This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D8164 − 18

Standard Guide for

Digital Contact Thermometers for Petroleum Products,
Liquid Fuels, and Lubricant Testing1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8164; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D2532 Test Method for Viscosity and Viscosity Change

1.1 This guide establishes criteria for the various parameters After Standing at Low Temperature of Aircraft Turbine
needed to define a digital contact thermometer (DCT) suitable Lubricants
for measuring temperature in the test methods utilized by D2983 Test Method for Low-Temperature Viscosity of Au-
Committee D02. The DCT criteria are based on the design and tomatic Transmission Fluids, Hydraulic Fluids, and Lubri-
sensing characteristics of the liquid-in-glass thermometers that cants using a Rotational Viscometer
have been used successfully in Committee D02 test methods. D3829 Test Method for Predicting the Borderline Pumping
Temperature of Engine Oil
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as D4539 Test Method for Filterability of Diesel Fuels by
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this Low-Temperature Flow Test (LTFT)
standard. D4684 Test Method for Determination of Yield Stress and
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Apparent Viscosity of Engine Oils at Low Temperature
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the D5853 Test Method for Pour Point of Crude Oils
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- D6371 Test Method for Cold Filter Plugging Point of Diesel
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- and Heating Fuels
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. D6821 Test Method for Low Temperature Viscosity of Drive
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- Line Lubricants in a Constant Shear Stress Viscometer
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- D6896 Test Method for Determination of Yield Stress and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Apparent Viscosity of Used Engine Oils at Low Tempera-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- ture
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical D7279 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. and Opaque Liquids by Automated Houillon Viscometer
D7962 Practice for Determination of Minimum Immersion
2. Referenced Documents Depth and Assessment of Temperature Sensor Measure-
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 ment Drift
D97 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent E563 Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos- as a Reference Temperature
ity) E644 Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Ther-
D2162 Practice for Basic Calibration of Master Viscometers mometers
and Viscosity Oil Standards E1750 Guide for Use of Water Triple Point Cells
D2386 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aviation Fuels E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom-
D2500 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
and Liquid Fuels E2877 Guide for Digital Contact Thermometers
2.2 ISO Standard:3
1
ISO 17025 General requirements for the competence of
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum
testing and calibration laboratories
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee D02.91 on Coordinating Subcommittee on Thermometry.
Current edition approved April 1, 2018. Published April 2018. DOI: 10.1520/
D8164-18.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D8164 − 18
3. Terminology ment errors when used to measure small sample temperature.
3.1 Definitions: These can be a degree or more when the sample temperature
3.1.1 digital contact thermometer (DCT), n—an electronic differs from room temperature by 40 °C or more using a 7 mm
device consisting of a digital display and associated tempera- probe. This error is due to the difference in thermal conduc-
ture sensing probe. tivity of a DCT and LiG thermometer. The most effective way
3.1.1.1 Discussion—This device consists of a temperature to counter this is by reducing DCT sheath diameter, insulating
sensor connected to a measuring instrument; this instrument the sheath above the immersion level, and using a probe that
measures the temperature-dependent quantity of the sensor, has a small immersion depth as determined by Practice D7962.
computes the temperature from the measured quantity, and 5.2 When replacing a LiG thermometer with one of the
provides a digital output. This digital output goes to a digital D02-DCTs listed in Table 1 and the test method does not list
display and/or recording device that may be internal or external any DCT criteria, it is incumbent on the user to verify the
to the device. suitability of the DCT they have selected. This can be done by
3.1.1.2 Discussion—The devices are often referred to as a comparing measurements made with the selected DCT to those
“digital thermometer,” however the term includes devices that of a LiG thermometer and following the test procedure.
sense temperature by means other than being in physical Comparative measurements are especially important when
contact with the media. measuring the temperature of a small static sample where there
3.1.1.3 Discussion—PET is an acronym for portable elec- is a large difference between sample and room temperature.
tronic thermometers, a subset of digital contact thermometers
(DCT). 6. DCT Criteria
3.1.2 immersion depth, n—depth that a thermometer should 6.1 The DCT criteria shown in Table 1 are for various
be immersed in a uniform temperature environment, such that temperature measurement applications used in Committee D02
further immersion does not produce a change in indicated test methods.
temperature greater than the specified tolerance.
NOTE 1—The DCT’s electronics are typically limited to an environment
4. Summary of Guide of 0 °C to 35 °C. A DCT’s temperature limits can be found in its manual
or in the manufacturer’s specifications.
4.1 This guide provides the criteria for several digital
6.2 Probe Immersion Depth—This criteria quantifies the
contact thermometers (DCT). The DCT criteria were selected
distance from the DCT probe tip that should be covered by the
so that the temperature measured by a DCT would be expected
material being measured in order to obtain an accurate tem-
to be essentially the same as that measured by a LiG thermom-
perature measurement. Immersing the probe in a material by
eter. These criteria focus on temperature measurement in
less than its minimum immersion depth can result in tempera-
Committee D02 test methods or similar measurement situa-
ture measurements that differ from actual temperature. The
tions. In many D02 test methods, the temperature of a small
error is dependent on the temperature difference between the
static sample volume is being made thus the difference between
material being measured and surrounding (ambient) tempera-
device thermal conductivity will have a large impact on
ture. Immersions greater than this immersion depth are accept-
equivalent measurements. It is the responsibility of the stan-
able.
dard developer and user to ensure that a specific DCT criteria
will adequately replace a cited liquid-in-glass thermometer. 6.3 Measurement Drift—The drift in calibration should be
4.2 The DCT temperature sensing elements used in this checked periodically and at least once per year. This can be
guide are platinum resistance temperature (PRT) detector, accomplished using Practice D7962 or Test Methods E644.
thermistor or thermocouple which are in contact with the When a DCT’s calibration drifts in one direction over several
substance thus referred to as a digital contact thermometer. calibration checks against a reference temperature, such as the
Both PRTs and thermistors are members of a group referred to ice point, it may be an indication of deterioration of the DCT.
as resistance temperature detectors (RTD) as their resistance is The probe is to be recalibrated, when the check value differs by
a function of temperature. Thermocouples are created by more than the calibration drift listed in Table 1 from the last
linking two dissimilar metals which results in a temperature probe calibration. See Practice E563, Test Methods E644, or
dependent potential. Guide E1750 for more information regarding checking cali-
brations.
5. Significance and Use NOTE 2—For reference temperatures, additional information on prepar-
5.1 The DCT criteria listed in Table 1 have been found to be ing and using an ice bath can be found in Practice E563. Guide E1750
suitable for replacing some of the noted liquid-in-glass ther- provides guidance for preparing and using a water triple point cell.
mometers with a DCT. The criteria stated are based on the 6.4 Response Time—is the time it takes a DCT probe
liquid-in-glass (LiG) thermometer design which are the bulb (sensor) to respond to a step change in temperature. This is
length, immersion depth, precision of measurement, thermom- defined as 63.2 % of the time it takes a DCT to fully respond
eter position, etc. The parameters for sensor length, immersion to a step change in temperature. The test is done according to
depth, sheath diameter are especially critical when measuring Section 9 of Test Methods E644 where the step change begins
the temperature of small static samples due to temperature with the DCT at an initial temperature of 20 °C 6 5 °C air
probe thermal conductivity. A DCT that is suitable for use in a before transferring to water at 77 °C 6 5 °C with it flowing at
stirred constant temperature bath will likely result in measure- 0.9 m ⁄s 6 0.09 m ⁄s past the sensor.

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 D8164 − 18
6.5 Calibration—The calibration temperature data should point values. If system adjustments can not be made then the
be evenly distributed over a device’s nominal temperature report needs to include the correction factors needed to bring
range (Table 1) or over the range of use if narrower than the the display temperature to the correct value along with guid-
nominal temperature range. The calibration data should be ance on applying them. A report may show AS FOUND values
included in calibration report. The calibration report should be that were documented before adjustments, and AS LEFT which
obtained from a calibration laboratory with demonstrated are the values documented after adjustments may have been
competency in temperature calibration which is traceable to a made. A DCT’s accuracy (tolerance) as shown in its calibration
national calibration laboratory or metrology standards body. report is to be consistent with those listed for its “E2877
An example is a calibration laboratory with a ISO 17025 Class”.
accreditation that includes temperature calibration.
6.6 Thermowells—When inserting a DCT probe into a 7. DCT Citation
thermowell with a larger diameter, a sleeve is needed to ensure 7.1 The DCT citation referencing these criteria in a standard
good thermal transfer from the wall to the DCT sheath. This should include the D02-DCT designation, any variance from
sleeve is to be made from a thermally conductive substance the criteria in Table 1, and include the information in subsec-
such as metal such as copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, steel, or tions 6.2 through 6.5.
other material.
6.7 A DCT Certification/Calibration report may differ from 8. Keywords
a liquid-in-glass thermometer since a system adjustment can 8.1 DCT; digital contact thermometers; LiG; liquid-in-glass
allow readings to be closely matched to the reference at the test thermometers

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 D8164 − 18

TABLE 1 DCT Criteria for D02 Test Methods

NOTE 1—When making measurements below –40 °C with a PRT, it may be necessary to use a 1000 Ω PRT sensor in order to obtain accurate
measurements.
NOTE 2—Additional information on PRT sensors and their testing can be found in Test Methods E644.
D02–DCT ID D02-DCT01 D02-DCT02 D02-DCT03 D02-DCT04

E1 and E2251 listed LiG 5C, S5C 61C 6C 43C, 72C, 73C, 74C, 114C,
Thermometers (High Cloud and Pour) (Melt Point) (Low Cloud and Pour) 122C, 123C, 124C, 125C,
126C, 127C, 128C

Potential Application D97, D2500, D5853 D97, D5853 D97, D2500, D5853 D445

Temperature sensor placementA Sample Sample Sample Temperature bath

Parameter DCT Criteria

E2877 Class, minimum F F F A

Nominal temperature range,B °C –38 to 50 32 to 127 –80 to 20 –80 to 20
Display resolution, °C minimum 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.01
Accuracy,C °C minimum 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.05
Sensor type (Note 1 and Note 2) PRT, Thermistor PRT, Thermistor PRT, Thermistor PRT
Sensor sheath,D max diameter, mm 4.2E 4.2 4.2E 7
Sensor length,F max mm 10 10 10 45
Probe immersion depth by D7962,G <40 <40 <40 <105
mm
(see 6.2)
Measurement drift,H less than °C 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.01
(see 6.3)
Response time,I less than 4 4 4 8
or equal to, seconds (see 6.4)
Calibration data,J minimum 4 4 4 4
(see 6.5)
A
Indicates placement of the sensor which is typically in the sample or the container (bath) holding the sample.
B
A device’s minimum and maximum temperature may be different than the values shown provided the calibration requirements are met.
C
Accuracy is the combined accuracy of the DCT unit that is the display and sensor without correction factors.
D
Sensor sheath is the tube that holds the sensing element. The value is the nominal outside diameter of the sheath segment containing the sensing element.
E
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM international headquarters and may be obtained by requesting research report RR:D02-1849.
F
The physical length of the temperature sensing element. Contact the DCT supplier to determine whether this parameter is met, as it will not be accessible to the user.
G
Minimum probe immersion depth needed for an accurate measurement as determined by Practice D7962 and is to be equal to or less than the value in the table.
H
As determined by Practice D7962 or an equivalent procedure.
I
Response time determined per 6.4 following procedure in Test Methods E644, Section 9.
J
Minimum number of calibration data points used to establish calibration, subsection 6.4.
K
This DCT probe requires the use of a sleeve to hold the probe in good contact with the thermowell wall, see 6.5. Alternatively, a 7 mm glass sheath probe has been found
to be acceptable and no sleeve is required.

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 D8164 − 18
TABLE 1 DCT Criteria for D02 Test Methods (continued)
D02–DCT ID D02-DCT05 D02-DCT06 D02-DCT07 D02-DCT08
E1 and E2251 listed LiG 28C, 29C, 44C, 45C, 46C, 47C, 110C, 132C 28C, 29C, 44C, 46C, 120C, 121C
Thermometers 48C, 120C, 121C, 129C, 128C
Potential Application D445 D445 D7279 D2162
Temperature sensor placementA Temperature bath Temperature bath Temperature bath

Parameter DCT Criteria

E2877 Class, minimum A A A A

Nominal temperature range,B °C 0 to 110 100 to 175 0 to 110 10 to 175
Display resolution, °C minimum 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.001
Accuracy,C °C minimum 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.007
Sensor type (Note 1 and Note 2) PRT, Thermistor PRT PRT, Thermistor PRT
Sensor sheath,D max diameter, mm 7 7 7 7
Sensor length,F max mm 45 45 18 45
Probe immersion depth by D7962,G mm <105 <105 <40 <105
(see 6.2)
Measurement drift,H less than °C 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
(see 6.3)
Response time,I less than 8 8 8 8
or equal to, seconds (see 6.4)
Calibration data,J minimum 4 4 4 4
(see 6.5)

TABLE 1 DCT Criteria for D02 Test Methods (continued)

D02–DCT ID D02-DCT09 D02-DCT10 D02-DCT11 D02-DCT12 D02-DCT13 D02-DCT14
E1 and E2251 listed LiG 114C 73C, 74C 40C, 122C, 123C, 5C, S5C, 114C 5C, S5C, 6C
Thermometers 124C, 125C
Potential Application D2386 D2532 D2983 D4539, D6371 D6371 D3829, D4684,
D6821, D6896
A
Temperature sensor placement Sample Temperature bath Temperature bath Sample Sample Block Thermowell

Parameter DCT Criteria

E2877 Class, minimum F A D F F C

Nominal temperature range,B °C –80 to 20 –55 to 20 –60 to 60 –38 to 50 –80 to 50 -45 to 100
Display resolution, °C minimum 0.1 0.01 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Accuracy,C °C minimum 0.2 0.03 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.05
Sensor type (Note 1 and Note 2) PRT PRT PRT PRT PRT PRT, Thermistor
Sensor sheath,D max diameter, mm 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 3K
Sensor length,F max mm 18 45 20 18 10 30
Probe immersion depth by D7962,G mm <40 <105 <105 <40 <40 <40
(see 6.2)
Measurement drift,H less than °C 0.2 0.03 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.05
(see 6.3)
Response time,I less than 4 4 4 4 4 3
or equal to, seconds (see 6.4)
Calibration data,J minimum 4 4 4 4 4 4
(see 6.5)

RELATED MATERIAL

Test Method E77 for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers Guide E1594 for Expression of Temperature
Terminology E344 Relating to Thermometry and Hydrometry Guide E2593 for Accuracy Verification of Industrial Platinum Resistance
Specification E1137 for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers Thermometers
Guide E1502 for Use of Fixed-Point Cells for Reference Temperatures Practice E2623 for Reporting Thermometer Calibrations

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