DETERMINATION OF API

GRAVITY OF CRUDE OIL BY

HYDROMETER METHOD
( BASED ON ASTM D1298-85)

Prepared By Ajaro Michael

SCOPE
This method covers the

laboratory determination of API

gravity/SG of crude oil using
glass hydrometer.

DEFINITION
The specific gravity of a liquid is

defined as the ratio of the mass of a

given volme of a liquid at temperature
to the mass of an equal volume of pure
water at a temperature. ie
SG oil=density of oil/density of water.

 API(American Petroleum Institute)

gravity is a measure of how heavy
or light a petroleum liquid is
compared to water. Its formula is;
API gravity=141.5-131.5/SG
@600F
SG @ 60oF=141.5/API
grravity+131.5
This eqation reveals that API
gravity varies inversely to the
specific gravity of the oil.

SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD

The sample is agitated and transfered

into a clean measuring 1000ml cylinder

without splashing. The appropriate
hydrometer is lowered into the sample
and allowed to settle. The hydrometer
and temperature scale is read.

APPARATUS
Hydrometer
Sampling Can
Measuring Cylinder
Thermometer
Rags/ absorbent

PROCEDURE
Collect a sample that will be up to 1000ml
Shake the representative sample and transfer

to the clean measuring cylinder without

splashing
Place the cylinder containing the test sample
in a vertical and stable psition
Stir the test potion with Thermometer
Lower the appropriate hydrometer into the
liquid and release when in position of
equilibrium

 Allow time for the hydrometer to come

to rest floating freely away from the
walls of the cylinder.
Record the hydrometer scale and
temperature reading
Remove the hydrometer from the liquid
and insert a thermometer if the
hydrometer has no inbuilt
thermometer.
Recod the temperature on the
themometer.
Correct to 600F using API table or
Daniel oil calculation software.

PRECAUTIONS
Remove any air bubbles formed by

mopping up with clean filter paper

before taking readings
Provide adequate ventilation to avoid
crude oil vapour builld up
Avoid repeated or prolonged skin
contact
Use the appropriate PPE