ASTM introduces new viscosity standard for petroleum testing

ASTM International’s petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants committee (D02) is introducing a proposed standard, WK92527, aimed at simplifying the measurement of viscosity and density in liquid petroleum products and crude oils. The standard will provide a procedure for simultaneously measuring kinematic viscosity, dynamic viscosity, and density, marking a significant advancement in petroleum analysis.

According to Niklas Christensson, managing director of Eralytics GmbH and an ASTM member, this innovative method addresses a critical need for laboratories seeking flexibility in sample and temperature handling. “This is novel because previous methods only supported one parameter at a time,” Christensson stated. “The optional determination of highly accurate density within the same process opens new applications for laboratories.”

The proposed standard is expected to benefit laboratories with moderate sample throughput by enabling simple yet versatile operations. The integration of density measurement alongside viscosity analysis streamlines testing, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.

This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on clean water (Goal 6), climate action (Goal 13), and life below water (Goal 14). Laboratories and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in round-robin testing to refine the standard further.