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ASTM D1429

Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Water and Brine

These test methods cover the determination of the specific gravity of water and brine free of separable oil. There are 4 methods, where Method D uses the hydrometer method. The range of the used hydrometers starts at 22 up to 27

The test is performed at 15,6°C or 60°F

The purpose of the standard is to determine the specific gravity of brine solutions and indirectly calculate the salt concentration

This is used in quality control in industries such as:

 

  • Oil and gas
  • Salt production
  • Cooling systems
  • Water treatment

The measurement is based on the buoyancy principle (Archimedes’ principle):

  • A hydrometer is placed into the sample.
  • The instrument floats higher or lower depending on the liquid density.
  • The hydrometer scale directly indicates the specific gravity (SG).

Temperature correction is required.

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    ASTM D1429 density apparatus
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General

This is a test for determining the specific gravity (relative density) of water and brine free of separable oil. The standard provides four test procedures—pycnometer, balance, Erlenmeyer flask, and hydrometer—allowing users to select the most appropriate method based on the required accuracy and application. It is widely used in the oil and gas, chemical, salt production, and water treatment industries to determine brine concentration and verify product quality.

Precision

ASTM D1429 includes repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R) values based on interlaboratory studies for each test procedure. The pycnometer and balance methods provide the highest measurement accuracy, while the hydrometer method is preferred for rapid routine testing. Reliable results require proper temperature control and calibrated equipment.

Test

The method determines the specific gravity (relative density) of water or brine by comparing the density of the sample with that of water at a specified reference temperature.

The Reported result is the specific gravity (relative density) and unit used is Dimensionless (no unit)

Results are typically reported to four decimal places (e.g., 1.1254) together with the reference temperature, such as 15.6/15.6 °C (60/60 °F) or 20/20 °C.