ASTM D2501-11
Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils

Standard No.

ASTM D2501-11

Release Date

2011

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D2501-14

Latest

ASTM D2501-14(2019)

Scope

The viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) is a useful function for the approximate characterization of the viscous fractions of petroleum. It is relatively insensitive to molecular weight and is related to a fluids composition as expressed in terms of certain structural elements. Values of VGC near 0.800 indicate samples of paraffinic character, while values close to 1.00 indicate a preponderance of aromatic structures. Like other indicators of hydrocarbon composition, the VGC should not be indiscriminately applied to residual oils, asphaltic materials, or samples containing appreciable quantities of nonhydrocarbons.

1.1 This test method covers the calculation of the viscosity-gravity constant (VGC) of petroleum oils having viscosities in excess of 5.5 mm²/s at 40°C (104°F) and in excess of 0.8 mm²/s at 100°C (212°F).

1.2 Annex A1 describes a method for calculating the VGC from Saybolt (SUS) viscosity and relative density.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3.1 The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is mm²/s.

1.3.2 Exception8212;Fahrenheit temperature units are used in this practice because they are accepted by industry for the type of legacy conversions described in this practice.

1.4 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.

ASTM D2501-11 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1298 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
• ASTM D2140 Standard Test Method for Carbon-Type Composition of Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin
• ASTM D287 Standard Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
• ASTM D4052 Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• ASTM D445 Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)

ASTM D2501-11 history

• 2019 ASTM D2501-14(2019) Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils
• 2014 ASTM D2501-14 Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant 40;VGC41; of Petroleum Oils
• 2011 ASTM D2501-11 Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils
• 1991 ASTM D2501-91(2005) Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils
• 1991 ASTM D2501-91(2000) Standard Test Method for Calculation of Viscosity-Gravity Constant (VGC) of Petroleum Oils