ASTM D4731-02(2008)e1

Standard Specification for Hot-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable

ABSTRACT
This specification covers a variety of petroleum-based and other compounds used for filling the air spaces in telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating through the cable structure. The two basic types of filling compounds are specified: Type I which are general-purpose filling compounds that include all materials to be used for filling cables that are not required to function under electrical stress and Type II which are electrical-type filling compounds that include materials having prescribed electrical properties and used for filling wires and cables that are required to function fully or partially under electrical stress. Filling compound furnished shall inhibit the corrosion of any metallic wire and cable elements with which it comes in contact, while serving as a radial and longitudinal barrier to moisture transmission. Contact of the filling compound with any cable component shall not cause degradation of performance of the cable component. The filling compound shall display adhesive properties to provide adhesion between metallic sheath elements and the outer jacket materials of wire and cable. The following properties of filling compounds manufactured shall be determined: homogeneity, color and opacity, color stability, foreign materials, and other properties that includes volatility, thermal oxidative stability, and corrosion prevention.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a variety of petroleum-based and other compounds used for filling the air spaces in telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating through the cable structure. (For related standards see Specifications D 4730 and D 4732).
1.2 A hot-application compound is a material that requires melting in order to be applied as a liquid and its melting point may affect its performance in the finished cable product.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2008
• ICS: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides
• Technical Committee: D09 - Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4731-02 - Standard Specification for Hot-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D4967-21 - Standard Guide for Selecting Materials to Be Used for Insulation, Jacketing, and Strength Components in Fiber-Optic Cables
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D4730-13(2020) - Standard Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D4568-13(2020) - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Compatibility Between Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds and Polyolefin Wire and Cable Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D4732-13(2020) - Standard Specification for Cool-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D4565-20 - Standard Test Methods for Physical and Environmental Performance Properties of <brk/>Insulations and Jackets for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´1
Designation:D4731 −02(Reapproved 2008) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Hot-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications
Wire and Cable
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4731; 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.
´ NOTE—The units statement in subsection 1.3 was corrected editorially in July 2008.
1. Scope D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
1.1 This specification covers a variety of petroleum-based
ity)
and other compounds used for filling the air spaces in telecom-
D938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum
munications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic)
Waxes, Including Petrolatum
forthepurposeofpreventingwaterandotherundesirablefluids
D1500 Test Method forASTM Color of Petroleum Products
from entering or migrating through the cable structure. (For
(ASTM Color Scale)
related standards see Specifications D4730 and D4732).
D2161 Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to
1.2 A hot-application compound is a material that requires
Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
melting in order to be applied as a liquid and its melting point
D3895 Test Method for Oxidative-Induction Time of Poly-
may affect its performance in the finished cable product.
olefins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
D3954 Test Method for Dropping Point of Waxes
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
D4565 Test Methods for Physical and Environmental Per-
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
formance Properties of Insulations and Jackets for Tele-
tion only and are not considered standard.
communications Wire and Cable
D4568 Test Methods for Evaluating Compatibility Between
2. Referenced Documents
Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds And Polyolefin
2.1 ASTM Standards: Wire and Cable Materials
D6 Test Method for Loss on Heating of Oil and Asphaltic
D4730 Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecom-
Compounds
munications Wire and Cable
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland
D4732 Specification for Cool-Application Filling Com-
Open Cup Tester
pounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
D97 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
D4872 Test Method for DielectricTesting ofWire and Cable
D127 Test Method for Drop Melting Point of Petroleum
Filling Compounds
Wax, Including Petrolatum
D150 Test Methods forAC Loss Characteristics and Permit-
3. Terminology
tivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D257 Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of
3.1.1 filling material—any of several materials used to fill
Insulating Materials
the air spaces in the cores of multi-conductor insulated wires
and cables, or between buffer tubes covering optical fibers, or
within such buffer tubes, or any combination of these configu-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on
rations and any other cable components, for the purpose of
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D09.18 on Solid Insulations, Non-Metallic Shieldings and Coverings
excluding water and other undesirable fluids; especially with
for Electrical and Telecommunication Wires and Cables. Subcommittee D02.10
regard to telecommunications wire and cable, including optical
contributed in the development of this standard.
cable, intended for outside aerial, buried, or underground
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2008.PublishedJuly2008.Originallyapproved
in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D4731–02. DOI: 10.1520/ installations.
D4731-02R08E01.
3.1.2 producer—the primary manufacturer of the material.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.1.3 suppliers—jobbers and distributors as distinct from
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. producers.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
D4731−02 (2008)
4. Classification 8.1.1 When tested, in accordance with Test Methods D150
or D4872, at a temperature of 23 6 3 °C, the dissipation factor
4.1 Two basic types of filling compounds are covered, as
shall not exceed 0.0010 at a frequency of 1 MHz and the
follows:
permittivity shall not exceed 2.30.
4.1.1 Type I—General-purpose filling compounds include
8.1.1.1 Warning—Ifanybubblesareformedinmeltingthe
all materials to be used for filling cables that are not required
compound to prepare the specimen for test, the sample shall be
to function under electrical stress (for example, all dielectric
discarded and a new sample selected.
fiber-optic cable), including filling compounds for fiber-optic
8.1.2 When tested, in accordance with Test Methods D257,
loose buffer tubes.
at a temperature of 23 6 3 °C, the volume resistivity shall be
4.1.2 Type II—Electrical-type filling compounds include
not less than 10 Ω·cm.
materials having prescribed electrical properties and used for
filling wires and cables that are required to function fully or
9. Physical Properties
partially under electrical stress (including hybrid fiber-optic
cable).
9.1 Filling compound furnished under this specification
shall inhibit the corrosion of any metallic wire and cable
5. Ordering Information
elements with which it comes in contact, while serving as a
5.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
radial and longitudinal barrier to moisture transmission. Con-
the following information:
tact of the filling compound with any cable component shall
5.1.1 Quantity (mass or volume) of each item,
not cause degradation of performance of the cable component.
5.1.2 Generic name of the material, such as hot-application
The filling compound shall display adhesive properties to
cable filling material,
provide adhesion between metallic sheath elements and the
5.1.3 Type of material: Type I, General Purpose or Type II,
outer jacket materials of wire and cable.
Electrical,
9.2 Other Physical Properties:
5.1.4 How Furnished: drums or barrels, tank cars or tank
9.2.1 Other property requirements such as Flash Point (for
trucks, and the like,
example, Test Method D92), high-temperature drip/oil separa-
5.1.5 Certification, if required (Section 14).
tion (syneresis) in the raw material state, and the like, shall be
5.1.6 This specification designation, and
as agreed upon between the producer and the purchaser.
5.1.7 Anyspecialrequirements,aslistedin7.2,9.2and10.2
(Additional information on oil separation is given in the
and in Sections 11 and 12 that apply.
appendix of this specification.)
6. Materials and Manufacture
10. General Requirements
6.1 The material and manufacturing methods used shall be
such that the resulting products will conform to the properties 10.1 All filling compounds manufactured in accordance
and characteristics prescribed in this specification. with this specification shall meet the following requirements:
10.1.1 Homogeneity—The compound shall be homoge-
7. Chemical Composition
neous and free of agglomerates.
7.1 The chemical composition of these materials is not 10.1.2 Color and Opacity—The compound shall be as
specified. The material may be of any chemical composition nearlycolorlessasiscommerciallyfeasible,consistentwiththe
suitable for the intended purpose and that meets the require- requirements of the end products for which the filling com-
ments of this specification as hereinafter stated. pound is intended. In general, identification of cable members
coated with filling compound shall not be significantly inhib-
7.2 When agreed upon between the producer and the pur-
ited because of filling-compound color or opacity.
chaser, antioxidant stabilizing additives may be included in the
10.1.3 Color Stability—After aging a specimen of filling
compound formulation to assure specified results in thermal
compound in a suitable container for a period of 120 61h(5
oxidative stability testing.
days) at a temperature of 266 °F (130 °C) in a static air oven,
7.3 Once established, the producer shall not change the
measure the compound color in accordance with Test Method
composition of the compound in successive lots of material
D1500. Unless otherwise specified, the color of the aged
without prior approval of the purchaser.
compound shall not exceed 2.5.
10.1.4 Foreign Material—The compounds shall be free of
8. Electrical Properties
dirt, metallic particles, and other foreign matter.
8.1 When a Type II (electrical)
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
An American National Standard
Designation:D4731–93 (Reapproved 1998) Designation: D 4731 – 02 (Reapproved
e1
2008)
Standard Specification for
Hot-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications
Wire and Cable
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4731; 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.
e NOTE—The units statement in subsection 1.3 was corrected editorially in July 2008.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers a variety of petroleum-based and other compounds used for filling the air spaces in
telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable
fluids from entering or migrating through the cable structure. (For related standards see Specifications D 4730 and D4732 and
D 4732).
1.2 Ahot-application compound is a material that requires melting in order to be applied as a liquid and its melting point may
affect its performance in the finished cable product.
1.3The values stated in SI units are the standard.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions
to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 6 Test Method for Loss on Heating of Oil and Asphaltic Compounds
D 92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
D 97 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Oils Products
D 127 Test Method for Drop Melting Point of Petroleum Wax, Including Petrolatum
D 150 Test Methods for A-CAC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulating
Materials Insulation
D 257 Test Methods for D-CDC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials
D 445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
D 938 Test Method for Congealing Point of Petroleum Waxes, Including Petrolatum
D 1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
D 2161 Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
D 3895 Test Method for Oxidative-Induction Time of Polyolefins by Differential Scanning Colorimetry Calorimetry
D 3954 Test Method for Dropping Point of Waxes
D 4565 Test Methods for Physical and Environmental Performance Properties of Insulations and Jackets for Telecommunica-
tions Wire and Cable
D 4568 Test Methods for Evaluating Compatibility Between Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds andAnd Polyolefin Wire
and Cable Materials
D 4730 Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
D 4732 Specification for Cool-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
D 4872 Test Method for Dielectric Testing of Wire and Cable Filling Compounds
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD-9D09onElectricalandElectronicInsulatingMaterialsandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommittee
D09.18 on Solid Insulations, Non-Metallic Shieldings and Coverings for Electrical and Telecommunications Wires and Cables. Subcommittee D02.10 contributed in the
development of this standard.
Current edition approved July 15, 1993.May 1, 2008. Published October 1993.July 2008. Originally published approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2002
as D4731–87.D 4731–02.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 04.04.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
e1
D 4731 – 02 (2008)
3. Terminology
3.1Description of Terms Specific to This Standard
3.2
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 filling material—any of several materials used to fill the air spaces in the cores of multi-conductor insulated wires and
cables, or between buffer tubes covering optical fibers, or within such buffer tubes, or any combination of these configurations and
any other cable components, for the purpose of excluding water and other undesirable fluids; especially with regard to
telecommunications wire and cable, including optical cable, intended for outside aerial, buried, or underground installations.
3.33.1.2 producer—the primary manufacturer of the material.
3.4
3.1.3 suppliers—jobbers and distributors as distinct from producers.
4. Classification
4.1 Two basic types of filling compounds are covered, as follows:
4.1.1 Type I—General-purpose filling compounds include all materials to be used for filling cables that are not required to
function under electrical stress (for example, all dielectric fiber-optic cable), including filling compounds for fiber-optic loose
buffer tubes.
4.1.2 Type II—Electrical-typefillingcompoundsincludematerialshavingprescribedelectricalpropertiesandareusedforfilling
wires and cables that are required to function fully or partially under electrical stress (including hybrid fiber-optic cable).
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include the following information:
5.1.1 Quantity (mass or volume) of each item,
5.1.2 Generic name of the material, such as hot-application cable filling material,
5.1.3 Type of material: Type I, General Purpose or Type II, Electrical,
5.1.4 How Furnished: drums or barrels, tank cars or tank trucks, and the like,
5.1.5 Certification, if required (Section 1314).
5.1.6 This specification designation, and
5.1.7 Any special requirements, as listed in 7.2and , 9.2 and 10.2 and in Sections 10 and 11 , that apply. and 12 that apply.
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 The material and manufacturing methods used shall be such that the resulting products will conform to the properties and
characteristics prescribed in this specification.
7. Chemical Composition
7.1 The chemical composition of these materials is not specified.The material may be of any chemical composition suitable for
the intended purpose and that meets the requirements of this specification as hereinafter stated.
7.2 When agreed upon between the producer and the purchaser, antioxidant stabilizing additives may be included in the
compound formulation to assure specified results in thermal oxidative stability testing.
7.3 Once established, the producer shall not change the composition of the compound in successive lots of material without
prior approval of the purchaser.
8. Electrical Properties
8.1 When a Type II (electrical) filling compound is specified, the compound shall exhibit the electrical properties in 8.1.1
throughand8.1.2.Theelectrodesusedshallbeparallelplatesofsolidorfoilmetalofasizeandshapeappropriateforthespecimen
holder; otherholder. Other electrodes may be used as agreed upon between the producer and the purchaser. The voltage applied
and the time of electrification shall be appropriate for the instrumentation used and as agreed upon between the producer and the
purchaser.
8.1.1 Whentested,inaccordancewithTestMethodsD 150orD 4872,atatemperatureof23 63°C,thedissipationfactorshall
not exceed 0.0010 at a frequency of 1 MHz and the permittivity shall not exceed 2.30.
8.1.1.1 Caution:Warning —If any bubbles are formed in melting the compound to prepare the specimen for test, the sample
shall be discarded and a new sample selected.
8.1.2 When tested, in accordance with Test Methods D 257, at a temperature of 23 6 3 °C, the volume resistivity shall be not
less than 10 V·cm.
9. General Requirements
9.1All filling compounds manufactured in accordance with this specification shall meet the following requirements:
9.1.1Physical Properties
e1
D 4731 – 02 (2008)
9.1 Filling compound furnished under this specification shall inhibit the corrosion of any metallic wire and cable elements with
which it comes in contact, while serving as a radial and longitudinal barrier to moisture transmission. Contact of the filling
compound with any cable component shall not cause degradation of performance of the cable component. The filling compound
shall display adhesive properties to provide adhesion between metallic sheath elements and the outer jacket materials of wire and
cable.
9.2 Other Physical Properties:
9.2.1 Other property requirements such as Flash Point (for example, Test Method D 92), high-temperature drip/oil separation
(syneresis) in the raw material state, and the like, shall be as agreed upon between the producer and the purchaser. (Additional
information on oil separation is given in the appendix of this specification.)
10. General Requirements
10.1 All filling compounds manufactured in accordance with this specification shall meet the following requirements:
10.1.1 Homogeneity—The compound shall be homogeneous and free of agglomerates.
9.1.2
10.1.2 Color and Opacity—The compound shall be as nearly colorless as is commercially feasible, consistent with the
requirements of the end products for which the filling compound is intended. In general, identification of cable members coated
with filling compound shall not be significantly inhibited because of filling-compound color or opacity.
9.1.3
10.1.3 Color Stability—After aging a specimen of filling compound in a suitable container for a period of 120 6 1 h (5 days)
at a temperature of 266 °F (130 °C) in a stati
...