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: E77 − 14 (Reapproved 2021)

Standard Test Method for

Inspection and Verification of Thermometers1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E77; 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 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers visual and dimensional inspec- 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
tion and test for scale accuracy to be used in the verification of E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
liquid-in-glass thermometers as specified in Specifications E1 E344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrom-
and E2251. However, these procedures may be applied to other etry
liquid-in-glass thermometers.2 E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom-
eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
NOTE 1—The use of NIST SP250-232 is recommended.
1.2 Warning—Mercury has been designated by many regu- 3. Terminology
latory agencies as a hazardous substance that can cause serious 3.1 Definitions:
medical issues. Mercury, or its vapor, has been demonstrated to 3.1.1 The definitions given in Terminology E344 apply.

iTeh Standards
be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Use caution Some that are considered essential to this standard are given
when handling mercury and mercury-containing products. See below.
the applicable product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for additional
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
3.1.2 calibration, n—of a thermometer or thermometric
information. The potential exists that selling mercury or system, the set of operations that establish, under specified
mercury-containing products, or both, is prohibited by local or conditions, the relationship between the values of a thermo-
location. Document Preview
national law. Users must determine legality of sales in their metric quantity indicated by a thermometer or thermometric
system and the corresponding values of temperature realized
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the by standards.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2.1 Discussion—(1) The result of a calibration permits
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ASTM E77-14(2021)either the assignment of values of temperature to indicated
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/22f41113-c3f6-4bec-99d9-90ffb67e985e/astm-e77-142021
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- values of thermometric quantity or determination of correc-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. tions with respect to indications. (2) A calibration may also
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- determine other metrological properties such as the effect of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- influence quantities. (3) The result of a calibration may be
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the communicated in a document such as a calibration certificate or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- a calibration report. (4) The term calibration has also been used
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical to refer to the result of the operations, to representations of the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. result, and to the actual relationship between values of the
thermometric quantity and temperature.
3.1.3 complete-immersion thermometer, n—a liquid-in-glass
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E20 on thermometer, not specified in ASTM documents, designed to
Temperature Measurement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E20.05 indicate temperature correctly when the entire thermometer is
on Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers and Hydrometers. exposed to the temperature being measured.
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E77 – 14ε1. DOI:
10.1520/E0077-14R21.
2 3
“Liquid-in-Glass Thermometer Calibration Service,” NIST Special Publication For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
250-23, 1988. Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http:// Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
www.access.gpo.gov. the ASTM website.

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

1
 E77 − 14 (2021)
3.1.4 partial-immersion thermometer, n—a liquid-in-glass resistance is determined by comparison with a standard
thermometer designed to indicate temperature correctly when resistor, using a potentiometer, a Kelvin-type double bridge, or
the bulb and a specified part of the stem are exposed to the a Wheatstone bridge, (preferably of the Mueller type) or an AC
temperature being measured. resistance bridge. Temperatures may then be calculated using
3.1.5 total-immersion thermometer, n—a liquid-in-glass suitable resistance-temperature equations. In order that it shall
thermometer designed to indicate temperature correctly when be satisfactory for such use, the thermometer should meet the
just that portion of the thermometer containing the liquid is requirement that the ratio of resistances at the steam and ice
exposed to the temperature being measured. points shall be greater than 1.3925. More complete information
on the construction and use of primary standard thermometers
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: may be obtained from NIST SP250-22.4
3.2.1 reference point, n—a temperature at which a thermom-
eter is checked for changes in the bulb volume. 5.5 Secondary Standard Thermometers—Secondary stan-
dard thermometers are more suitable for routine work, and may
3.2.2 verification, n—the process of testing a thermometer
be of various types as described below. They are simpler to use
for compliance with specifications.
than a primary standard thermometer with its accessory
3.2.3 verification temperatures, n—the specified tempera- equipment, the latter being capable of an order of precision and
tures at which thermometers are tested for compliance with accuracy far in excess of that attainable with liquid-in-glass
scale error limits. thermometers. The choice of a secondary standard will be
3.2.4 Other descriptions of terms relating to thermometers governed by various factors. The following criteria should, in
are included in Sections 3 and 17 of Specification E1. so far as possible, be satisfied: The standard should be a
calibrated thermometer of equal or preferably higher sensitivity
4. Significance and Use than the thermometer to be verified, and it should be capable of
4.1 The test method described in this standard will ensure giving results of an equal or preferably higher order of
that the thermometers listed in Specifications E1 and E2251 accuracy and also of an equal or preferably higher order of
will indicate temperatures within the maximum scale errors reproducibility or precision. Scale corrections should always
be applied in the use of these standards. Secondary standards
iTeh Standards
listed, be compatible with the apparatus, and serve the purpose
for which they were designed. may be of the following types.
5.5.1 Direct-reading Resistance Thermometers—Direct-
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
4.2 Thermometers that do not pass the visual and dimen-
reading resistance thermometers are available commercially,
sional inspection tests may give erroneously high or low
are very convenient to use, and have the advantage over the
temperature readings, or may not fit into existing equipment
Document Preview
primary type that temperature indications are given directly in
used in ASTM methods. For accurate temperature measure-
the instrument reading. They should be completely recalibrated
ments the scale readings of the thermometer should be verified
every 6 to 12 months, depending upon the temperatures of
as described in this test method.
usage. Ice points should be taken every three months.
5. Apparatus ASTM E77-14(2021) 5.5.2 Liquid-in-glass Thermometers—Liquid-in-glass
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/22f41113-c3f6-4bec-99d9-90ffb67e985e/astm-e77-142021
5.1 Graduated Metal Scales or Templates—Maximum and
thermometers, when used as secondary standards, may be
classified into two groups, those intended for testing general
minimum specified linear dimensions are measured with
purpose total or partial-immersion thermometers, and those for
graduated metal scales and templates on which lines are ruled
testing special use partial-immersion thermometers.
at suitable distances from reference points corresponding to the
5.5.2.1 Total-immersion Thermometers—In the case of gen-
maximum and minimum values of the several specified dimen-
eral purpose total-immersion thermometers, the sensitivity of
sions.
the thermometers to be tested will govern the choice of
5.2 Micrometers and Ring Guages—Specified diameters of standard. For thermometers graduated in 1, 2, or 5° divisions,
ASTM thermometers are checked using micrometers, or more a set of well-made thermometers will be adequate when
conveniently with ring gauges consisting of metal plates in calibrated and used with applicable corrections. For fraction-
which holes have been formed corresponding to the maximum ally graduated thermometers a calibrated set of the following
and minimum values of the several specified dimensions. The thermometers is recommended. Specifications for these ASTM
thickness of such gauges should approximate the diameters of Precision Thermometers appear in Specification E1.
the holes to minimize errors resulting from the axis of the ASTM
thermometer stem being other than normal to the plane of the Ther- Length,
Range Celsius Divisions
gauge. When specified, diameters may also be checked with mometer mm
Number
conventional snap gauges having plane parallel working faces.
5.3 Comparators—Comparators are required for verifica- 62C −38 to +2 °C 0.1 °C 380
63C −8 to +32 °C 0.1 °C 380
tion of scale accuracy of liquid-in-glass thermometers. Suitable 64C 25 to 55 °C 0.1 °C 380
types are described in Appendix X1.
5.4 Primary Standard Thermometer—The primary standard 4
“Platinum Resistance Thermometer Calibrations,” NIST Special Publication
thermometer in the range from −183 to 630 °C (−297 to NIST Special Publication 250-22. Available from U.S. Government Printing Office,
1166 °F) is the platinum-resistance thermometer. Temperatures Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-
are not measured directly with this instrument. Its electrical 0001, http://www.access.gpo.gov.

2
 E77 − 14 (2021)

ASTM process below the freezing point of the liquid, care should be
Ther- Length, exercised to warm the stem sufficiently during the melting
Range Celsius Divisions
mometer mm
Number process so that no solidification occurs in the stem; otherwise
65C 50 to 80 °C 0.1 °C 380 the bulb may burst or the capillary may split internally because
66C 75 to 105 °C 0.1 °C 380
of the expansion forces generated in the bulb.
67C 95 to 155 °C 0.2 °C 380
68C 145 to 205 °C 0.2 °C 380 6.1.1.1 If a mercury separation is observed in the stem,
69C 195 to 305 °C 0.5 °C 380 several different ways are suggested for joining the columns,
70C 295 to 405 °C 0.5 °C 380
depending on the construction of the thermometer and the type
ASTM
Ther- Length, of separation. If a small portion of the liquid has separated at
Range Fahrenheit Divisions
mometer mm the top of the column and the thermometer is provided with an
Number
expansion chamber, the liquid usually can be joined by
62F −36 to +35 °F 0.2 °F 380 carefully and slowly heating the bulb until the separated
63F 18 to 89 °F 0.2 °F 380 portion is driven into the expansion chamber. Never heat the
64F 77 to 131 °F 0.2 °F 380
65F 122 to 176 °F 0.2 °F 380 bulb in an open flame. When the column itself follows into the
66F 167 to 221 °F 0.2 °F 380 chamber, the separated portion usually will join onto the main
67F 203 to 311 °F 0.5 °F 380
68F 293 to 401 °F 0.5 °F 380
column. A slight tapping of the thermometer against the palm
69F 383 to 581 °F 1.0 °F 380 of the hand will facilitate this joining. This method should not
70F 563 to 761 °F 1.0 °F 380 be employed for high-temperature thermometers (above
The foregoing set is calibrated for total immersion. With the 260 °C or 500 °F), because the heating of the bulb, which is
exception of the first two, each thermometer is provided with necessary to drive the liquid into the expansion chamber, may
an auxiliary scale including 0 °C (32 °F), thus providing means overheat the glass and either break the bulb, because of the
for checking at a fixed point, which should be done each time pressure of the gas, or destroy the accuracy of the thermometer
the thermometer is used. The change in ice-point reading by expanding the bulb. Thermometers that have a contraction
should then be applied to all readings. It is only necessary to chamber below the lowest graduation are likely to develop

iTeh Standards
have a liquid-in-glass thermometer completely calibrated one
time. Recalibration is performed as described in 6.3.8.
5.5.2.2 Partial-immersion Thermometers— General pur-
separations either in the chamber or above it. It is frequently
possible to join such separations by cooling the thermometer so

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
that the separated portion as well as the main column both
pose partial-immersion thermometers, as commonly listed in stand in the chamber. Tapping the tube against the hand or the
manufacturers’ catalogs according to their own specifications, bulb on a soft spongy material, such as a rubber stopper,
Document Preview
are normally bought and sold without specification of the
temperatures of the emergent column for the various tempera-
usually will bring the liquid together. For more stubborn
separations it may be necessary to cool the bulb in dry ice to a
ture indications of the thermometers. In such cases, verification point low enough to bring all of the liquid into the bulb itself.
is usually carried out for the emergent column temperatures By softly tapping on a soft spongy material or against the hand
prevailing with the verification equipment beingASTM E77-14(2021)
employed. it usually is possible to bring the liquid together in the bulb.
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/22f41113-c3f6-4bec-99d9-90ffb67e985e/astm-e77-142021
5.5.2.3 Special Use Partial-immersion Thermometers— The bulb should be allowed to warm up slowly. The liquid
Special use partial-immersion thermometers, such as those should emerge into the bore with no separation.
covered in Specification E1, have specified emergent mercury
6.1.1.2 In organic-liquid-filled thermometers distillation
columns or stem temperatures. These thermometers can be
used as standards to calibrate other thermometers similar in all may occur, with subsequent condensation of the colorless
details of construction above the immersion point, but may parent liquid in the upper part of the thermometer. Such
differ below the immersion point to the extent of including an thermometers should always be inspected for these separations,
auxiliary ice point scale. which can be repaired by the procedures described above. If
the thermometer has an expansion chamber that is observed to
5.6 Engraving Date on ASTM Thermometers—If a ther- be filled with liquid, the column can be reunited by very careful
mometer’s specification was changed, the year that it was heating of the chamber to drive the liquid into the bore where
changed is engraved on the back of the thermometer after the it can be rejoined to the main body as described above.
ASTM designation. For example, “12C-98.”
6.1.1.3 Organic liquids as used in thermometers, in contrast
6. Procedure to mercury, wet the glass. Sufficient time should always be
6.1 Visual Inspection: allowed for drainage to occur, particularly when using or
6.1.1 Gas Bubbles and Separations—Gas bubbles are read- verifying such thermometers below 0 °C (32 °F). It is fre-
ily detected and are more likely to occur in shipment than quently a good practice to immerse only the bulb of the
during service. No method has been discovered that will thermometer. This keeps the viscosity of the liquid in the
entirely prevent such displacement of the gas. If bubbles are capillary low and aids in hastening drainage.
observed in the bulb, they can generally be removed by cooling 6.1.2 Globules of Liquid—Globules of liquid in the stem,
the bulb with dry ice or other convenient coolant until all the which result from mechanical separation, can normally be
liquid is drawn into the bulb. Gentle tapping of the thermom- rejoined by heating the bulb until the liquid column merges
eter while held upright will cause the bubbles to rise to the with the globules. If such globules appear to unite and then
surface. It is very important that, if the bulb is cooled in this reappear on cooling the bulb, they are indicative of oxidation

3
 E77 − 14 (2021)
of the mercury or the presence of obstructions in the bore, and are of appreciable width. The best practice is to consider the
should result in rejection of the thermometer. position of the lines as defined by their middle parts.
6.1.3 Foreign Matter—Foreign matter in the bore can some- 6.3.2 Depth of Immersion for Total-immersion
times be detected with the unaided eye, but it is generally Thermometers—Although by definition total-immersion ther-
convenient to use a magnifying glass of low power for this mometers should have the bulb and stem containing the
examination. A magnifier of 10× is recommended for visual mercury immersed both in use and in verification, it is
examination. The most common types of foreign matter which frequently inconvenient to do so. If any portion of the stem
should be cause for rejection are glass chips, particles of dirt or containing mercury is exposed, the emergent mercury column
lint, oxide of mercury (either red, yellow, or black), products of correction should be determined. No correction need be ap-
glass weathering commonly called white deposit, and stones or plied if it is found to be less than one fifth of the verification
iron spots traceable to faulty glass fabrication. error; otherwise, the proper correction should be applied. In
6.1.3.1 Where a specific gas is specified to be used as filling some instances total-immersion thermometers may be used
above the liquid, any other gas present may be treated as under conditions of complete immersion. With thermometers
foreign matter. The most common example is the use of air such as the kinematic-viscosity thermometer 30F, a significant
instead of nitrogen in mercury-in-glass thermometers, which error will be introduced unless the thermometer is verified
may have been introduced by accident or in violation of the under the same conditions as those in use. This is due to the
specifications. The presence of air can readily be detected by effect of increased gas pressure above the column producing a
visual inspection under slight magnification (2× to 5×). The distortion of the bulb.
mercury will oxidize and will show as dull, moist, or will show 6.3.3 Depth of Immersion for Partial-immersion
a red oxide. Thermometers—Thermometers of this type shall be verified by
6.1.4 Glass Faults—Glass faults may be of various types. one of the methods described in 6.3.7.2, 6.3.7.3, and 6.3.7.4
Any stones or striae that distort the bore or its appearance using the appropriate comparators. If the thermometer is of the
should be cause for rejection. Strains in the glass as observed general-purpose type, it should be verified by immersion to the
with a polarized light strain gauge near enlargements in the specified depth and the readings compared with those of the
stem or bore, or at the top of the thermometer, are detrimental. secondary standard.
iTeh Standards
If so, severe fire cracks may later occur. Strains near the bulb
are indicative of incomplete glass stabilization and are particu-
6.3.4 Verification at Ice Point:
6.3.4.1 Select clear pieces of ice or ice made from distilled
°F). (https://standards.iteh.ai)
larly objectionable in thermometers for use above 150 °C (302 or pure water. Discard any cloudy or unsound portions. Rinse
the ice with distilled water and shave or crush into small

Document Preview
6.2 Dimensional Inspection: pieces, avoiding direct contact with the hands or any chemi-
6.2.1 Determine compliance with lineal dimensional speci- cally unclean objects. Fill the Dewar vessel with the crushed
fications by comparison of the thermometer with the appropri- ice and add sufficient distilled, preferably precooled, water to
ate scale or template described in 5.1. In the case of diameter form a slush, but not enough to float the ice. As the ice melts
measurements, the bulb or other portions of theASTM E77-14(2021)
thermometer it will be necessary to drain off some of the water and add more
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/22f41113-c3f6-4bec-99d9-90ffb67e985e/astm-e77-142021
being tested should not enter the smaller of the holes in the ring crushed ice. Insert the thermometer, packing the ice gently
gauge (see 5.2), or fail to enter the larger of the holes. In the about the stem, to a depth approximately one scale division
case of ASTM thermometers, the diameter limits apply over below the 0 °C (32 °F) gradation.
the entire length of the section of the thermometer being tested. 6.3.4.2 After at least 3 min have elapsed, tap the stem gently
6.2.2 Inspect the thermometers for uniformity of graduation and observe the reading. Successive readings taken at least 1
spacing. Normally, the effect of taper in the capillary or min apart should agree within one tenth of a division. It may be
nonlinearity in the expansion characteristics of organic liquids necessary to repack the ice around the thermometer because of
is manifested by a gradual change in the spacing of the melting.
graduations. Discontinuities in the spacing are evidence of 6.3.5 Verification at Steam Point:
faulty graduating. Inspection for uniformity of spacing can 6.3.5.1 If the range of the thermometer is such that the ice
generally be accomplished by eye, but for greater accuracy a point is not included, the steam point at 100 °C (212 °F) can be
pair of dividers may be used to advantage. Adjust the dividers used. For a description of the equipment and techniques best
to extend over 10 or 20 graduations, and successive intervals suited to the purpose, reference may be made to NIST
can be intercompared rapidly. Where marked changes in SP250-23.2
spacing are noted, it is well to include in the verification 6.3.6 Verification of Total-immersion and General Use
several temperatures in that region. Partial-immersion Thermometers at Temperatures Other Than
6.3 Verification of Scale Accuracy: Fixed Points:
6.3.1 Reading Thermometers to Avoid Parallax—The error 6.3.6.1 Determine the ice point of the primary or secondary
due to parallax may be eliminated by taking care that the standard and the thermometer to be tested as described in 6.3.4.
reflection of the scale can be seen in the mercury thread, and by If the secondary standard is of the liquid-in-glass type, it
adjusting the line of sight so that the graduation of the scale should be held at room temperature for at least 72 h before this
nearest the meniscus exactly hides its own image; the line of determination unless the ice point was originally determined
sight will then be normal to the stem at that point. In reading immediately after heating to a specified temperature. The
thermometers, account must be taken of the fact that the lines thermometer to be tested should be treated in similar manner.

4
 E77 − 14 (2021)
6.3.6.2 Insert the thermometer to be tested and the standard turer in order to perform these computations. This method has
in the thermometer holder, and adjust the temperature of the the advantage that the standard may be selected to have greater
comparator to a value approximately 5 °C (10 °F) below the sensitivity than the thermometer being tested, thus increasing
verification temperature. It may be advantageous to use two the accuracy of measurement.
secondary standard liquid-in-glass thermometers, since obser- 6.3.7.3 A second method, which is the one best suited to
vational errors of the standard may then be readily detected. large-quantity testing, involves comparison of the thermom-
Apply sufficient heat to raise the temperature at a slow uniform
eters with standards similar in all details of construction above
rate. At the verification point the rate should not exceed one
the immersion point, but may differ below the immersion point
scale division in 3 to 10 min. Fulfillment of this requirement
will ensure that any exposed portion of the stem will have to the extent of including an auxiliary ice-point scale. Such
attained thermal equilibrium before readings are taken. thermometers, when completely calibrated, as by the National
6.3.6.3 When the proper rate of temperature rise has been Institute of Standards and Technology, may then be employed
established, read the thermometers in the following order at indefinitely for verification purposes if periodic ice-point
equal time intervals: standard, thermometer or thermometers to checks are made. The particular field of application of this
be tested, standard, thermometers to be tested in reverse order, second method is evidenced by the fact that many of the ASTM
standard. The average of the first and third readings of the thermometers include the ice point in the specified range, but
standard should agree with the second. A comparison of the following fractionally graduated thermometers are not
differences in successive readings will also indicate if the rate provided with an ice-point scale:
of rise has been uniform. Paraffin Wax Melting Point: 14C, 14F
6.3.6.4 Calculate the average readings for all thermometers. High Softening Point: 16C, 16F
Apply the appropriate corrections to the reading of the stan- Saybolt Viscosity: 17C, 17F, 18C, 18F, 19C, 19F, 20C, 20F,
dard. Calculate the corrections to be applied to the thermom- 21C, 21F, 22C, 22F, 77F to 81F, 108F, 109F
eters under test. Engler Viscosity: 23C, 24C, 25C
6.3.6.5 For verification purposes, one series of readings is Stability Test of Soluble Nitrocellulose: 26C
usually sufficient. If the thermometer is being calibrated, check Turpentine Distillation: 27C
iTeh Standards
determinations should be made. The results of each of at least
three series should agree with the mean of the series within
Aniline Point: 34C, 34F, 35C, 35F
Solvents Distillation: 38C, 39C, 40C, 41C, 42C, 102C,
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
plus or minus one tenth of a division.
6.3.6.6 Unless otherwise specified, tests should be made not
103C, 104C, 105C, 106C, 107C
Stormer Viscosity: 49C

Document Preview
less than 40 nor more than 100 divisions apart throughout the Gas Calorimeter Inlet: 50F
range of the thermometer. Gas Calorimeter Outlet: 51F
6.3.6.7 Comparisons may be made at constant temperature Congealing Point: 54F
in preference to the use of slowly rising temperatures. Such a Petrolatum Melting Point: 61C, 61F
procedure is satisfactory if the bath temperature ASTM
does not E77-14(2021)
vary Antifreeze Freezing Point: 76F
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/22f41113-c3f6-4bec-99d9-90ffb67e985e/astm-e77-142021
more than the precision of reading and if the thermometer is Solidification Point: 91C to 96C, 100C, 101C
jarred, as by tapping, before taking a reading in order to Tar Acids Distillation: 111C
overcome any sticking of the mercury to the glass. Such Brookfield 122C, 123C, 124C, 125C
tapping is particularly important with thermometers having a
The ice point was omitted from the above listed thermom-
capillary diameter of the order of 0.1 mm or less and may be
eters as a matter of necessity. In order to supply an ice point,
employed to advantage in the rising temperature method of test
as well. Sufficient time should elapse before taking readings to when not included in the range of the thermometer, it is
ensure that all portions of the thermometer have attained necessary to blow an enlargement or contraction chamber
thermal equilibrium. This is particularly important at test below the first graduation to take care of the volume of
temperatures remote from room temperatures. mercury between the ice point and this first graduation. This
6.3.7 Verification of Partial-immersion Thermometers With contraction chamber may introduce an error in the readings
Specified Stem Temperatures: unless it is entirely immersed in or is at the same temperature
6.3.7.1 Partial-immersion thermometers having specified as the medium the temperature of which is to be measured.
stem temperatures, such as those in Specification E1, can be This immersion requirement may be difficult if not impossible
verified in one of three ways. to attain in the apparatus in which the thermometers are used.
6.3.7.2 One method involves comparison of the thermom- Such limitations of space prevented the inclusion of ice points
eters at total immersion with total-immersion standards. The in the above group of thermometers. However, by increasing
number of degrees of scale, which will be in the emergent the lengths of the thermometers, ice-point scales can be
column when in actual use, shall then be measured. From these incorporated in the thermometers to be used as standards. For
data the corrections under the specified emergent column those in the group that are partial immersion, the dimensions
temperatures may then be calculated (7.2). In the case of above the immersion point should be as prescribed in the
organic liquid-filled thermometers such as ASTM Low Cloud specifications for the corresponding ASTM thermometer. For
and Pour, 6 °C and 6 °F, the coefficient of expansion of the the total-immersion thermometers this requirement may be
liquid should be obtained by experiment or from the manufac- waived.

5
 E77 − 14 (2021)
6.3.7.4 A third method uses total-immersion standards, of the effect of this change in volume and provides a means for
measuring stem temperature of the emergent liquid column in the accurate adjustment of the remainder of the scale.5
the partial-immersion thermometer with a Faden thermometer
or small auxiliary thermometers. With this data, stem tempera- 7. Treatment of Data
2
ture adjustments can be made. See NIST SP250-23 for 7.1 From the corrections at the ice point and the other
additional details. verification temperatures, a table of corrections can be pre-
6.3.8 Recalibrate by Checking Changes in Bulb Volume: pared for each thermometer. If the thermometer is to be used
frequently at temperatures other than those of calibration, a
6.3.8.1 The verification procedure described above can be
correction curve will be found more convenient than interpo-
used to obtain corrections for the calibration of thermometers. lation from a table. In such a curve the corrections are plotted
6.3.8.2 Small changes in the volume of the thermometer against the temperature readings.
bulb during use, especially significant for large bulb and
7.2 Where corrections are to be calculated for emergent
relatively short range thermometers graduated in fractional columns, the following equation shall be used:
degrees, may occur, even though the thermometer has been
carefully annealed or aged, and will result in changes in the Emergent stem correction 5 kn ~ T 2 t ! (1)
indications as well as the corrections. Usually the bulb con- where:
tracts slowly, and, as a result, the thermometer will read higher k = differential expansion coefficient of the liquid and the
after it has been placed in service. Less frequently the bulb glass of which the thermometer is made; for Celsius
expands and the thermometer will read lower after use. mercury-in-glass thermometers the value of k is
6.3.8.3 Two procedures are followed for using the ice point 0.00016, for Fahrenheit mercury-in-glass thermometers
to determine the change in bulb volume and to recalibrate a it is 0.00009, for Celsius organic liquid-in-glass ther-
liquid-in-glass thermometer. One method requires that the mometers it is 0.001, and for Fahrenheit organic liquid-
thermometer remain at approximately room temperature for 72 in-glass thermometers it is 0.0006,
h before the ice point is taken. The other method stipulates that n = number of degrees emergent from the bath,
T = temperature of the bath, and
iTeh Standards
the ice point reading be taken immediately or within a
definitely stated short period of time after heating to the test
t = average temperature of the liquid column of n degrees.
7.2.1 The use of more accurate values of k is not justified,
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
temperature. Changes in the corrections of the thermometer
may be observed by determining the changes in the ice point by because of the uncertainty of the true average temperature of
either method. the liquid thread not exposed to the temperature being mea-

Document Preview
6.3.8.4 Record the ice-point reading and compare it with the
previous reading. If the ice-point reading is found to be higher
sured.
7.2.2 For emergent columns of partial-immersion
thermometers, where the column temperature is other than
or lower than the ice-point reading of the previous calibration, specified in Table 2 of Specification E1, calculate the correc-
readings at all other temperatures will be correspondingly ASTM E77-14(2021)tion to the observed reading as follows:
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/22f41113-c3f6-4bec-99d9-90ffb67e985e/astm-e77-142021
increased or decreased. If the method involving the taking of
Emergent stem correction 5 kn ~ t s 2 t o ! (2)
the ice point immediately after heating to a specified tempera-
ture is used, such as with most kinematic viscosity where:
thermometers, a note should appear in the table of corrections k = same as in 7.2,
for the thermometer as follows: n = the number of scale degrees from the immersion mark to
the top of the mercury column. The ungraduated length
NOTE 2—The tabulated corrections apply for the condition of immer- between the immersion mark and the first graduation on
sion indicated, provided the ice-point reading taken after heating to __ for the scale shall be evaluated in terms of scale degrees and
not fewer than 3 min is __. If the ice-point reading (taken in not fewer than
2 min and not more than 1 h after removal of the thermometer from the
be included,
heated bath) is found to be higher (or lower) than stated, all other readings ts = temperature specified in Table 2 of Specification E1, and
will be higher (or lower) to the same extent.
to = observed average temperature of the liquid column of n
6.3.8.5 When the thermometers are first received, make a degrees.
monthly check of the ice point. Later these time intervals may
7.3 The limit of precision to which the corrections at the
be lengthened if the changes are found to be insignificant.
calibration temperatures shall be recorded, to which correction
6.3.8.6 High-quality liquid-in-glass thermometers require tables or charts shall be made, or to which any temperature
only one complete calibration in their lifetime, and it is measured by the thermometer shall be reported, is a measure of
possible to avoid the usual requirement for complete recalibra- the sensitivity of the thermometer and is generally described by
tion of the instrument by the recalibration of a single previ- the phrase, corrections stated to.
ously calibrated temperature. The need for recalibration of
properly manufactured liquid-in-lass thermometers is due to
5
the gradual relaxation of residual mechanical strains in the Wise, Jacquelyn, “A Procedure for the Effective Recalibration of Liquid-in-
Glass Thermometers,” NIST Special Publication 819, 1991. Available from U.S.
glass that have a significant effect on the volume of the bulb. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW,
The recalibration of a single point provides a reliable indication Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://www.access.gpo.gov.

6
 E77 − 14 (2021)
7.4 The limit of reliability of any temperature measurement 8.2.4 Thermometers are graduated in intervals of 0.01°,
made with a calibrated thermometer after all corrections, 0.02°, 0.05°, 0.1°, 0.2°, 0.5°, 1.0°, 2.0°, and 5.0°. The ability to
determined as carefully as possible, have been applied is read these thermometers will have an influence on the precision
termed the uncertainty in degree of the thermometer. of the measurements. If the thermometers are read with a
telescope, thermometers graduated in intervals of 0.01° or
7.5 For compliance with specifications, the errors in the
0.02° can be read to the nearest 0.001°; in 0.05° or 0.1° to the
temperature indications of ASTM thermometers being verified
nearest 0.005°; in 0.2° to the nearest 0.01°; in 0.5° or 1.0° to
shall not exceed the scale errors as expressed in Table 1 of
the nearest 0.05°; in 2.0° to the nearest 0.1°; and in 5.0° to the
Specification E1. Unless otherwise expressed, it is understood
nearest 0.5°.
that such thermometers are to be used without application of
8.2.5 Each laboratory can determine the precision of the
corrections.
verification of scale accuracy or the calibration of liquid-in-
glass thermometers using the above information as a guideline.
8. Precision and Bias
A statistical analysis of data collected on the various types of
8.1 No statement is made about either precision or bias of thermometers verified could be used to obtain a value for the
Test Method E77 for visual and dimensional inspection since random error.
the results merely state whether there is conformance to the 8.3 Bias
criteria for success or failure specified in the procedure. 8.3.1 Like precision, it is very difficult to determine a bias
8.2 Precision of Verification of Scale Accuracy statement for the verification of the scale accuracy because of
8.2.1 It is not practicable to specify the precision of the the systematic error from the choice of standard used and the
verification of the scale accuracy because of the wide variety of gradients in the comparators in each laboratory.
thermometers listed in Specification E1. Of the 129 different 8.3.2 If a standard platinum resistance thermometer is used
kinds of liquid-in-glass thermometers, they are all either for as the standard, it can be capable of reproducing temperatures
use at total immersion or partial immersion. to approximately 0.001 to 0.003 °C. If total-immersion liquid-
8.2.2 The verification of total-immersion thermometers will in-glass thermometers, such as the ASTM set of 62 °C (62 °F)
through 70 °C (70 °F), are used as standards, the uncertainty at
iTeh Standards
produce more repeatable results because the temperature of the
stem containing the mercury is at the same temperature as the
bulb, when the thermometer is immersed correctly. The tem-
the calibration points will range from 0.03 °C (0.05 °F) to
0.5 °C (1.0 °F). The uncertainty of partial-immersion ther-
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
perature of the emergent stem of partial-immersion thermom-
eters can vary depending on the temperature of the environ-
mometers will range from approximately 0.3 °C (0.5 °F) to
2.0 °C (3.0 °F). This uncertainty will be less if special use

Document Preview
ment and this will affect the repeatability of the data obtained. partial-immersion thermometers are used as standards where
The method used for measuring the temperature of the emer- the readings are adjusted for a specified stem temperature. In
gent mercury column, when stem-temperature measurements all cases the average of two standard liquid-in-glass thermom-
are made, has an effect on the repeatability of the data. eters will give a more accurate value of the temperature of the
Generally, total-immersion thermometers have an ASTM E77-14(2021)
uncertainty medium of the comparator.
ofhttps://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/22f41113-c3f6-4bec-99d9-90ffb67e985e/astm-e77-142021
approximately ten times better than partial-immersion ther- 8.3.3 The error due to gradients in the comparators must be
mometers. determined in each laboratory. These gradient errors will
8.2.3 Most thermometers contain mercury as the actuating usually increase where comparisons are made in comparators
liquid. Some thermometers, especially those for use at tem- at higher temperatures.
peratures below −56 °C (−69 °F), use an organic liquid. Unlike 8.3.4 The precision and bias for the verification of scale
mercury, the organic liquid will wet the wall of the capillary. accuracy must be calculated for each laboratory. An example of
Adequate time must be given for complete drainage to occur. how this can be done is shown in NIST SP250-23.2
This can take up to 1 h and can have an influence on the
precision of the measurement. Thermometers containing or- 9. Keywords
ganic fluids are less accurate than those containing mercury or 9.1 calibration; liquid-in-glass thermometers; mercury sepa-
mercury thallium. ration; organic liquids; verification