1.1 This test method covers the use of automated vapor pressure instruments to determine the total vapor pressure exerted in vacuum by air-containing, volatile, liquid petroleum products, including automotive spark-ignition fuels with or without oxygenates (see Note 1). This test method is suitable for testing samples with boiling points above 0 °C (32 °F) that exert a vapor pressure between 7 kPa and 130 kPa (1.0 psi and 18.6 psi) at 37.8 °C (100 °F) at a vapor-to-liquid ratio of 4:1. Measurements are made on liquid sample sizes in the range from 1 mL to 10 mL. No account is made for dissolved water in the sample.

1.2 This test method is suitable for calculation of the dry vapor pressure equivalent (DVPE) of gasoline and gasoline-oxygenate blends by means of a correlation equation (see Eq 1 in 14.2). The calculated DVPE very closely approximates the dry vapor pressure that would be obtained on the same material when tested by Test Method D4953.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.4 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website – http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm - for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state or country may be prohibited by law.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety warning statements, see 7.2 through 7.8.