5.1 Density is a fundamental physical property which can be used in conjunction with other properties to characterize pure hydrocarbons and their mixtures.

5.2 This test method was originally developed for the determination of the density of the ASTM Knock Test Reference Fuels n-heptane and isooctane, with an accuracy of 0.00003 g/mL. Although it is no longer employed extensively for this purpose, this test method is useful whenever accurate densities of pure hydrocarbons or petroleum fractions with boiling points between 90 °C and 110 °C are required.

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the density of pure hydrocarbons or petroleum distillates boiling between 90 °C and 110 °C that can be handled in a normal fashion as a liquid at the specified test temperatures of 20 °C and 25 °C.

1.2 This test method provides a calculation procedure for the conversion of density to relative density (specific gravity).

1.3 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website—http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm—for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products in your state or country may be prohibited by law.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warning statements are given in Section 7.