ISO 12185:2024
Crude petroleum, petroleum products and related products

Standard No.

ISO 12185:2024

Release Date

2024

Published By

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)  IX  /  ISO

Latest

ISO 12185:2024

Introduction

Analysis of the core content of the standard

ISO 12185:2024 standard specifies the laboratory method for determining the density of crude oil and related products using a U-type oscillating tube densitometer, which is suitable for samples with a density range of 600-1100kg/m³ and can maintain a single-phase liquid state. Compared with the 1996 version, the new version has the following updates:

Technical Elements	1996 Version	2024 Version
Definition of Terms	Basic Definitions	Added 8 new terms such as density reference material and working measurement standard
Quality Control	No clear requirements	Added Clause 9.5 Weekly QC Inspection Requirements
Instrument Range	Limited to specific models	Compatible with algorithm differences of equipment from multiple manufacturers

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Key Operation Points

1.

• Temperature Control: The density meter needs to maintain an accuracy of ±0.03°C and the temperature deviation of the circulating liquid in the constant temperature bath should be ≤0.05°C (corresponding to a density change of 0.03kg/m³)
• Viscosity Correction: Some models of instruments require a correction of >1kg/m³ for high viscosity samples (such as residual fuel oil)

2. Sample Handling

Case Study: When measuring waxy crude oil, the sample temperature should be maintained at: - at least 3°C above the cloud point (ISO 3015) or WAT (IP 389)
- at least 20°C above the pour point (ISO 3016)

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Implementation Recommendations

Calibration Management

It is recommended to use a standard material with a similar density (±50kg/m³) and similar viscosity for calibration, with a full calibration performed at least once a year. The temperature sensor needs to be verified by:

1. Fixed point cell calibration (requires disassembly)
2. Insertion calibration probe (vibration sensitive requires downtime)
3. Constant temperature bath circulation method (for non-temperature controlled density meters)

Data Report

The test report must include:
- Sample identification and sampling method (ISO 3170/3171)
- Standard reference (ISO 12185:2024)
- Observed anomalies (e.g. bubble formation)

ISO 12185:2024 Referenced Document

• ISO 3015 Petroleum and related products from natural or synthetic sources — Determination of cloud point
• ISO 3016 Petroleum and related products from natural or synthetic sources — Determination of pour point
• ISO 3170 Hydrocarbon Liquids - Manual sampling*， 2025-06-01 Update
• ISO 3171 Petroleum liquids; automatic pipeline sampling
• ISO 91 Petroleum and related products - Temperature and pressure volume correction factors (petroleum measurement tables) and standard reference conditions

ISO 12185:2024 history

• 2024 ISO 12185:2024 Crude petroleum, petroleum products and related products
• 2001 ISO 12185:1996/cor 1:2001 Crude petroleum and petroleum products - Determination of density - Oscillating U-tube method; Technical Corrigendum 1
• 1996 ISO 12185:1996 Crude petroleum and petroleum products - Determination of density - Oscillating U-tube method

Standard and Specification