::: Application Report
Determination of the
density of LPG with an
Anton Paar density meter
Relevant for:
Petroleum industry
Chemical industry
LPGs characterized by their density
Liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) are by-
products in petroleum refining and natural
gas processing. They are a mixture of
various gaseous substances, such as
propane, butane, and others, kept liquefied
by applying pressure and/or lowering the
temperature. LPGs are used as fuel,
starting material in the chemical industry,
propellant gas, refrigerant, and in other
similar applications.
The density of LPGs is an important feature
for quality control in their processing and
transporting.
LPG density measured using the
hydrometer method
According to ASTM D1657, DIN 51 757 and
ISO 3993, the density of LPG is measured
by a pressure hydrometer.
A transparent pressure cylinder with a
pressure hydrometer inside is filled with
sample until the hydrometer floats freely.
The hydrometer reading and the
temperature reading are used to calculate
the density at a reference temperature (e.g.
15 °C). The pressure in the measurement
cylinder is given by the vapor pressure of
the liquid at measuring temperature.
The method is restricted to pressures up to
14 bar. One measurement takes approx. 30
minutes. Repeatabilities of 0.001 g/cm3
and reproducibilities of 0.003 g/cm3 can be
achieved.
Calculating LPG density from the
sample composition
According to DIN 51 618 or ASTM D2598-
02, the density of LPG can be calculated
from the composition of the sample.
Commonly, the composition is determined
by gas chromatography (GC) using
standard method DIN 51 619.
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Convenient and safe LPG density
measurement using Anton Paar
equipment
The density or relative density of LPGs is
measured using an external density
measuring cell DMA HP with a density
meter DMA 4100/4500/5000 as the
evaluation unit or using an external density
measuring cell DMA HPM with an mPDS
2000V3 evaluation unit. The DMA HP/
DMA HPM and the sample container are
connected via hoses, tubes and valves,
making up a closed system that guarantees
ultimate safety conditions.
There are two options for measurement:
Either you apply helium pressure on the
filled in sample or you measure at the vapor
pressure of the sample. The measuring cell
temperature is controlled by a Peltier
thermostat (DMA HP) or by external means
(DMA HPM).
To waste
Gas
DMA HP/HPM
Sample inlet
Setup for filling samples using overpressure
The LPG density results obtained from the
DMA HP/DMA HPM comply with the
requirements of ASTM D4052 and
DIN 51 757.
Optimized density measurements
Small sample volumes of 2 to 3 mL are
sufficient. One measurement takes only
approx. 10 minutes.
The DMA HP can measure under
pressures from 0 to 700 bar. The DMA HPM
can be used at pressures from 0 to 1400
bar. Both instruments can be used for
density measurements at temperatures
from -10 to 200 °C and show high
repeatabilities up to 0.00001g/cm3.
Reliable data processing
The evaluation unit DMA 4100, DMA 4500
or DMA 5000 gives you the digital results in
g/cm3 (true density), D20/20, D20/04
(relative density), SG, and/or API values
converted to 15 °C or 60 °F.
The data can be transmitted via RS232
interface to IBM-compatible computers, or
printed out directly. Densities of other
liquids can be measured according to
ASTM D4052, D5002 and DIN 51 757.
Easy adjustment to the required
measuring conditions
The adjustment is carried out using air/
water or nitrogen/n-pentane at measuring
temperature and measuring pressure. Any
other pure organic liquid with known
density/temperature/pressure relationship
can also be used. Density standards with
density certificates are commercially
available for temperatures from 15 °C to
50 °C and pressures up to 40 bar.
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