BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011

BSI Standards Publication

Paints and varnishes —

Determination of density
Part 4: Pressure cup method (ISO
2811-4:2011)
BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN ISO
2811-4:2011. It supersedes BS EN ISO 2811-4:2001 which is
withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee STI/10, Test methods for paints.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© BSI 2011
ISBN 978 0 580 66284 3
ICS 87.040
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 March 2011.
Amendments issued since publication
Date Text affected
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN ISO 2811-4
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2011

ICS 87.040 Supersedes EN ISO 2811-4:2001

English Version

Paints and varnishes - Determination of density - Part 4:

Pressure cup method (ISO 2811-4:2011)

Peintures et vernis - Détermination de la masse volumique Beschichtungsstoffe - Bestimmung der Dichte - Teil 4:
- Partie 4: Méthode du cylindre sous pression (ISO 2811- Druckzylinder-Verfahren (ISO 2811-4:2011)
4:2011)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 19 February 2011.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 2811-4:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
EN ISO 2811-4:2011 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN ISO 2811-4:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35 "Paints and
varnishes" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 139 “Paints and varnishes” the secretariat of
which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2011, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by September 2011.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN ISO 2811-4:2001.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Endorsement notice

The text of ISO 2811-4:2011 has been approved by CEN as a EN ISO 2811-4:2011 without any modification.

3
 BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

Contents Page

Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................iv
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................1
2 Normative references............................................................................................................................1
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................1
4 Principle .................................................................................................................................................1
5 Temperature...........................................................................................................................................2
6 Apparatus...............................................................................................................................................2
7 Sampling ................................................................................................................................................2
8 Procedure...............................................................................................................................................2
8.1 General ...................................................................................................................................................2
8.2 Determination ........................................................................................................................................2
9 Calculation .............................................................................................................................................4
10 Precision ................................................................................................................................................4
10.1 General ...................................................................................................................................................4
10.2 Repeatability limit, r ..............................................................................................................................4
10.3 Reproducibility limit, R..........................................................................................................................4
11 Test report..............................................................................................................................................4
Annex A (normative) Calibration of pressure cup...........................................................................................6
Annex B (informative) Temperature variation ..................................................................................................8

© ISO 2011 – All rights reserved iii

BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

ISO 2811-4 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35, Paints and varnishes, Subcommittee SC 9,
General test methods for paints and varnishes.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 2811-4:1997), which has been technically
revised.

The main changes are:

a) The unit for the density has been changed from grams per millilitre to grams per cubic centimetre,
because this is the more common SI unit.

b) The determination in duplicate has been changed to a single determination.

c) The normative references have been updated.

ISO 2811 consists of the following parts, under the general title Paints and varnishes — Determination of
density:

⎯ Part 1: Pyknometer method

⎯ Part 2: Immersed body (plummet) method

⎯ Part 3: Oscillation method

⎯ Part 4: Pressure cup method

iv © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

Paints and varnishes — Determination of density —

Part 4:
Pressure cup method

1 Scope
This part of ISO 2811 specifies a method for determining the density of paints, varnishes and related products
using a pressure cup.

The method is suitable for products which are aerated. Emulsion paints, for example, often trap small air
bubbles, and these might still be present when the density is measured.

It is not, however, suitable for textured paints which contain coarse particles.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO 1513, Paints and varnishes — Examination and preparation of test samples

ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods

ISO 15528, Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes — Sampling

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
density
ρ
mass divided by the volume of a portion of a material

NOTE This is expressed in grams per cubic centimetre.

4 Principle
The product under test is compressed in a cylindrical pressure cup to reduce any error due to air bubbles
which have not been eliminated. The density is calculated from the mass of the product and the volume of the
cylinder.

NOTE Air is more soluble at higher pressures, and it is thought that the main mechanism of bubble removal is by
dissolving. Any undissolved bubbles are compressed to a fraction of their original size.

© ISO 2011 – All rights reserved 1

BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

5 Temperature
The effect of temperature on density is highly significant with respect to filling properties, and varies with the
type of product.

Carry out the test at (23,0 ± 0,5) °C.

NOTE For some purposes, a different temperature, for example (20,0 ± 0,5) °C, might be needed.

The test sample and pressure cup shall be conditioned to the specified or agreed temperature, and it shall be
ensured that the temperature variation does not exceed 0,5 °C during testing.

6 Apparatus
Ordinary laboratory apparatus and glassware, together with the following.

6.1 Pressure cup, comprising a hollow cylinder closed by a screw-driven piston at its lower end and by a
pressure-release cap at the top (see Figure 1). A calibration collar on the screw is set to stop further
movement of the piston when the volume contained in the cylinder is 100 cm3. The pressure-release cap is
designed to let liquid escape when the pressure in the cylinder rises above (1,0 ± 0,1) MPa (10 bar). The
apparatus is made of a strong, inert material, for example stainless steel, and it is easily dismantled for
cleaning.

6.2 Thermometer, accurate to 0,2 °C and graduated at intervals of 0,2 °C or finer.

6.3 Temperature-controlled chamber, capable of maintaining the pressure cup and sample at the
specified or agreed temperature (see Clause 5).

6.4 Balance, accurate to 10 mg.

7 Sampling
Take a representative sample of the product under test, as described in ISO 15528. Examine and prepare the
sample as described in ISO 1513.

8 Procedure

8.1 General

Carry out a single determination on a fresh test sample.

8.2 Determination

Weigh the dismantled apparatus, ensure that it is clean and has a trace of grease on the moving parts. Fit the
piston in its lowest position in the cylinder.

Weigh the complete apparatus to the nearest 10 mg (m1). Bring the apparatus and the test sample to the
specified or agreed temperature by placing it next to the balance for at least 30 min.

Pour the test sample into the cylinder until it is almost full, and allow sufficient time for the test sample and the
cylinder to come to equilibrium at the test temperature. Confirm that the temperature is correct using the
thermometer (6.2). Secure the pressure-release cap in position, in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.

2 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

Key
1 pressure-setting handle 6 piston seal
2 pressure-release device 7 piston
3 end cap 8 calibration-collar stop
4 end seal 9 pressure-application handle
5 cylinder (closed volume 100 cm3)

Figure 1 — Pressure cup

Compress the test sample by turning the screw. As the pressure reaches about 1 MPa, excess paint is forced
out between the cylinder and the cap. Continue turning the screw until the calibration collar stops further
movement.

NOTE A rag held around the top of the cylinder reduces the mess. It is essential that some excess paint is forced out,
to confirm that full pressure is achieved.

Clean and dry the outside of the filled cup, and weigh it to the nearest 10 mg (m2).

Unscrew the piston enough to reduce the pressure. Dismantle, empty and clean the apparatus.

© ISO 2011 – All rights reserved 3

BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

For reference tests, and periodically during routine tests, check the calibration of the apparatus, using pure
water as the test liquid (see Annex A).

9 Calculation
Calculate the density, ρ, of the product, in grams per cubic centimetre, at the test temperature, t T, using
Equation (1):

m 2 − m1
ρ= (1)
Vt

where

m1 is the mass, in grams, of the empty pressure cup;

m2 is the mass, in grams, of the pressure cup filled with the product at the test temperature, t T;

Vt is the volume, in cubic centimetres, of the pressure cup at the test temperature, t T, determined in
accordance with Annex A.

NOTE The result is not corrected for air buoyancy because the uncorrected value is required by most filling-machine
control procedures and the correction (0,001 2 g/cm3) is negligible in relation to the precision of the method.

If the test temperature used is not the reference temperature, the density can be calculated using
Equation (B.2).

10 Precision

10.1 General

The precision of the method depends on the characteristics of the product under test. For materials which
contain no entrapped air, the values in 10.2 and 10.3 are valid.

10.2 Repeatability limit, r

The value below which the absolute difference between two single test results, obtained on identical material
by one operator in one laboratory using the same equipment within a short interval of time using the
standardized test method, may be expected to lie, with a 95 % probability, is 0,005 g/cm3.

10.3 Reproducibility limit, R

No data are currently available.

11 Test report
The test report shall include at least the following information:

a) all details necessary to identify the product tested;

b) a reference to this part of ISO 2811, i.e. ISO 2811-4:2011;

c) the supplier and serial number or other identification of the pressure cup;

d) the test temperature;

4 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

e) the result of the density measurement, in grams per cubic centimetre, rounded to the nearest
0,001 g/cm3;

f) any deviation from the test method specified;

g) any unusual features (anomalies) observed during the test;

h) the date of the test.

© ISO 2011 – All rights reserved 5

BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

Annex A
(normative)

Calibration of pressure cup

A.1 General
Put the pressure cup in a container next to the balance in order for it to reach room temperature
(approximately 30 min), then weigh using the balance and record this mass (m1).

Almost fill the pressure cup with distilled or deionized water of grade 2 purity, as defined in ISO 3696, which
has been previously boiled and then brought to a temperature of not more than 1 °C below the test
temperature. Secure the pressure-release cap in position, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Place the pressure cup in the temperature-controlled chamber and wait until the test temperature is reached,
then compress the water by turning the screw. Continue until the calibration collar stops further movement,
and wipe off any excess water with an absorbent material (cloth or paper), leaving the pressure cup exactly
filled. Take the pressure cup out of the chamber and dry it thoroughly on the outside. Avoid additional heating
up. Weigh the filled pressure cup immediately (m3).

Handle the pressure cup as little as possible to minimize temperature increases.

A.2 Calculation of the volume of the pressure cup

Calculate the volume of the pressure cup, Vt, in cubic centimetres, at temperature, t T, using Equation (A.1):

m 3 − m1
Vt = (A.1)
ρW

where

m1 is the mass, in grams, of the empty pressure cup;

m3 is the mass, in grams, of the pressure cup filled with distilled water at the test temperature, tT;

ρW is the density, in grams per cubic centimetre, of pure water at the test temperature, tT (see
Table A.1).

6 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

Table A.1 — Density of pure, air-free water

Temperature Density Temperature Density Temperature Density

tT ρW tT ρW tT ρW
°C g/cm3 °C g/cm3 °C g/cm3

10 0,999 7 22 0,997 8 25 0,997 0

11 0,999 6
12 0,999 5 22,1 0,997 8 25,1 0,997 0
13 0,999 4 22,2 0,997 7 25,2 0,997 0
14 0,999 2 22,3 0,997 7 25,3 0,997 0
15 0,999 1 22,4 0,997 7 25,4 0,996 9
16 0,998 9 22,5 0,997 7 25,5 0,996 9
17 0,998 8 22,6 0,997 6 25,6 0,996 9
18 0,998 6 22,7 0,997 6 25,7 0,996 9
19 0,998 4 22,8 0,997 6 25,8 0,996 8
22,9 0,997 6 25,9 0,996 8
20 0,998 2 23 0,997 5 26 0,996 8
27 0,996 5
20,1 0,998 2 23,1 0,997 5 28 0,996 2
20,2 0,998 2 23,2 0,997 5 29 0,995 9
20,3 0,998 1 23,3 0,997 5 30 0,995 7
20,4 0,998 1 23,4 0,997 4 31 0,995 3
20,5 0,998 1 23,5 0,997 4 32 0,995 0
20,6 0,998 1 23,6 0,997 4 33 0,994 7
20,7 0,998 1 23,7 0,997 4 34 0,994 4
20,8 0,998 0 23,8 0,997 3 35 0,994 0
20,9 0,998 0 23,9 0,997 3
21 0,998 0 24 0,997 3 36 0,993 7
37 0,993 3
21,1 0,998 0 24,1 0,997 3 38 0,993 0
21,2 0,998 0 24,2 0,997 2 39 0,992 6
21,3 0,997 9 24,3 0,997 2 40 0,992 2
21,4 0,997 9 24,4 0,997 2
21,5 0,997 9 24,5 0,997 2
21,6 0,997 9 24,6 0,997 1
21,7 0,997 8 24,7 0,997 1
21,8 0,997 8 24,8 0,997 1
21,9 0,997 8 24,9 0,997 1

© ISO 2011 – All rights reserved 7

BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
ISO 2811-4:2011(E)

Annex B
(informative)

Temperature variation

B.1 Correction for thermal expansion of the pressure cup

If the test temperature, t T, differs by more than 5 °C from the temperature at which the volume of the pressure
cup is known, the density should preferably be corrected for the change in volume of the pressure cup.

Calculate, to five significant figures, the volume, Vt, in cubic centimetres, of the pressure cup at the test
temperature using Equation (B.1):

V t = V C ⎡⎣1 + γ P (t T − t C )⎤⎦ (B.1)

where

VC is the volume, in cubic centimetres, of the pressure cup at the calibration temperature, tC;

γP is the volume coefficient of thermal expansion, in reciprocal degrees Celsius (°C−1), of the material
from which the pressure cup is made (see Table B.1);

tT is the test temperature, in degrees Celsius;

tC is the calibration temperature, in degrees Celsius.

Table B.1 — Coefficient of thermal expansion, γ P, of materials used for pressure cups

Material γP
°C−1
Austenitic stainless steel 48 × 10 −6

B.2 Calculation of density at the reference temperature from measurements at other

temperatures
If the density of the product under test is determined at a temperature different from the reference temperature,
the density, ρC, in grams per cubic centimetre, at the reference temperature can be calculated as follows:

ρt
ρC = = ρ t ⎡⎣1 − γ m (t C − t T )⎤⎦ (B.2)
⎡⎣1 + γ m (t C − t T )⎤⎦

where

ρt is the density, in grams per cubic centimetre, of the product at the test temperature;

γ m is the volume coefficient of thermal expansion of the product under test, the approximate value of γ m
being 2 × 10−4 °C-1 for waterborne paints and 7 × 10-4 °C-1 for other paints;

tC is the reference temperature, in degrees Celsius;

tT is the test temperature, in degrees Celsius.

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BS EN ISO 2811-4:2011
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