ASTM D3142 for Specific Gravity, API Gravity, or Density of Cutback Asphalts
ASTM D3142 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity, API Gravity, or Density of Cutback Asphalts by Hydrometer Method
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination, using a glass hydrometer, of the density, specific gravity, or API gravity of cutback asphalts as defined in Specifications D2026, D2027, and D2028 (Note 1). Values are measured on a hydrometer at convenient temperatures, readings of density, specific gravity, and API gravity being reduced to 15°C or 60°F by means of international standard tables. By means of these same tables, values determined in one of the three systems of measurement are convertible to equivalent values in either system so that measurements may be made in the units of local convenience.
NOTE 1 - This test method is applicable to cutback asphalts and in general follows, but provides more explicit routines than, the procedure outlined in Test Method D1298.
1.2 Units - The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
D140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
D1250 Guide for Use of the Petroleum Measurement Tables
D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
D2026 Specification for Cutback Asphalt (Slow-Curing Type)
D2027 Specification for Cutback Asphalt (Medium-Curing Type)
D2028 Specification for Cutback Asphalt (Rapid-Curing Type)
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
E220 Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 API gravity - a function of specific gravity 15/15°C [60/60°F], represented by the equation:
°API = [141.5/SG 15/15°C] - 131.5 or
°API = [141.5/SG 60/60°F] - 131.5
No statement of reference temperature is required since 15°C [60°F] is included in the definition.
3.1.2 density - The mass of material per unit volume. When reporting results, explicitly state the density in units of mass (kilograms) and volume (litres), together with the standard reference temperature.
3.1.3 observed values - values observed at temperatures other than the standard reference temperature. Values observed at other temperatures are only hydrometer readings, and not density, relative density (specific gravity), or API gravity.
3.1.4 specific gravity - The ratio of mass of a given volume of a material at a specified temperature to the mass of an equal volume of pure water measured at the reference temperature. When reporting results, the standard reference temperature must be stated.
