This document describes the field centrifuge method for determining both water and sediment or sediment only in crude oil. This method may not always produce the most accurate results, but it is considered the most practical method for field determination of water and sediment. This method may also be used for field determination of sediment. When a higher degree of accuracy is required, the laboratory procedure described in API MPMS Ch. 10.3, Standard Test Method for Water and Sediment in Crude Oil by the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory Procedure) (ASTM D4007); API MPMS Ch. 10.2, Standard Test Method for Water in Crude Oil by Distillation (ASTM D4006); or API MPMS Ch. 10.9, Standard Test Method for Water in Crude Oils by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration (ASTM D4928); and the procedure described in API MPMS Ch. 10.1, Standard Test Method for Sediment in Crude Oils and Fuel Oils by the Extraction Method (ASTM D473) or API MPMS Ch. 10.8, Standard Test Method for Sediment in Crude Oil by Membrane Filtration (ASTM D4807) should be used.
The requirements of this standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. The user of this standard has the responsibility for establishing appropriate safety and health practices and determining the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.