Density is a fundamental physical property that can be used in conjunction with other properties to characterize the quality of crude oils.

The density or relative density of crude oils is used for the conversion of measured volumes to volumes at the standard temperatures of 15°C or 60°F and for the conversion of crude mass measurements into volume units.

The application of the density result obtained from this test method, for fiscal or custody transfer accounting calculations, can require measurements of the water and sediment contents obtained on similar specimens of the crude oil parcel.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density or relative density of crude oils that can be handled in a normal fashion as liquids at test temperatures between 15 and 35°C. This test method applies to crude oils with high vapor pressures provided appropriate precautions are taken to prevent vapor loss during transfer of the sample to the density analyzer.

1.2 This test method was evaluated in round robin testing using crude oils in the 0.75 to 0.95 g/mL range. Lighter crude oil can require special handling to prevent vapor losses. Heavier crudes can require measurements at higher temperatures to eliminate air bubbles in the sample.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. The accepted units of measurement of density are grams per millilitre and kilograms per cubic metre.

1.4 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 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6.