Designation: E 126 05a

Standard Test Method for

Inspection, Calibration, and Verication of ASTM Hydrometers1

This standard is issued under the xed designation E 126; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval. This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 1.1 This test method describes the principles, apparatus, and procedures for the inspection, calibration, and verication of ASTM glass hydrometers. This test method is applicable to ASTM hydrometers and may be used for other general hydrometers of the constant-mass, variable-displacement type.
NOTE 1 User must determine the applicability of this method for hydrometers other than ASTM hydrometers. Method studies were completed for ASTM hydrometers only and the precision and bias statements were developed using ASTM hydrometers only. References to other types of hydrometers are for user information only.

D 1657 Test Method for Density or Relative Density of Light Hydrocarbons by Pressure Hydrometer E 1 Specication for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers E 77 Test Method for Inspection and Verication of Thermometers E 100 Specication for ASTM Hydrometers E 344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrometry E 2251 Specication for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids 3. Terminology 3.1 Denitions: 3.1.1 The denitions given in Terminology E 344 apply. 3.2 Denitions of Terms Specic to This Standard: 3.2.1 API gravity, na relative index of density for petroleum products developed by the American Petroleum Institute. API gravity is dened as:
API Gravity, deg 5 [141.5/~rel. density 60/60 F!# 2 131.5 (1)

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. The metric equivalents of inch-pound units may be approximate. 1.3 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. 2. Referenced Documents 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 D 1265 Practice for Sampling Liqueed Petroleum (LP) GasesManual Method D 1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specic Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method

Values of API gravity are typically expressed in degrees API, that is, 39.60 API.

1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E20 on Temperature Measurement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E20.05 on Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers and Hydrometers. Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2005. Published December 2005. Originally approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as E 126 05. 2 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

3.2.2 comparator, n in this test method, a device to contain liquid, in which the readings of the test hydrometer may be evaluated against the values observed on the reference standard. Examples of suitable comparators are given in the Appendix. 3.2.3 density, nmass of a unit volume of material. 3.2.3.1 DiscussionUnits of density in hydrometers include kg/l (kilograms per liter), kg/m3(kilograms per cubic meter), and g/l (grams per liter); each typically expressed as mass per volume at a specied temperature, that is, kg/m3 at 15 C. As of this writing, only the kg/m3 at 15 C scale is offered in ASTM hydrometers (see Specication E 100). 3.2.4 relative density (formerly specic gravity), nratio of the mass of a given volume of material at a stated temperature to the mass of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at the same or different temperature. Both reference temperatures shall be explicitly stated.

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

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3.2.4.1 DiscussionCommon reference temperatures include 60 F/60 F, 20 C/20 C, 20 C/4 C. The historic term, specic gravity, may still be found. 3.2.5 specic gravity, n obsolete term, replaced by relative density. 3.2.6 thermo-hydrometer, nglass hydrometer having a thermometer combined with a hydrometer in one instrument. 3.2.7 verication, nconrmation, by examination of evidence, that the instrument fullls specied requirements. 3.2.7.1 DiscussionIn this test method, the requirements for the maximum scale error and dimensions for the hydrometers given in Specication E 100 apply. 3.2.8 Other descriptions of terms relating to thermometers are included in Test Method E 77. 4. Signicance and Use 4.1 The purpose of this test method is to establish a common method by which manufacturers and users of ASTM hydrometers inspect, verify, or calibrate their hydrometers. 4.2 The goal is to provide a standard method that is simple, easily understood, and will produce reliable results. 5. Apparatus 5.1 Graduated Metal Scales, of the conventional type, for checking linear dimensions. If more convenient, metal templates may be used on which lines are ruled at suitable distances from reference points corresponding to the maximum and minimum values of the specied dimensions. 5.2 Micrometers, of the conventional type, for checking diameters. 5.3 Comparators, for the calibration and verication of hydrometers. Suitable types are described in the Appendix. 5.4 Equipment, for checking the thermometer portion of thermo-hydrometers is described in Test Method E 77. 5.5 Thermometer(s), for use in pressure hydrometer cylinder comparator, ASTM 12C (-20/102 C, 0.2 divisions) or ASTM 12F (-5/215 F, 0.5 divisions) found in ASTM E1 or ASTM S12C (-20/102 C, 0.2 divisions) or ASTM S12F (-5/215 F, 0.5 divisions) found in Specication E 2251. 6. Reference Standards 6.1 Standard HydrometersStandard hydrometers shall have similar dimensions and shape to the instruments to be tested, and shall have the same or smaller graduation interval.
NOTE 2The relative density (specic gravity) of liquids used in testing hydrometers may be obtained by hydrostatic weighing instead of by the use of reference standards as described above. Details of the hydrostatic weighing apparatus can be found in the Dictionary of Applied Physics3 or Density of Solids and Liquids.4

statement of measurement uncertainty. It is desirable that the corrections be stated to one-tenth of a scale division. 6.3 Standards shall be visually inspected every six months or prior to use, whichever is longer. 6.3.1 Visual inspection shall include, but is not limited to, looking for evidence of scratches, etching, scale slippage, deposits on the glass, and discoloration. Evidence of any of the effects warrants re-calibration. 6.3.2 Experience has shown that hydrometers may show drift with continued use. A procedure shall be in place to demonstrate continued validity of the calibration results for the standard hydrometer. Such a procedure may include: periodic re-calibration of the standard hydrometers; measurements of hydrometers retained by the testing laboratory for use as check standards; or checks of one standard hydrometer against another. 7. Procedure 7.1 Visual Inspection: 7.1.1 Inspect the hydrometer carefully to be certain there are no cracks, ssures, deep scratches, rough areas, or other obvious damage to the glass. Reject the hydrometer if any of these defects are present. 7.1.2 Inspect the hydrometer carefully for loose pieces of ballast or other foreign material within the instrument. If present, reject the instrument. 7.1.3 Inspect the paper scale within the hydrometer stem. The paper scale shall be straight and without twist. 7.1.4 Inspect for the presence of a scale slippage indicator. Typically, this is a thin strand of red glass, fused to the inside top of the stem, and terminating at the rst major graduation of the hydrometer scale; however, other schemes are permitted, such as etching a line on the glass corresponding to a reference line printed on the scale. If a permitted scale slippage indicator is damaged, incorrectly positioned, or not present, reject the instrument. See Specication E 100 for more details. 7.2 Dimensional Inspection: 7.2.1 Check the linear dimensions and diameters for compliance with Specication E 100 requirements by comparing the hydrometer with the appropriate device described in 5.1 and 5.2. 7.2.2 Inspect the hydrometers for correctness of graduation spacing. API and Baum hydrometers are graduated with equal spacing. The interval between graduations of density and relative density (specic gravity) hydrometers is smaller near the bottom of the scale. The proper spacing shall be obtained from the following formula:
l 5 L 3 d2/d 3 ~d 2 d1!/~d2 2 d1! (2)

6.2 Standards shall be calibrated by either a national metrology body (such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology) or other laboratory competent to test instruments of such precision. The calibration report shall provide traceability to a national metrology body and shall contain a

Dictionary of Applied Physics, MacMillan and Co., London, Vol 3, p. 439. Density of Solids and Liquids, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Circular No. 487.
4

where: l = distance from the top line to any line, d, between the top and the bottom, L = distance between the top and the bottom graduations of the scale, d2 = density value, or relative density (specic gravity), of the bottom line, and d1 = density value, or relative density (specic gravity), of the top line.
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7.2.3 Check the scale of hydrometers graduated to read percent of alcohol by weight or by volume by comparison with the values for master scales given in the Standard Density and Volumetric Tables.5 7.3 General Considerations: 7.3.1 In order that readings shall be uniform and reproducible, the hydrometer must be clean, dry, and at the temperature of the liquid before immersing to take a reading. It is particularly important that the stem be clean so that the liquid will rise uniformly around the stem and merge into an imperceptible lm on the stem. 7.3.2 CleanlinessThe readiness with which proper cleanliness can be obtained depends somewhat on the character of the liquid. Certain liquids, such as mineral oils and strong alcoholic mixtures, adhere to the stem very readily. In such cases, wiping with a lint-free cloth moistened with acetone or alcohol and drying immediately before each reading is usually sufficient. On the other hand, with weak aqueous solutions of sugar, salts, acids, and alcohol, scrupulous cleaning of the stem is required. For such liquids, two methods for preparing instruments for testing are in common use. In one method, hydrometers are dipped in a mixture of one part concentrated sulfuric acid and two parts fuming sulfuric acid, thoroughly rinsed with water, and dried by wiping with a clean cloth. In the other method, hydrometers are washed with soap and water, dried, and wiped with a cloth moistened with alcohol to remove any residual soap lm. The stems can usually be kept clean during the testing by wiping with a lint-free cloth moistened with alcohol (preferably absolute) and drying before each reading. (WarningEXTREME CAUTIONThe cleaning process using concentrated sulfuric acid and fuming sulfuric acid is extremely hazardous. This process should only be carried out in a laboratory setting with appropriate equipment and trained personnel. Hydrometer must be dry before being inserted in the acids. The steam created by a wet hydrometer may splash acids on the operator.) 7.3.3 Inuence of TemperatureFor a hydrometer to indicate the density or strength of a specied liquid correctly, it is essential that the liquid be uniform throughout and at the temperature specied on the instrument. However, in comparing two hydrometers having the same standard temperature and made of the same type of glass, the temperature of the liquid need not be considered since the correction required due to variation from the standard temperature is the same for both instruments. But the temperatures of the liquid, the hydrometers, and the surrounding atmosphere should be nearly equal during the comparison; otherwise, the temperature of the liquid will be changing, causing differences in density. The operator shall allow enough time to achieve this equilibrium. To ensure homogeneity and uniformity in the liquid, thorough mixing is required immediately before making observations.
NOTE 3Thermometers described in 5.5, or thermometers with equivalent maximum permissible errors, may be used, if desired.

stem to form a meniscus. This liquid adhering to the stem above the general level of the liquid in which the instrument is oating has the same effect as adding to the mass of the hydrometer, thus increasing the depth of immersion. 7.3.4.1 Because a hydrometer will indicate differently in two liquids having the same density but different surface tensions, and since surface tension is a specic property of liquids, it is necessary to specify the liquid for which a hydrometer is intended. Although hydrometers of equivalent dimensions may be compared, without error, in a liquid differing in surface tension from the specied liquid, the results of comparisons of dissimilar instruments in such a liquid shall be corrected for the effect of the surface tension. 7.3.4.2 In many liquids spontaneous changes in surface tension occur due to the formation of surface lms of impurities, which may come from the apparatus, the liquid, or the air. Errors from this cause may be avoided by the use of liquids not subject to such changes. However, if the liquid used is different in surface tension from the specied liquid, a correction is required when dissimilar instruments are compared, as mentioned above. A second method of avoiding these errors is to purify the surface of the test liquid by causing an overow of the liquid before making an observation. 7.3.4.3 The necessity for such special manipulation is conned to the reading of hydrometers in liquids that are subject to surface contamination, such as aqueous solutions or mixtures of acids, alkalies, salts, sugar, and weak alcoholic mixtures. Oils, alcoholic mixtures of strength above 40% by volume, and other liquids of relatively low surface tension are not, in general, liable to surface contamination sufficient to cause appreciable changes in hydrometer readings.
NOTE 4For further discussion of surface tension and of meniscus corrections, see Test Method D 1298.

7.3.4 Inuence of Surface TensionWhen a hydrometer is oated in a liquid, a small quantity of the liquid rises about the
5 Standard Density and Volumetric Tables, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Circular, No. 19.

7.3.5 Test LiquidsHydrometers shall be calibrated in liquids similar in density and surface tension to the liquids in which the hydrometer is designed to be used. The liquids in Table 1 are suggested as suitable, although any liquid of proper density and surface tension may be substituted. Intermediate densities may be obtained by mixing. 7.3.6 VentilationAdequate ventilation (fume hood) is desirable with some of the liquids used in calibration. However, care must be taken that the ventilating method does not cause strong air currents or drafts, since such movement of air might inuence the calibration. 7.4 Performing a Comparison: 7.4.1 Hydrometers for Liquids Having Low Vapor Pressure and All Surface Tensions: 7.4.1.1 Prepare a worksheet for the testing, permitting appropriate spaces for the values to be tested, the corrected readings of the standard hydrometer, the observed readings of the hydrometer to be tested, and all other pertinent details of the test. 7.4.1.2 Use of the comparators described in X1.1 may be appropriate. The cylinder shall have sufficient depth so that the hydrometers oat freely at least 25 mm (1 in.) above the inside bottom. The diameter shall be large enough so that there will be at least 12.5 mm (12 in.) between the inner wall and any hydrometer immersed in the jar.
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TABLE 1 Liquids Having Suitable Surface Tensions for Comparison Tests
Relative Density, 60/60 F Liquid

NOTE 7If the comparator is large enough, the standard hydrometer and the hydrometer being calibrated may be placed in the comparator at the same time, and readings made on both instruments.

Hydrometers for Light Liquids Other than Alcohol 0.5077 0.5844 0.5967 0.6247 0.625 0.6310 0.6540 0.6962 0.7504 0.657 to 1.100 pure grade propaneA pure grade n-butaneA dimethylpropane isopentane petroleum ether n-pentane 2,2-dimethylbutane isooctane cyclopentane mineral spirits, with a relative density of approximately 0.775 (the relative density of mineral spirits can be lessened with the addition of petroleum ether or increased by the addition of a tetrabromoethane) 3-methylsulfolane safrole Hydrometers for Alcohol 0.750 to 1.000 ethanol and water Hydrometers for Heavy Liquids 1.000 to 1.830 1.830 to 2.000 sulfuric acid - water mixtures Thoulet solutions (prepared by adding potassium iodide and mercuric iodide to water) Very heavy solutions alcohol and tetrabromoethane 1.8000 to 2.000 and above
A Because there are at present no standardized hydrometers available in the 0.500 to 0.600 relative density range, pure grade propane and n-butane may be used as standardizing liquids.6 Orders should carry the notation For ASTM Hydrometer Standardshow relative density on label. The relative density value given on the label will be based on a spectrographic, freezing point, or chromatographic analysis of the material and will be accurate to 60.0002. In the use of these materials care should be exercised to observe the safety precaution given in Practice D 1265.

1.070 1.100

7.4.1.6 Repeat the comparison until three successive readings of the hydrometer being calibrated agree within one-fth of one scale division. 7.4.1.7 Method of ReadingObserve a point slightly below the plane of the liquid surface and then raise the line of vision until this surface, seen as an ellipse, becomes a straight line. The point where this line cuts the hydrometer scale is the reading of the instrument. Holding a white card behind the comparator just below the liquid level will improve the visibility of the surface. Estimate to one-tenth scale division. Record the reading as described above. 7.4.1.8 Repeat the procedure outlined in 7.4.1.4-7.4.1.6 for each hydrometer tested. Each hydrometer shall be tested at a minimum of three test points, spaced approximately equally across its range, normally high, low and mid scale, with test liquids of appropriate densities. For example, a hydrometer with a range of 9 to 21 API shall be tested at (approximately) 10, 15 and 20 API.
NOTE 8Certain ASTM hydrometers, notably ASTM 10H and 60H (89/101 API) and 101H and 310H (0.600 to 0.650 relative density and 500 to 650 kg/m3, respectively) have ranges which cannot be fully tested due to uid limitations. In these cases, the hydrometers may be tested at two test points. NOTE 9Provided the immediate environment is stable, two or even three hydrometers can be read before a second reading of the standard hydrometer has to be made. In practice, may be practical to test a number of hydrometers at one test point at a time before proceeding with the next.

7.4.1.3 Clean the reference hydrometer, the hydrometer(s) to be tested, and the comparator thoroughly prior to beginning the comparison. A nal rinse or wipe with the same uid being used to perform the comparison is recommended. 7.4.1.4 Introduce enough of the appropriate test liquid into the comparator so the hydrometer will oat as described in 7.4.1.2. Pour the liquid down the side of the comparator to avoid the formation of air bubbles. The liquid shall have a density within three scale divisions of the nominal density being measured.
NOTE 5With a liquid mixture, the material with a smaller surface tension will tend to concentrate at the surface. NOTE 6This method has not been evaluated for non-ASTM hydrometers or when the standard hydrometer and test hydrometer are dissimilar. In these cases, it may be benecial to have a liquid with density within one-half to one scale division of the nominal density being measured.

7.4.1.9 When all comparisons have been made as explained above, conduct an examination of the data and determine corrections at each test point and for each hydrometer tested. Corrections are determined by subtracting the reading of the tested hydrometer from the corrected reading of the standard. Average the three corrections obtained at each test point, expressing the correction to the nearest one-tenth of one scale division. For example, in the testing at 10 API of test hydrometer s/n 12345, the following values were realized:
Corrected Reading of Standard 10.08 10.10 10.11 Reading of Test Hydrometer 10.12 10.15 10.16 Correction for Test Hydrometer -0.04 -0.05 -0.05

7.4.1.5 Stir the liquid, avoiding the formation of air bubbles, and then introduce a standard hydrometer into the jar. Slowly immerse the standard hydrometer to slightly beyond the test point and allow to oat freely. Read the standard hydrometer as directed in 7.4.1.7. Apply the correction (if any) from its calibration report and record the corrected value on the worksheet. Remove the standard hydrometer and slowly immerse the hydrometer to be tested to slightly beyond the test point, allow it to oat freely, and read it and record the observed value.
4

The reported correction for this test hydrometer at 10.00 API would be -0.05 API. Repeat this evaluation of data for each test point. These corrections are data that can be presented in a report of calibration. From examining the compiled corrections, a decision can be reached as to whether or not a particular hydrometer complies with the permitted scale error (see Specication E 100) appropriate for its specication. If the instrument is determined to comply with that requirement, it may be stated that the test hydrometer has been veried to be in compliance with the maximum scale error requirements of Specication E 100.
NOTE 10 The validity of this method of comparison calibration for non-ASTM hydrometers and thermo-hydrometers has not been evaluated. The user must determine the suitability of this method when calibrating or

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verifying non-ASTM instruments. NOTE 11 Although a laboratory should give an uncertainty statement on the calibration report, however named, this method does not presume to undertake consideration of calibration uncertainties or required test/ accuracy ratios. The user should evaluate these subjects with due consideration to metrological requirements.

7.4.2 Hydrometers for Liquids Having High Vapor Pressure (WarningThis is an extremely hazardous procedure that should only be carried out in a laboratory setting with appropriate equipment, trained personnel, and facilities for dealing with the highly ammable and potentially explosive vapors that are generated during this procedure.): 7.4.2.1 A suggested comparator is described in X1.2. 7.4.2.2 Insert the test hydrometer and the thermometer in the comparator and attach the cover plate. Connect the source of supply of propane or normal butane to the inlet valve and ascertain that the connections are free from leaks. Open the outlet valve and purge the connections by opening the inlet valve slightly. 7.4.2.3 When the connections have been purged, close the outlet and vent valves and open the inlet valve, permitting the liquid to enter the comparator, until it is completely full. If necessary, the vent valve may be opened slightly to permit complete lling, after which it should be closed. 7.4.2.4 When the comparator has been lled, close the inlet valve and open the outlet valve, permitting the liquid to be withdrawn completely and the pressure inside the comparator to be reduced to that of the ambient atmosphere. 7.4.2.5 Close the outlet valve and open the inlet valve, lling the comparator to a level at which the enclosed hydrometer oats freely. If the vapor pressure is too high to permit adequate lling, cool the comparator (see 7.4.2.6). This is most readily accomplished by repetition of the purging operation. When the comparator is adequately lled, close the inlet valve and examine the apparatus for leaks. If any are

detected, withdraw the liquid, correct the leaky condition and repeat the purging and lling operations. 7.4.2.6 Disconnect the comparator from the source of supply of test liquid and place it in a water bath maintained at 15.6 6 0.3 C (60.0 6 0.5 F) until thermal equilibrium has been obtained. To accelerate thermal adjustment, occasionally remove the comparator from the water bath, tilt to a horizontal position, rock gently a few times to ensure mixing, and replace in the water bath. Exercise care to prevent damage to the hydrometer. 7.4.2.7 Remove the comparator from the water bath and make the hydrometer readings as quickly as possible, following the procedure outlined in 7.4.1.7 while the hydrometer is oating freely. 7.4.2.8 Withdraw the liquid and repeat the testing with a second test liquid sample. The two observations should be considered suspect if they differ by more than 0.0005 relative density (specic gravity). The two readings should be averaged in calculating the correction. Take the relative density (specic-gravity) value furnished by the producer of the test liquid being used as the true value for purposes of correction calculation. 8. Precision and Bias 8.1 Using this test method, an operator can expect duplicate tests of a given hydrometer to yield readings which agree within 0.5 % of full scale. 8.2 End user should consult manufacturer if test results differ from manufacturers results by more than 0.5 % of full scale. 8.3 No bias has been determined for this test method. 9. Keywords 9.1 calibration; comparators; hydrometers; reference standards; relative density; specic gravity; surface tension; verication

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APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information) X1. APPARATUS

X1.1 Comparatorequipped with stirrers is suitable for calibrating and verifying hydrometers designed for use in liquids of all surface tensions. Any clear-glass jar can be used (see Fig. X1.1), provided it has sufficient depth that the hydrometers can oat freely at least 25 mm (1 in.) above the inside bottom. The diameter shall be large enough so that there will be at least 12.5 mm (12 in.) between the inner wall and any hydrometer immersed in the jar, and also at least 12.5 mm (12 in.) between hydrometers, if the standard and the hydrometer to be tested are immersed at the same time.

X1.1.1 Stirrershall consist of an annular ring of glass or metal with a handle of sufficient length so that it can be conveniently moved up and down when stirring the liquid. X1.2 Comparatorsuitable for calibrating and verifying hydrometers in liquids of high vapor pressure is shown in Fig. X1.2. The comparator shall be designed and constructed to safely withstand a working pressure of 1.40 MPa (200 psig).

FIG. X1.1 Typical Comparator Jar for Hydrometers (without stirrer, thermometer, or hydrometer in place)

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FIG. X1.2 Pressure Hydrometer Cylinder Comparator

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