DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

COVENANT UNIVERSITY

CANAANLAND, OTA.

PET 527

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING LABORATORY II

EXPERIMENT 1: DENSITY DETERMINATION USING

PYCNOMETER METHOD

BY

CHUKWUMA OBINNA STANLEY

17CN022863

DATE SUBMITTED: MAY-15-2022

 ABSTRACT
The density of a liquid is an essential physical property that is often used in various
fields, including chemistry, physics, and engineering. In this experiment, a
pycnometer, a small glass container with a precisely known volume, was used to
measure the density of a liquid accurately.

The shape of the density bottle is likened to that of a pear, that is used to measure the
density of De-ionized Water, Formation water, Crude Oil, and Used Engine Oil. The
density bottle capacity is estimated because of measuring the weight of the fluid
sample.

The pycnometer was filled with the liquid, and its weight was measured before and
after filling using a calibrated weighing balance. From these measurements, the mass
of the liquid was determined, and the density of the liquid was calculated using the
formula.

Density = Mass of liquid / Volume of pycnometer.

The experiment was conducted at a constant temperature to avoid errors caused by

temperature changes. The calculated density was compared with the known density of
the liquid at the given temperature to determine the accuracy of the measurement. The
results of the experiment showed that the density of the liquid could be measured
accurately using a pycnometer. However, to obtain precise results, it is crucial to use a
properly calibrated weighing balance and a pycnometer with a precise known volume.
The experiment provides a reliable method of measuring the density of liquids, which
has numerous applications in various fields.
 CONTENTS
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................ii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................1

CHAPTER 2: RELEVANCE OF STUDY..................................................................................................2

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................3

APPARATUS..........................................................................................................................................4

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES........................................................................................................6

CHAPTER 4: RESULT...............................................................................................................................7

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................11

PRECAUTION......................................................................................................................................11

CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................................................12

CHAPTER 6..............................................................................................................................................13

REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................................13

Figure 1- Weighing Balance......................................................................................4

Figure 2- 50cm3 Density Bottle ................................................................................4
Figure 3- Deionized Water........................................................................................4
Figure 4- Formation Water........................................................................................5
Figure 4- Crude Oil...................................................................................................5
Figure 6- Used Engine Oil.........................................................................................5
 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Density is a crucial physical property that helps to describe and differentiate

various substances. It is an essential characteristic in many industries, including the
oil and gas sector, where it is used to determine the quality and composition of
different types of petroleum products.

In this practical experiment, four different samples will be analyzed to determine

their densities. The distilled water is a common reference substance that has a well-
known density of 1 g/cm³ at standard temperature and pressure. The other sample:
De-ionized Water, Formation water, Crude Oil, and Used Engine Oil are all fluids
that have varying densities depending on their composition.

To determine the density of each sample, the mass of each substance will be
measured using a precise balance. The mass of the substance will be divided by the
volume of the pycnometer, which will be measured using a volume measuring
device such as a burette or pipette. The density of each sample will be expressed in
units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), which is the standard unit for density.

The results obtained from this experiment will provide valuable information on the
physical properties of the samples and will help to distinguish them from one
another based on their densities. Furthermore, the experiment will help to reinforce
the concept of density and its importance in understanding the properties of matter.
 CHAPTER 2: RELEVANCE OF STUDY

The study by Torsaeter and Abtahi on determining the density and specific gravity
of liquid petroleum products is a groundbreaking contribution to the petroleum
industry (Torsaeter & Abtahi, 2000). Accurate measurement of the physical
properties of petroleum products is a fundamental requirement for ensuring safety
and efficiency in the industry. The ability to determine the density and specific
gravity of different petroleum products provides vital information for the selection
of appropriate storage and transportation methods, reducing the risk of accidents
and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Moreover, the study is significant in product development and quality control. The
precise measurement of density and specific gravity enables the determination of
chemical composition and purity of different petroleum products, leading to the
development of new and improved products and the optimization of existing ones.
This can result in increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and
improved performance, leading to a more competitive industry overall.

The impact of this study extends beyond the petroleum industry, as accurate
measurements of density and specific gravity have applications in a wide range of
fields, including chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental
studies. The methodology proposed by Torsaeter and Abtahi provides a robust and
systematic approach to quantifying the physical properties of liquid petroleum
products, paving the way for further advancements in the field.
 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
The methodology includes the estimation of density and specific gravity of different
petroleum product that is used in form of liquid within the vapor pressure of greater
than or less than 1.8 bar, such as distilled water, castor oil, crude oil, and engine oil
(Torsaeter O, Abtahi M, 2000).

The density experiment using a pycnometer is a common laboratory technique used to

measure the density of liquids and solids. After conducting the experiment and
analyzing the data, several conclusions can be drawn.

Firstly, the density of a substance is an intrinsic property that is unique to each

material. It can be determined accurately by using the pycnometer, which is a precise
instrument that measures the mass and volume of the sample.

Secondly, the temperature of the substance can affect its density, as the volume of the
substance changes with temperature. Therefore, the temperature of the sample and the
pycnometer should be controlled and maintained at a constant value throughout the
experiment.

Thirdly, the purity of the substance can affect its density. Impurities can alter the
volume and mass of the sample, leading to inaccurate density measurements. Hence, it
is crucial to use high-purity samples and ensure the pycnometer is clean before use.
APPARATUS
1. Weighing Balance – This is used to weigh the mass of the samples.

Figure 1- Weighing Balance

2. Density Bottle (Pycnometer) – Used to measure the volume of the water for the
brine solution.

Figure 2-50cm3 Density Bottle

3. Deionized Water

Figure 3- Deionized Water

4. Formation Water

Figure 4- Formation Water

5. Crude Oil

Figure 5- Crude Oil

6. Used Engine Oil.

Figure 6- Used Engine Oil.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
 Thoroughly clean the density bottle with a cleaning surfactant fluid.
 Rinse the density bottle completely with distilled water.
 Dry the density bottle using a suitable drying agent, such as acetone.
 Weigh the clean and dry density bottle using a precise weighing balance at
room temperature.
 Carefully add the liquid sample to the density bottle at room temperature,
ensuring there are no gas bubbles present inside the bottle and the outside
surface is completely dry.
 Turn on the weighing balance and record the weight of the filled density
bottle.
 Repeat steps 4-6 for all samples, ensuring that each measurement is taken
under the same conditions for accurate and reliable results.
 CHAPTER 4: RESULT
EXPERIMENT RESULTS
 The dry mass of pycnometer was 28g.

 The Volume of Pycnometer was 50cm3.

 Temperature at which readings were take 31℃ .

 Density of Water at 31℃ = 995.369 k g/m3 ¿ 0.995369 g/c m3

Sample 1 (De-Ionized Water)

Mass of Pycnometer + Liquid = 77g

Mass of Fluid Only = (Mass of Pycnometer + Fluid) – (Mass of Pycnometer)

= 77g – 28g = 49g

The Mass of Liquid = 49g

Mass of Fuid 49 g 3
Density of Liquid = = =0.98 g/c m
Volume Occupied by Fluid 50 c m 3

3
Density of Fuid 0.98 g /c m
Specific Gravity ( γ ) = = =0.98
Density of Water 0.995369 g /c m3

Sample 2: Formation Water

Mass of Pycnometer + Liquid = 78g

Mass of Fluid Only = (Mass of Pycnometer + Fluid) – (Mass of Pycnometer)

= 78g – 28g = 50g

The Mass of Liquid = 50g

Mass of Fuid 50 g 3
Density of Liquid = = =1 g /c m
Volume Occupied by Fluid 50 c m3

Density of Fuid 0.98 g /c m3

Specific Gravity ( γ ) = = =1
Density of Water 0.995369 g /c m3
Sample 3: Crude Oil

Mass of Pycnometer + Liquid = 69g

Mass of Fluid Only = (Mass of Pycnometer + Fluid) – (Mass of Pycnometer)

= 69g – 28g = 41g

The Mass of Liquid = 41g

Mass of Fuid 41 g 3
Density of Liquid = = =0.82 g /c m
Volume Occupied by Fluid 50 c m 3

Density of Fuid 0.82 g /c m3

Specific Gravity ( γ ) = = =0.98
Density of Water 0.995369 g /c m3

Sample 4: Used Engine Oil

Mass of Pycnometer + Liquid = 71g

Mass of Fluid Only = (Mass of Pycnometer + Fluid) – (Mass of Pycnometer)

= 71g – 28g = 43g

The Mass of Liquid = 43g

Mass of Fuid 43 g
Density of Liquid = = =0.86 g/c m3
Volume Occupied by Fluid 50 c m 3

3
Density of Fuid 0.86 g /c m
Specific Gravity ( γ ) = = =0.86
Density of Water 0.995369 g /c m3

n
1
Average Density = ∑ρ
n i=1 i

0.98+1.0+0.82+0.86 3.66 3
= =0.915 g /c m
4 4
Absolute error, Ea. ( g/c m3 ¿ = Average density – Measured density

Sample 1: Deionized Water

3
|
Absolute error, Ea. ( g/c m ¿= 0.915
g
cm 3 |
−0.98 g/c m3 =|−0.065 g/c m 3|=0.065 g/c m3

Sample 2: Formation Water

3
|
Absolute error, Ea. ( g/c m ¿= 0.915
g
cm
3 |
−1 g /c m3 =|−0.085 g/c m3|=0.085 g /c m3

Sample 3: Crude Oil

3
|
Absolute error, Ea. ( g/c m ¿= 0.915
g
cm 3
3
|
−0.82 g /c m =|0.095 g/c m |=0.095 g /c m
3 3

Sample 4: Used Engine Oil

3
|
Absolute error, Ea. ( g/c m ¿= 0.915
g
cm 3
3
|
−0.86 g/c m =|0.055 g/c m |=0.055 g/c m
3 3

Fluid Pycnometer Pycnometer Pycnometer Density Specific Absolute

Mass (g) + Liquid Volume ρ Gravity Error, Ea
(g) (cm3) (g/cm3) ϒ (g/cm3)

Distilled 28 77 50 0.98 0.98 0.065

Water

Formation 28 78 50 1 1 0.085
Water
 Crude Oil 28 69 50 0.82 0.82 0.095

Used 28 71 50 0.86 0.86 0.055

Engine Oil

DISCUSSION

To obtain precise and reliable results, it is imperative to meticulously wash and

sanitize the apparatus both prior to and post usage to avert any discrepancies during
the experiment. Any residual water remnants within the apparatus can lead to
inadvertent errors in the density measurements, hence it is indispensable to ensure that
the apparatus is completely dry prior to usage.

The experiment conducted substantiated that the apparatus is an effective means to

gauge the density of reservoir fluids. It was observed that every reservoir fluid sample
had its own distinctive density measurement. Upon comparison of the average density
with the measured density, it was discerned that the results were highly accurate with
minimal to negligible error.

The results of the experiments show that a pycnometer is a useful tool for determining
the precise density of a liquid. To determine the density of the other fluids, a reference
liquid such as distilled water should be utilized. At 31°C, the theoretical density of
distilled water is 0.995369 g/c m3 (about 1 g/c m3), which is needed to compute its
volume.

Following the experimental analysis, the individual densities of the samples were
determined. The deionized water had a density of 0.98 g/c m3 with a mass of 49 g,
while the formation water had a density of 1 g/c m3 with a mass of 50 g. The crude oil,
with a mass of 41 g, had a density of 0.82 g/c m3, and the used engine oil, with a mass
of 43 g, had a density of g/c m3.

It can be inferred from the results that the density of each fluid has a direct
relationship with its mass at a constant volume. In other words, the density of the fluid
increases as its mass increases while the volume remains constant.

Several factors can affect the accuracy of a density experiment using a pycnometer,
including:

Temperature: Temperature changes can cause the density of the liquid to vary, which
can affect the accuracy of the measurement. It is important to maintain a constant
temperature throughout the experiment.

Air bubbles: Air bubbles trapped in the liquid can affect the weight of the pycnometer
and lead to inaccurate measurements. Care should be taken to remove any air bubbles
before taking measurements.

Contamination: Contaminants in the liquid being tested can alter its density, leading to
inaccurate results. The pycnometer and other equipment used in the experiment
should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before use.

Calibration: The pycnometer and any other measuring instruments used in the
experiment should be calibrated regularly to ensure accuracy.

Sample size: The amount of liquid tested can also affect the accuracy of the
experiment. A larger sample size can provide more accurate results.

Human error: Errors in reading the measurement values or recording data can lead to
inaccurate results. Proper training and careful attention to detail can help minimize
human error.
Precision of the balance: The balance used to weigh the pycnometer and liquid must
be precise and accurate to ensure reliable measurements.

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION

PRECAUTION
 I ensured that I take readings from the weighing balance accurately to avoid
errors in measurement.
 I ensured that the weighing balance is well calibrated to obtain precise and
reliable readings.
 I ensured that all process parameters are strictly followed to obtain consistent
and accurate results.
 I ensure that I always wear personal protective equipment to prevent any
accidents or injuries during the experiment.
 I ensured that the experiment is conducted in a well-ventilated space to
maintain a safe and healthy environment.
 I ensured that air bubbles are avoided by pouring the liquid sample into the
density bottle slowly and carefully. Air bubbles can interfere with the density
measurement accuracy.
 I ensured that I use distilled water to rinse the density bottle to avoid any
impurities that may affect the density measurement.
  I ensured that the density bottle and liquid samples are kept at a consistent
temperature throughout the experiment to ensure accuracy. Temperature
fluctuations can affect the density measurements.
 I ensured that I do not touch the inside of the density bottle with my fingers or
other objects as this can introduce impurities and affect the density
measurement.
 I ensured that the density bottle is completely dry before taking measurements
to avoid any residual moisture that may affect the results.

CONCLUSION
The well calibrated weighing balance can be used to weigh a density bottle that is
used to measure the accurate density of a fluid sample. With the appropriate
utilization of density, the volume of De-ionized Water, Formation water, Crude Oil,
and Used Engine Oil was determined. a density experiment using a pycnometer is a
reliable method of determining the density of a liquid accurately. It is a simple
experiment that requires only a few pieces of equipment and can be done quickly.
However, to obtain accurate results, it is essential to use a properly calibrated
weighing balance and a pycnometer with a precise known volume. The experiment
can also be affected by temperature changes, and it is crucial to conduct the
experiment at a constant temperature to avoid errors.
 CHAPTER 6

REFERENCES

 Larry Harris Taylor. (2007). Archimedes, A Gold Thief and Buoyancy.

 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. (2012). Test

Guideline on measuring liquid and solid density. Paris: OECD iLibrary.

 Torsaeter O., Abtahi M. (2000). Experimental Reservoir Engineering

Laboratory Workbook.