A knowledge of the water content of crude oil is important in the refining, purchase, sale, or transfer of crude oils.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of water in the range from 0.02 to 5 mass or volume % in crude oils. Mercaptan (RSH) and sulfide (S⁻ or H₂S) as sulfur are known to interfere with this test method, but at levels of less than 500 μg/g (ppm), the interference from these compounds is insignificant (see Section 5).

1.2 This test method can be used to determine water in the 0.005 to 0.02 mass % range, but the effects of the mercaptan and sulfide interference at these levels has not been determined.

1.3 This test method is intended for use with standard commercially available coulometric Karl Fischer reagent.

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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.