"Basra University for Oil & Gas"

"Chemical Engineering & Oil Refining"

Name: Mohammed Hussein Nayef

Name of the experiment: Density & Specific Gravity

Experiment number: ( 1)
Introduction

Liquid density is an important characteristic used to provide

information concerning composition, concentration, mass flow
in fuels, and caloric content. Density is expressed as mass per
unit volume but is often expressed in terms of specific gravity
(SGliq), which is the ratio of the liquid density to the density of
water both taken at the same temperature and pressure.

𝜌(𝑙𝑖𝑞 )
𝑆𝐺 =
𝜌 (𝑤 )
T
,Petroleum industry frequently uses the specific gravity 60/60,
which means that the densities of both, liquid and water were
measured at 60 oF and atmospheric pressure. The petroleum
industry uses another measure, degree API gravity, based on
oil specific gravity at 60/60:

141.5
𝐴𝑃𝐼 = − 131.5
𝑆𝑝. 𝐺𝑟

Note that the lighter the fluid the higher the API gravity. API
gravity is one factor that
determines the price of oil per barrel

The purpose of the experiment:

1. Finding density and specific gravity in different ways as it
enters the density in calculating the shipment of crude oil
(Volume of oil * density)
2. Find and know the API through which the price of oil can
be determine
3. Know the relationship between density and temperature
Methods of calculating density and specific gravity:
1.Pycnometer Method
2.Hydrometer Method

*Hydrometer Method:
API gravity is measured using a hydrometer, which consists of
a weighted float with a small diameter indicator stem at the top
The stem is graduated in any density units (API used in
petroleum industry). According to Archimedes’ principle, when
a body is immersed in a fluid it loses weight equal to the liquid
weight displaced. The hydrometer element
is a constant weight body (constant buoyant force), which will
displace different volumes of fluid for different fluid densities.
Therefore the amount of stem submersion is an indication of
fluid density

Hydrometers are basic to density measurement. They are

accurate, frictionless, direct indicating without need for
mechanical linkages or external energy sources, and are
compatible with most corrosive fluids. Their limitations are in
the fluid properties they can handle and in their pressure
and temperature ratings. Because fluid density should be the
only factor affecting the float position, friction, turbulence, and
viscosity effects must be minimized. Additionally, because the
basis for their operation is the constant weight float, material
build-up on the float cannot be tolerated. For these reasons,
hydrometers are “ideal” for clean, non-viscous fluids.
However, they can be used for crude oils with good accuracy

Devices and materials used:

1- Hydrometers
2- Water bath

3- Thermometer

4- Cylinders

5- different oil samples

Work procedure:
1- We use Kerosene, heavy gas oil and crude oil as models in this
experiment

2- We use a water bath to maintain a constant temperature, where the

temperature is set at 104 F

3- The hydrometer is placed in the model and leaves a free motion

4- After stabilizing the hydrometer movement, a gradual reading of the

specific gravity calculation is performed where the reading is when the
liquid surface a corresponds to the hydrometer scale

5- After completing the experiment we use the steam table to calculate

the specific gravity of the model at 60 F
 Calculation:
141.5
𝐴𝑃𝐼 = − 131.5
𝑆𝑝. 𝐺𝑟 60𝐹

Kerosene:
141.5
𝐴𝑃𝐼 = − 131.5 = 47.46
0.7907

Heavy gas oil:

141.5
𝐴𝑃𝐼 = − 131.5 = 28.6
0.8837

Crude oil:
141.5
𝐴𝑃𝐼 = − 131.5 = 22.7
0.9175
Oil derivative Sp.Gr at 104F Sp.Gr at 60 F API at 60 F

kerosene 773 g/cm 0.7907 g/cm 47.46

Heavy gas oil 868 g/cm 0.8837 g/cm 28.6
Crude oil 902 g/cm 0.9175 g/cm 22.7
Discussion:

1- The specific gravity is inversely proportional with API

2- Factors affecting density are:

a) Mass directly proportional with density

b) Volume inversely proportional with density

c) Temperature directly proportional with density

3- When the lower liquid density, the higher the price of the
petroleum product

When the lower liquid API, the lower the price of the
petroleum product

5- If the temperature of the test is higher or less then the

temperature of the ocean can be used water bath to maintain a
constant temperature