ASTM D2501-11

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D2501 − 11
StandardTest Method for
Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of
1
Petroleum Oils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2501; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* D1298Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid
1.1 This test method covers the calculation of the viscosity-
2 Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
gravityconstant(VGC)ofpetroleumoils havingviscositiesin
2 D2140Practice for Calculating Carbon-Type Composition
excess of 5.5 mm /s at 40°C (104°F) and in excess of 0.8
2 of Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin
mm /s at 100°C (212°F).
D4052Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
1.2 Annex A1 describes a method for calculating the VGC
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
from Saybolt (SUS) viscosity and relative density.
3. Summary of Test Method
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1 Thekinematicviscosityat40°C(104°F)andthedensity
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. at 15°C of the oil are determined. If the oil is extremely
2
viscous, or if it is otherwise inconvenient to determine the
1.3.1 The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is mm /s.
1.3.2 Exception—Fahrenheit temperature units are used in viscosityat40°C,thekinematicviscosityat100°C(212°F)can
be used. The viscosity-gravity constant is calculated from the
this practice because they are accepted by industry for the type
of legacy conversions described in this practice. measured physical properties using the appropriate equation.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 The viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) is a useful func-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tion for the approximate characterization of the viscous frac-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
2
tions of petroleum. It is relatively insensitive to molecular
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
weight and is related to a fluids composition as expressed in
2. Referenced Documents termsofcertainstructuralelements.ValuesofVGCnear0.800
3
indicate samples of paraffinic character, while values close to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.00 indicate a preponderance of aromatic structures. Like
D287Test Method forAPI Gravity of Crude Petroleum and
other indicators of hydrocarbon composition, the VGC should
Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
not be indiscriminately applied to residual oils, asphaltic
D445Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
materials, or samples containing appreciable quantities of
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of DynamicViscos-
nonhydrocarbons.
ity)
5. Measurement of Physical Properties
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
5.1 Preferably, determine the kinematic viscosity at 40°C as
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
described in Test Method D445. However, if the sample is
D02.04.0K on Correlative Methods.
extremely viscous or if it is otherwise inconvenient to measure
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2011. Published November 2011. Originally
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D2501–91(2005).
the viscosity at 40°C, the viscosity at 100°C may be deter-
DOI: 10.1520/D2501-11.
mined.
2
Coats, H. B., and Hill, J. B., Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vol 20,
1928, p. 641.
5.2 Determine the density at 15°C in accordance with Test
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Method D1298 or Test Method D4052. Equivalent results can
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
be obtained by determining API Gravity at 60°F (15.56°C) in
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. D287, and converting the result
accordance with Test Method
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D2501 − 11
to density at 15°C by means of Table 3 of the Petroleum density. Those precision statements are found in their respec-
4
Measurement Tables (American Edition). tive test methods. The precision can be calculated as follows:
8.2.1 For viscosity measured at 40°C,
NOTE 1—If it is necessary to convert a result
...