspended
derance of apparatus already in use and marked in inches, the inch/pound in the sample or can settle to the bottom.
unit is regarded as the standard. However the test method does use SI units 3.1.4 turbidity, n—reduction of transparency of a sample
of length when the length is not directly related to divisions on the oil tube
and Saybolt Color Numbers. The test method uses SI units for tempera- due to the presence of particulate matter or water haze, or both.
ture. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2.1 Saybolt color, n—an empirical definition of the color
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the of a clear petroleum liquid based on a scale of −16 (darkest)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- to +30 (lightest).
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.2.1.1 Discussion—The number is derived by finding the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. height of a column of the sample that, when viewed through
the length of the column, visually matches the appropriate one
2. Referenced Documents of three glass standards and referring to Table 1 of Test Method
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 D156.
D938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The height of a column of sample is decreased by levels
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on corresponding to color numbers until the color of the sample is
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of unmistakably lighter than that of the standard. The color
Subcommittee D02.05 on Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material. number above this level is reported, regardless of whether the
Current edition approved April 1, 2015. Published April 2015. Originally
approved in 1923. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D156 – 12. DOI: sample was darker, questionable, or a match at the higher level.
10.1520/D0156-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5. Significance and Use
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 5.1 Determination of the color of petroleum products is used
the ASTM website. mainly for manufacturing control purposes and is an important

*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

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 D156 − 15
TABLE 1 Saybolt Colors Corresponding to Depths of Oil
Number of Color Number of Color Depth of Oil,
Depth of Oil, in. (mm) Color Number Color Number
Standards Standards in. (mm)
One-half 20.00 (508) +30 Two 6.00 (152) +6
One-half 18.00 (457) +29 Two 5.75 (146) +5
One-half 16.00 (406) +28 Two 5.50 (139) +4
One-half 14.00 (355) +27 Two 5.25 (133) +3
One-half 12.00 (304) +26 Two 5.00 (127) +2
One 20.00 (508) +25 Two 4.75 (120) +1
One 18.00 (457) +24 Two 4.50 (114) 0
One 16.00 (406) +23 Two 4.25 (107) −1
One 14.00 (355) +22 Two 4.00 (101) −2
One 12.00 (304) +21 Two 3.75 (95) −3
One 10.75 (273) +20 Two 3.625 (92) −4
One 9.50 (241) +19 Two 3.50 (88) −5
One 8.25 (209) +18 Two 3.375 (85) −6
One 7.25 (184) +17 Two 3.25 (82) −7
One 6.25 (158) +16 Two 3.125 (79) −8
Two 10.50 (266) +15 Two 3.00 (76) −9
Two 9.75 (247) +14 Two 2.875 (73) −10
Two 9.00 (228) +13 Two 2.75 (69) −11
Two 8.25 (209) +12 Two 2.625 (66) −12
Two 7.75 (196) +11 Two 2.50 (63) −13
Two 7.25 (184) +10 Two 2.375 (60) −14
Two 6.75 (171) +9 Two 2.25 (57) −15
Two 6.50 (165) +8 Two 2.125 (53) −16
Two 6.25 (158) +7

quality characteristic since color is readily observed by the user 7.3 Replace the 12 mm diaphragm under the plain tube, and
of the product. In some cases the color may serve as an fill the oil tube to the 20 in. (508 mm) mark with distilled or
indication of the degree of refinement of the material. When the deionized water. The intensity of the light observed in each half
color range of a particular product is known, a variation outside of the optical field must be the same, for the instrument to be
the established range can indicate possible contamination with judged satisfactory for use. The optical properties of glass,
another product. However, color is not always a reliable guide from different batches, can vary significantly and it is recom-
to product quality and should not be used indiscriminately in mended that only matched tubes, such as described in the
product specifications. Appendix, be used in this test. When a tube is broken, replace
both tubes with a matched pair of tubes.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The Saybolt chromometer consisting of sample and 8. Sampling
standard tubes, optical system, light source, and color 8.1 Samples shall be taken in accordance with the instruc-
standards, is described in detail in Annex A1 and illustrated in tions in Practice D4057.
Fig. A1.1.
9. Preparation of Test Specimen
7. Standardization of Apparatus 9.1 Samples (Excluding Waxes)—If the sample is contained
7.1 Remove the glass disk from the bottom of the oil tube. in a clear, transparent container, such as glass bottle, visually
Clean the disk, oil tube, and plain tube. When deposits are not inspect the sample for evidence of free water, particulate
removable by wiping or solvent rinsing, wash with soap and contamination, and haze by holding the container up to the
water. After cleaning, rinse with distilled or deionized water light. If the sample is contained in a nontransparent container,
and with acetone or some other suitable solvent, and dry. shake or agitate the sample container vigorously to uniformly
Assemble the oil tube, and position the tubes in the instrument. suspend any free water that may be present in the sample
7.2 Using the specified light source and illumination, ob- before transferring a portion to a clear, transparent container to
serve the comparative light intensity of the two halves of the conduct the visual inspection before proceeding.
optical field, with both tubes empty, and with the 12 mm 9.2 Wax Samples—Carry out the same procedure in 9.1,
diaphragm removed from under the plain tube. The intensity of except that the sample is to be heated to a temperature just
light observed in each half of the optical field must be the enough to ensure the sample is liquid (see 9.4). (Warning—
same. Adjustment in the position of the light source may be Take appropriate safety precautions in handling the sample at
necessary to achieve this match. elevated temperatures.)
NOTE 3—On some instruments, removal of the 12 mm diaphragm can 9.3 When the sample is not clear-and-bright (that is, visual
prevent the assembly from seating against the base (about a 1⁄4 in. gap), inspection in 9.1 or 9.2 shows any presence of turbidity, free
which can let a lot of stray light in that may affect the light intensity when water, or particulates, or a combination thereof), filter through
trying to compare the two halves of the optical field in 7.2. If this occurs,
follow the procedure in 7.3 (where the 12 mm diaphragm has been a sufficient number of qualitative filter papers until it is clear.
reattached) as the basis to ensure the light source has been properly set to For wax samples requiring filtration, it will be necessary to
provide the same light intensity in both halves of the optical field. heat the filter paper and apparatus (for example, a filter funnel)

2
 D156 − 15
that can come in contact with the molten sample to a TABLE 2 Example of Procedure
temperature sufficient to prevent the sample from solidifying Using One Using Two
during the filtration process (see 9.4). Whole Color Whole Color
Observation
Standard, in. Standards,
9.4 When preparing petroleum wax for testing do not heat (mm) in. (mm)

excessively, because oxidation can occur, with consequent Oil darker at depth of 16 (406) 4.5 (102)
Oil darker at depth of 14 (355) 4.25 (107)
discoloration of the test specimen. A sample heated to a Oil questionable at depth of 12 (304) 4.0 (101)
temperature of 8 °C to 17 °C above its congealing point as Oil lighter at depth of 10.75 (273) 3.75 (95)
determined in accordance with Test Method D938, has been Saybolt color +21 −2

found suitable to test samples using this test method.

11.2 Pour the liquid wax into the oil tube; turn the heating
10. Procedure for Refined Light Oils and Pharmaceutical element off, and, after the heat waves in the test specimen can
White Oils no longer be noted, obtain the required readings as directed in
10.1 Flush the oil tube with a portion of the test specimen, Section 10.
taking care to allow the tube to drain thoroughly. Fill the oil 12. Report
tube with the test specimen compare with a whole color
12.1 Report the recorded color units as “Saybolt color
standard. When the test specimen is lighter than the color
______.” When the sample has been filtered, add the words
standard, remove the standard and replace it with a half
“(sample filtered).”
standard. When the sample is darker than the single whole
standard at 61⁄4 in. (158 mm), add another whole standard. 13. Precision and Bias
(Warning—It is important that all samples in the color tubes 13.1 The precision of this test is not known to have been
be free from air bubbles.) obtained in accordance with currently accepted guidelines
10.2 With the proper color standard or standards in place, (Research Report RR:D02-1007).
and the test specimen in the oil tube at a level where its color 13.2 The precision of this test method as obtained by
is decidedly darker than that of the color standard, draw off the statistical examination of interlaboratory test results is as
test specimen slowly by means of the petcock until the oil follows:
appears just slightly darker than the color standard. From this 13.2.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive
point, draw the test specimen level down to the nearest depth test results obtained by the same operator with the same
corresponding to color number as shown in Table 1. When the apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
color of the oil observed through the eyepiece is still darker material would, in the long run, in the normal and correct
than the color standard, draw the oil down to the next depth operation of the test method, exceed the following value only
given in Table 1, and compare. Continue this operation until a in one case in twenty:
depth is reached where the test specimen and color standard 1 color unit
match, or show questionable differences. At this point, lower
the oil column to the next specified depth and, when the oil is 13.2.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single
unmistakably lighter than the color standard, record the color and independent test results obtained by different operators
corresponding to the next higher level as the Saybolt color. working in different laboratories on identical test material
would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
10.3 Experience in the use of this instrument will obviate the test method exceed the following value only in one case in
the necessity of following the step-by-step procedure outlined twenty:
in 10.2 for choosing the proper color standards for each
2 color units
sample. Examples of the procedure are given in Table 2.
13.3 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
11. Procedure for Petroleum Wax because the value of Saybolt Color is subjective and can only
be defined in terms of this test method.
11.1 Heat the wax test specimen sufficiently to ensure a
representative portion of liquid is taken for analysis, following 14. Keywords
the wax sample preparation steps and precautions in 9.2 14.1 aviation gasoline; color; jet fuel; kerosine; motor
through 9.4. Preheat the oil tube. gasoline; oils; petroleum wax; Saybolt Color; white oils

3
 D156 − 15
ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. APPARATUS

A1.1.3 Plain Tube— Use a glass tube or its equivalent in

color characteristics, 483 mm long, meeting the diameter
specifications given in A1.1.1, and open at both ends, with one
end mounted in a suitable metal collar. The overall length of
the tube and collar, assembled, shall be 516 mm to 518 mm.
The collar provides a place to locate the color standards and a
black metal diaphragm with a circular aperture 12 mm in
diameter in the optical field. See A1.1.1.1.
A1.1.4 Tube Assembly— Mount the tubes securely in a
vertical and central position with respect to the optical viewer.
Cover the upper ends of the tubes with removable diaphragmed
metal caps about 25 mm in length. The caps shall be of
sufficient diameter to slip easily over the ends of the tubes. The
aperture in the diaphragm of the cap shall be 14 mm in
diameter.
A1.1.5 Optical Viewer— Provide the chromometer with a
suitable optical viewer head consisting of prisms and an
eyepiece containing a lens. Provide prisms of a suitable form,
matched in their refracting angles and areas, and so mounted as
FIG. A1.1 ASTM Saybolt Chromometer and Artificial Daylight to avoid the possibility of disarrangement. Arrange the prisms
Lamp so that the light rays passing through the tubes are deflected
into an optical head and can be viewed by the eyepiece. The
arrangement must be such as to provide a circular field of
A1.1 Saybolt Chromometer vision free from distortion and parallax (Note A1.1), one half
of which is illuminated by the light transmitted by the sample,
A1.1.1 Oil Sample Tube— For testing liquids, use a boro-
and the other half by the color standard.
silicate glass tube, or its equivalent in color characteristics,
having an inside diameter of not less than 16.5 mm nor more NOTE A1.1—An adapter (Fig. A1.3) may be used to locate the light rays
than 17.5 mm, and an outside diameter of not less than 21.25 passing up through the center of the eyepiece. The adapter consists of a
mm nor more than 22.75 mm. Close the tube at the bottom with metal collar of such diameter as to fit the outside diameter of the eyepiece
closely. It is approximately 50 mm long, and closed at one end with a
an optical clear plano glass disk 6.25 mm thick, free of metal diaphragm having a centrally located aperture approximately 2.5
striations and scratches. The tube shall be 508 to 510 mm long mm in diameter.
from the upper surface of the plano disk to the top of the tube.
Mount the tube and disk in a suitable metal collar provided A1.1.6 Illumination— Arrange for the light to be transmit-
with a petcock to permit controlled drainage of the tube (Fig. ted through the tubes by means of a reflecting mirror of either
A1.1). Construct the collar in a manner that permits removal of white opal glass or clear glass, with a uniform coating of
the glass disk for cleaning. Graduate the tube with etched 1⁄8 in. untarnished silver on one surface. Fix the mirror at a suitable
(3.2 mm) divisions. Etch each inch-line completely around the angle, and so arrange it that reflected light of equal intensity of
tube, and number them consecutively from the 2 in. (50 mm) radiation will pass through the tubes in parallel rays.
line up. Alternatively, diffused light can be projected directly up
A1.1.1.1 The condition and the color of the glass tubes shall through the tubes from the base of the instrument.
be such that no color difference is observed between the plain A1.1.7 Light Source— For the light source, use an artificial
tube and the oil tube when the tubes are empty, or when the oil daylight lamp so arranged as to project a diffused light up
tube is filled with distilled or deionized water. Comparisons through the tubes. The diffused light shall be free of glare or
shall be made with the tubes positioned in the instrument in the shadows. Interfering light from all other sources shall be
manner described in Section 7. excluded.
A1.1.2 Wax Sample Tube—For testing petroleum waxes, use
A1.2 Color Standards
an oil tube that meets the specifications prescribed in A1.1.1
and that has a 60 W heater evenly distributed over its entire A1.2.1 The whole color standard and the half color standard
length, as shown in Fig. A1.2. Alternative means can be used shall be of such colorimetric characteristics that the trilinear
for keeping the wax in a liquid state and providing a means for coordinates x, y, and z, and the luminous transmission Tw, when
readability of the graduated scale. calculated from the spectral transmission data using the 1931

4
 D156 − 15

FIG. A1.2 Saybolt Chromometer Tube Heater

FIG. A1.3 Adapter

5
 D156 − 15
TABLE A1.1 Characteristics of Color Standards TABLE A1.2 Characteristics of Daylight Filter
Color Limits with: Color Characteristics Limits
Characteristics Whole Color Standard One-half Color Standard Tw 0.107 to 0.160
Tw 0.860 to 0.865 0.888 to 0.891 x 0.314 to 0.330
x 0.342 to 0.350 0.327 to 0.331 y 0.337 to 0.341
y 0.367 to 0.378 0.344 to 0.350 z 0.329 to 0.349
z 0.272 to 0.291 0.319 to 0.330

ICI International Commission on Illumination Standard Illu- A1.3.2 Daylight Filter Glass (Note A1.2), concave-convex
minant C3 and Practice E308 are as shown in Table A1.1. It is in form, and dust-tight, shall fit closely over the opening in the
convenient, but not necessary, to mount the glasses in a turret hemispherical reflector, Fig. A1.1. The glass filter shall be
within the collar mounted on the plain tube. finished on its concave surface by sandblasting and acid-
A1.3 Daylight Lamp smoothing or fortifying. An acceptable daylight filter shall
possess such characteristics that the trilinear coordinates (x, y,
A1.3.1 Lamp—Use a lamp bulb rated at 60 W and conform- and z), and the luminous transmission (Tw), when calculated
ing to the American Association of Lamp Manufacturers’ from the spectral transmission data using the 1931 ICI Stan-
specification 60A. It shall be constructed of clear glass, inside dard Illuminant A3 and Practice E308 are as shown in Table
frost finish, and shall be rated at approximately 13 lm/W and A1.2.
2750 K color temperature. Attach to a standard socket reflector,
hemispherical in form, Fig. A1.1, the interior surface of which NOTE A1.2—A spectrophotometric test of an acceptable filter must
is finished with a brilliant aluminum bronze powder, free from indicate a transmission of radiant energy not less than 60 % at 410 nm,
with a smooth curve down to a transmission below 10 percent at 700 nm.
mica and other adulterants, and applied with a heat-resistant This curve furthermore, must not have the pronounced hump that is
bronzing liquid sprayed uniformly over the surface. This finish characteristic of excess cobalt. The typical cobalt curve has an increased
shall be such as to be free from selective absorption, and have transmission at a wavelength of 570 nm above a straight line drawn
an initial reflectivity above 65 %. between the points 540 nm and 590 nm, and also a transmission band in
the red for wavelengths of 600 nm and greater. This variation in an
acceptable filter shall not, at 570 nm, exceed 0.03 above the straight line
3
Judd, D. B., “The 1931 ICI Standard Observer and Coordinate System for drawn between 540 nm and 590 nm, nor shall the transmission for
Colorimetry,” Journal, Optical Soc. Am., JOSA, Vol 23, No. 10, October 1933, p. wavelength 700 nm exceed the transmission for any shorter wavelength,
359. such as 600 nm, by more than 0.03.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D156 – 12) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved April 1, 2015.)

(1) Added Practice E308 to Referenced Documents. (2) Updated A1.2.1 and A1.3.2.

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