Designation: D156 – 07a

Standard Test Method for

Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer
Method)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D156; 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 Department of Defense.

1. Scope* Waxes, Including Petrolatum

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the color of D1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products
refined oils such as undyed motor and aviation gasoline, jet (ASTM Color Scale)
propulsion fuels, naphthas and kerosine, and, in addition, D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
petroleum waxes and pharmaceutical white oils. Petroleum Products
NOTE 1—For determining the color of petroleum products darker than 3. Terminology
Saybolt Color − 16, see Test Method D1500.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 This test method reports results specific to this test 3.1.1 clear-and-bright, n—condition in which the sample is
method and recorded as, “Saybolt Color units.” free of haze or cloudiness. (Also termed clean-and-bright.)
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units or in SI units and 3.1.2 free water, n—water in excess of that soluble in the
which are not in parentheses are to be regarded as the standard. sample and appearing in the sample as a haze or cloudiness, as
The values given in parentheses are for information only. droplets, or as a separated phase or layer.
NOTE 2—Oil tubes and apparatus used in this test method have 3.1.3 particulates, n—small solid or semisolid particles,
traditionally been marked in inches, (the tube is required to be etched with sometimes referred to as silt or sediment, that can be suspended
1⁄8 in. divisions.) The Saybolt Color Numbers are aligned with inch, 1⁄2 in., in the sample or can settle to the bottom.
1⁄4 in., and 1⁄8 in. changes in the depth of oil. These fractional inch changes
3.1.4 turbidity, n—reduction of transparency of a sample
do not readily correspond to SI equivalents and in view of the prepon- due to the presence of particulate matter or water haze, or both.
derance of apparatus already in use and marked in inches, the inch/pound 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
unit is regarded as the standard. However the test method does use SI units
3.2.1 Saybolt color, n—an empirical definition of the color
of length when the length is not directly related to divisions on the oil tube
and Saybolt Color Numbers. The test method uses SI units for tempera- of a clear petroleum liquid based on a scale of −16 (darkest)
ture. to +30 (lightest).
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The number is derived by finding the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
height of a column of the sample that, when viewed through
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the length of the column, visually matches the appropriate one
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of three glass standards and referring to Table 1 of Test Method
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
D156.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Summary of Test Method
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 The height of a column of sample is decreased by levels
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
corresponding to color numbers until the color of the sample is
D938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum
unmistakably lighter than that of the standard. The color
number above this level is reported, regardless of whether the
sample was darker, questionable, or a match at the higher level.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 5. Significance and Use
D02.05 on Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2007. Published January 2008. Originally 5.1 Determination of the color of petroleum products is used
approved in 1923. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D156–07. DOI: mainly for manufacturing control purposes and is an important
10.1520/D0156-07A.
2
quality characteristic since color is readily observed by the user
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
of the product. In some cases the color may serve as an
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on indication of the degree of refinement of the material. When the
the ASTM website. color range of a particular product is known, a variation outside

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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 D156 – 07a
TABLE 1 Saybolt Colors Corresponding to Depths of Oil
Number of Color Number of Color Depth of Oil,
Depth of Oil, in. (mm) Color Number Color Number
Standards Standards in. (mm)
One-half 20.00 (508) +30 Two 6.00 (152) +6
One-half 18.00 (457) +29 Two 5.75 (146) +5
One-half 16.00 (406) +28 Two 5.50 (139) +4
One-half 14.00 (355) +27 Two 5.25 (133) +3
One-half 12.00 (304) +26 Two 5.00 (127) +2
One 20.00 (508) +25 Two 4.75 (120) +1
One 18.00 (457) +24 Two 4.50 (114) 0
One 16.00 (406) +23 Two 4.25 (107) −1
One 14.00 (355) +22 Two 4.00 (101) −2
One 12.00 (304) +21 Two 3.75 (95) −3
One 10.75 (273) +20 Two 3.625 (92) −4
One 9.50 (241) +19 Two 3.50 (88) −5
One 8.25 (209) +18 Two 3.375 (85) −6
One 7.25 (184) +17 Two 3.25 (82) −7
One 6.25 (158) +16 Two 3.125 (79) −8
Two 10.50 (266) +15 Two 3.00 (76) −9
Two 9.75 (247) +14 Two 2.875 (73) −10
Two 9.00 (228) +13 Two 2.75 (69) −11
Two 8.25 (209) +12 Two 2.625 (66) −12
Two 7.75 (196) +11 Two 2.50 (63) −13
Two 7.25 (184) +10 Two 2.375 (60) −14
Two 6.75 (171) +9 Two 2.25 (57) −15
Two 6.50 (165) +8 Two 2.125 (53) −16
Two 6.25 (158) +7

the established range can indicate possible contamination with judged satisfactory for use. The optical properties of glass,
another product. However, color is not always a reliable guide from different batches, can vary significantly and it is recom-
to product quality and should not be used indiscriminately in mended that only matched tubes, such as described in the
product specifications. Appendix, be used in this test. When a tube is broken, replace
both tubes with a matched pair of tubes.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The Saybolt chromometer consisting of sample and 8. Sampling
standard tubes, optical system, light source, and color stan-
dards, is described in detail in Annex A1 and illustrated in Fig. 8.1 Samples shall be taken in accordance with the instruc-
A1.1. tions in Practice D4057.

7. Standardization of Apparatus 9. Preparation of Test Specimen

7.1 Remove the glass disk from the bottom of the oil tube. 9.1 Samples (Excluding Waxes)—If the sample is contained
Clean the disk, oil tube, and plain tube. When deposits are not in a clear, transparent container, such as glass bottle, visually
removable by wiping or solvent rinsing, wash with soap and inspect the sample for evidence of free water, particulate
water. After cleaning, rinse with distilled or deionized water contamination, and haze by holding the container up to the
and with acetone or some other suitable solvent, and dry. light. If the sample is contained in a nontransparent container,
Assemble the oil tube, and position the tubes in the instrument. shake or agitate the sample container vigorously to uniformly
7.2 Using the specified light source and illumination, ob- suspend any free water that may be present in the sample
serve the comparative light intensity of the two halves of the before transferring a portion to a clear, transparent container to
optical field, with both tubes empty, and with the 12-mm conduct the visual inspection before proceeding.
diaphragm removed from under the plain tube. The intensity of
9.2 Wax Samples—Carry out the same procedure in 9.1,
light observed in each half of the optical field must be the
same. Adjustment in the position of the light source may be except that the sample is to be heated to a temperature
necessary to achieve this match. corresponding to the range specified in 11.1 to ensure the
sample is liquid. (Warning—Take appropriate safety precau-
NOTE 3—On some instruments, removal of the 12–mm diaphragm can tions in handling the sample at elevated temperatures.)
prevent the assembly from seating against the base (about a 1⁄4 in. gap),
which can let a lot of stray light in that may affect the light intensity when 9.3 When the sample is not clear-and-bright (that is, visual
trying to compare the two halves of the optical field in 7.2. If this occurs, inspection in 9.1 or 9.2 shows any presence of turbidity, free
follow the procedure in 7.3 (where the 12–mm diaphragm has been water, or particulates, or a combination thereof), filter through
reattached) as the basis to ensure the light source has been properly set to a sufficient number of qualitative filter papers until it is clear.
provide the same light intensity in both halves of the optical field. For wax samples requiring filtration, it will be necessary to
7.3 Replace the 12-mm diaphragm under the plain tube, and heat the filter paper and apparatus (for example, a filter funnel)
fill the oil tube to the 20 in. (508-mm) mark with distilled or that can come in contact with the molten sample to a
deionized water. The intensity of the light observed in each half temperature in the range specified in 11.1 to prevent the sample
of the optical field must be the same, for the instrument to be from solidifying during the filtration process.

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 D156 – 07a
TABLE 2 Example of Procedure 11. Procedure for Petroleum Wax
Using One Using Two 11.1 Heat the wax test specimen to 8 to 17°C above its
Whole Color Whole Color
Observation
Standard, in. Standards, congealing point as determined in accordance with Test
(mm) in. (mm) Method D938. Preheat the oil tube.
Oil darker at depth of 16 (406) 4.5 (102) 11.2 Pour the liquid wax into the oil tube; turn the heating
Oil darker at depth of 14 (355) 4.25 (107) element off, and, after the heat waves in the test specimen can
Oil questionable at depth of 12 (304) 4.0 (101)
Oil lighter at depth of 10.75 (273) 3.75 (95)
no longer be noted, obtain the required readings as directed in
Saybolt color +21 −2 Section 10.

12. Report
9.4 When preparing petroleum wax for testing do not heat
12.1 Report the recorded color units as “Saybolt color
excessively, because oxidation can occur, with consequent
______.” When the sample has been filtered, add the words
discoloration of the test specimen.
“(sample filtered).”
10. Procedure for Refined Light Oils and Pharmaceutical
White Oils 13. Precision and Bias
10.1 Flush the oil tube with a portion of the test specimen, 13.1 The precision of this test is not known to have been
taking care to allow the tube to drain thoroughly. Fill the oil obtained in accordance with currently accepted guidelines
tube with the test specimen compare with a whole color (Research Report D02-1007).
standard. When the test specimen is lighter than the color 13.2 The precision of this test method as obtained by
standard, remove the standard and replace it with a half statistical examination of interlaboratory test results is as
standard. When the sample is darker than the single whole follows:
standard at 61⁄4 in. (158 mm), add another whole standard. 13.2.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive
(Warning—It is important that all samples in the color tubes test results obtained by the same operator with the same
be free from air bubbles.) apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
10.2 With the proper color standard or standards in place, material would, in the long run, in the normal and correct
and the test specimen in the oil tube at a level where its color operation of the test method, exceed the following value only
is decidedly darker than that of the color standard, draw off the in one case in twenty:
test specimen slowly by means of the petcock until the oil 1 color unit
appears just slightly darker than the color standard. From this 13.2.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single
point, draw the test specimen level down to the nearest depth and independent test results obtained by different operators
corresponding to color number as shown in Table 1. When the working in different laboratories on identical test material
color of the oil observed through the eyepiece is still darker would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
than the color standard, draw the oil down to the next depth the test method exceed the following value only in one case in
given in Table 1, and compare. Continue this operation until a twenty:
depth is reached where the test specimen and color standard
2 color units
match, or show questionable differences. At this point, lower
the oil column to the next specified depth and, when the oil is 13.3 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
unmistakably lighter than the color standard, record the color because the value of Saybolt Color is subjective and can only
corresponding to the next higher level as the Saybolt color. be defined in terms of this test method.
10.3 Experience in the use of this instrument will obviate
the necessity of following the step-by-step procedure outlined 14. Keywords
in 10.2 for choosing the proper color standards for each 14.1 aviation gasoline; color; jet fuel; kerosine; motor
sample. Examples of the procedure are given in Table 2. gasoline; oils; petroleum wax; Saybolt Color; white oils

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 D156 – 07a
ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. APPARATUS

A1.1.3 Plain Tube—Use a glass tube or its equivalent in

color characteristics, 483 mm long, meeting the diameter
specifications given in A1.1.1, and open at both ends, with one
end mounted in a suitable metal collar. The overall length of
the tube and collar, assembled, shall be 516 to 518 mm. The
collar provides a place to locate the color standards and a black
metal diaphragm with a circular aperture 12 mm in diameter in
the optical field. See A1.1.1.1.
A1.1.4 Tube Assembly—Mount the tubes securely in a
vertical and central position with respect to the optical viewer.
Cover the upper ends of the tubes with removable diaphragmed
metal caps about 25 mm in length. The caps shall be of
sufficient diameter to slip easily over the ends of the tubes. The
aperture in the diaphragm of the cap shall be 14 mm in
diameter.
A1.1.5 Optical Viewer—Provide the chromometer with a
suitable optical viewer head consisting of prisms and an
eyepiece containing a lens. Provide prisms of a suitable form,
matched in their refracting angles and areas, and so mounted as
to avoid the possibility of disarrangement. Arrange the prisms
FIG. A1.1 ASTM Saybolt Chromometer and Artificial Daylight so that the light rays passing through the tubes are deflected
Lamp
into an optical head and can be viewed by the eyepiece. The
arrangement must be such as to provide a circular field of
vision free from distortion and parallax (Note A1.1), one half
A1.1 Saybolt Chromometer of which is illuminated by the light transmitted by the sample,
A1.1.1 Oil Sample Tube—For testing liquids, use a boro- and the other half by the color standard.
silicate glass tube, or its equivalent in color characteristics,
NOTE A1.1—An adapter (Fig. A1.3) may be used to locate the light rays
having an inside diameter of not less than 16.5 mm nor more
passing up through the center of the eyepiece. The adapter consists of a
than 17.5 mm, and an outside diameter of not less than 21.25 metal collar of such diameter as to fit the outside diameter of the eyepiece
mm nor more than 22.75 mm. Close the tube at the bottom with closely. It is approximately 50 mm long, and closed at one end with a
an optical clear plano glass disk 6.25 mm thick, free of metal diaphragm having a centrally located aperture approximately 2.5
striations and scratches. The tube shall be 508 to 510 mm long mm in diameter.
from the upper surface of the plano disk to the top of the tube.
A1.1.6 Illumination—Arrange for the light to be transmitted
Mount the tube and disk in a suitable metal collar provided
through the tubes by means of a reflecting mirror of either
with a petcock to permit controlled drainage of the tube (Fig.
white opal glass or clear glass, with a uniform coating of
A1.1). Construct the collar in a manner that permits removal of
untarnished silver on one surface. Fix the mirror at a suitable
the glass disk for cleaning. Graduate the tube with etched 1⁄8-in.
angle, and so arrange it that reflected light of equal intensity of
(3.2-mm) divisions. Etch each inch-line completely around the
radiation will pass through the tubes in parallel rays. Alterna-
tube, and number them consecutively from the 2-in. (50-mm)
tively, diffused light can be projected directly up through the
line up.
tubes from the base of the instrument.
A1.1.1.1 The condition and the color of the glass tubes shall
be such that no color difference is observed between the plain A1.1.7 Light Source—For the light source, use an artificial
tube and the oil tube when the tubes are empty, or when the oil daylight lamp so arranged as to project a diffused light up
tube is filled with distilled or deionized water. Comparisons through the tubes. The diffused light shall be free of glare or
shall be made with the tubes positioned in the instrument in the shadows. Interfering light from all other sources shall be
manner described in Section 7. excluded.
A1.1.2 Wax Sample Tube—For testing petroleum waxes,
A1.2 Color Standards
use an oil tube that meets the specifications prescribed in
A1.1.1 and that has a 60-W heater evenly distributed over its A1.2.1 The whole color standard and the half color standard
entire length, as shown in Fig. A1.2. Alternative means can be shall be of such colorimetric characteristics that the trilinear
used for keeping the wax in a liquid state and providing a coordinates x, y, and z, and the luminous transmission Tw, when
means for readability of the graduated scale. calculated from the spectral transmission data using the 1931

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 D156 – 07a

FIG. A1.2 Saybolt Chromometer Tube Heater

FIG. A1.3 Adapter

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 D156 – 07a
TABLE A1.1 Characteristics of Color Standards TABLE A1.2 Characteristics of Daylight Filter
Color Limits with: Color Characteristics Limits
Characteristics Whole Color Standard One-half Color Standard Tw 0.107 to 0.160
x 0.314 to 0.330
Tw 0.860 to 0.865 0.888 to 0.891
y 0.337 to 0.341
x 0.342 to 0.350 0.327 to 0.331
z 0.329 to 0.349
y 0.367 to 0.378 0.344 to 0.350
z 0.272 to 0.291 0.319 to 0.330

shall be such as to be free from selective absorption, and have

an initial reflectivity above 65 %.
ICI International Commission on Illumination Standard Illu- A1.3.2 Daylight Filter Glass (Note A1.2), concave-convex
minant C,3 are as shown in Table A1.1. It is convenient, but not in form, and dust-tight, shall fit closely over the opening in the
necessary, to mount the glasses in a turret within the collar hemispherical reflector, Fig. A1.1. The glass filter shall be
mounted on the plain tube. finished on its concave surface by sandblasting and acid-
smoothing or fortifying. An acceptable daylight filter shall
A1.3 Daylight Lamp possess such characteristics that the trilinear coordinates (x, y,
A1.3.1 Lamp—Use a lamp bulb rated at 60 W and conform- and z), and the luminous transmission (Tw), when calculated
ing to the American Association of Lamp Manufacturers’ from the spectral transmission data using the 1931 ICI Stan-
specification 60A. It shall be constructed of clear glass, inside dard Illuminant A,3 are as shown in Table A1.2.
frost finish, and shall be rated at approximately 13 lm/W and NOTE A1.2—A spectrophotometric test of an acceptable filter must
2750 K color temperature. Attach to a standard socket reflector, indicate a transmission of radiant energy not less than 60 % at 410 nm,
hemispherical in form, Fig. A1.1, the interior surface of which with a smooth curve down to a transmission below 10 percent at 700 nm.
is finished with a brilliant aluminum bronze powder, free from This curve furthermore, must not have the pronounced hump that is
characteristic of excess cobalt. The typical cobalt curve has an increased
mica and other adulterants, and applied with a heat-resistant
transmission at a wavelength of 570 nm above a straight line drawn
bronzing liquid sprayed uniformly over the surface. This finish between the points 540 nm and 590 nm, and also a transmission band in
the red for wavelengths of 600 nm and greater. This variation in an
acceptable filter shall not, at 570 nm, exceed 0.03 above the straight line
3
Judd, D. B., “The 1931 ICI Standard Observer and Coordinate System for drawn between 540 nm and 590 nm, nor shall the transmission for
Colorimetry,” Journal, Optical Soc. Am., JOSA, Vol 23, No. 10, October 1933, p. wavelength 700 nm exceed the transmission for any shorter wavelength,
359. such as 600 nm, by more than 0.03.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D156–07) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Dec. 1, 2007.)

(1) Updated definitions in 3.1.2-3.1.4. (3) Updated 5.1 and 9.1.

(2) Updated 3.2.1 and added discussion.

Subcommittee D02.05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D156–02´1) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved July 15, 2007.)

(1) Added 3.1. (3) Revised 9.3.

(2) Added 9.1 and 9.2.

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