Saybolt color test method

The Saybolt color test method (ASTM D-156) is used for nearly colorless waxes, and in this method a melted sample is placed in a heated vertical tube mounted alongside a second tube containing standard color disks. An optical viewer allows simultaneous viewing of both tubes. The level of the sample is decreased until its color is lighter than that of the standard and the color number above this level is the Saybolt color. 

The petroleum industry uses the Saybolt colorimeter Test Method D 156 for measuring and defining the color of hydrocarbon solvents however, this system of color measurement is not commonly employed outside of the petroleum industry. It has been reported by various sources that a Saybolt color of +25 is equivalent to 25 in the platinum-cobalt system or to colors produced by masses of potassium dichromate ranging between 4.8 and 5.6 mg dissolved in 1 L of distilled water. Because of the differences in the spectral... 

The test method for the color of petroleum products (ASTM D-1500, IP 196) is used for wax and petrolatum that are too dark for the Saybolt colorimeter. A liquid sample is placed in the test container, a glass cylinder of 30- to 35-mm ID, and compared with colored glass disks ranging in value... 

D156 Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer Method) ... 

Several methods are used to determine the color of plasticizers. The ASTM method of plasticizers testing includes an abbreviated procedure veiy similar to the plahnum-cobalt scale method described in detail in a separate standard. Color of transparent hquids is also measmed by Gardener color scale. Saybolt chromometer originaUy designed for petrolemn products is also used, especially in the case of mineral oils. ... 

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