ASTM F716-82(1993)e1
(Test Method)Standard Methods of Testing Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
Standard Methods of Testing Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
SCOPE
1.1 These methods cover the development of laboratory test data which describe the performance of absorbent materials used to remove oils and other compatible fluids from water.
1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use. (For a specific warning statement see 10.4.)
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
e1
Designation: F 716 – 82 (Reapproved 1993)
Standard Methods of Testing
Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 716; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Section 14 was added editorially in October 1993.
1. Scope late material without sufficient form to be applied in single
units. This type may include particulate blends with other
1.1 These methods cover the development of laboratory test
materials, that is, adsorbents to allow use in specific applica-
data which describe the performance of absorbent materials
tions.
used to remove oils and other compatible fluids from water.
3.2.3 Type II absorbent (roll, sheet, pad, blanket, pillow,
1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe
web)—a material that has a form and strength sufficient to be
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
lifted and handled when saturated without tearing.
to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and
3.2.4 Type III Absorbent (booms)—absorbent material in a
should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or
form whose length substantially exceeds other dimensions.
fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire
Booms are to be provided with connector units so that they
conditions. However, results of this test may be used as
may be coupled to another boom or line.
elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all
of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire
4. Summary of Method
hazard of a particular end use. (For a specific warning
4.1 The absorbent material is tested using established stan-
statement see 10.4.1.)
dard methods, where applicable, and specially developed tests
2. Referenced Documents for performance factors.
2.1 Federal Standard:
5. Significance and Use
Fed. Std. No. 141 Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related
2 5.1 These methods are to be used as a basis for comparison
Materials. Methods of Inspection, Sampling and Testing
of absorbents in a consistent manner.
2.2 Military Specification:
5.2 These methods are not useful for a comparison of
MIL-I-631D Insulation, Electric, Synthetic Resin Composi-
absorbents with adsorbents, even though all absorbents exhibit
tion, Nonrigid
adsorbent properties. Both types of materials have prime areas
3. Terminology of utility.
5.3 These methods may not list all the safety and disposal
3.1 Definitions:
options necessary for safe ultimate disposal of used sorbent
3.1.1 absorption—a process where the material taken up is
material into the environment. Federal, state, and local regu-
distributed throughout the body of the absorbing material.
latory rules must be followed.
3.1.2 adsorption—a process where the material taken up is
distributed over the surface of the adsorbing material.
6. Special Considerations
3.1.3 sorbent—a material used to recover liquids through
6.1 Solubility—Fluid should not dissolve the absorbent
the mechanisms of absorption or adsorption, or both.
under normal recovery or handling conditions.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6.2 Reuse—Used absorbent materials may be recycled un-
3.2.1 oil, oily liquid—substantially water-immiscible or-
der certain conditions. Fluid absorbed cannot be released with
ganic liquids (limited water solubility) as well as liquids
squeezing. However, many of the polymeric materials will
containing dissolved solids. These oily materials may either
depolymerize at temperatures at or below those in a refinery
float, sink, or be dispersed.
pipe still. This means they are recoverable, although in a
3.2.2 Type I absorbent (loose)—an unconsolidated, particu-
different form. Along with resource recovery, the harvestability
of sorbents will become more important. Lower boiling mate-
These methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-20 on
rials may also be steam stripped from absorbents to recover
Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response and are the direct responsibility of
both fluid and absorbent.
Subcommittee F20.12 on Removal.
6.3 Release of Volatiles—Certain volatile materials picked
Current edition approved Jan. 13, 1982. Published March 1982.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 up by sorbents may create a vapor hazard by increasing the
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 716
exposed surface area and therefore vapor release. Depending 8.4 Polar Solvents—For polar solvents, use methylisobu-
on the material picked up, this may increase fire or health tylketone (hexone), butylacetate, etc.
hazard (see 11.3). 8.5 Medium-Viscosity Fluids—For medium-viscosity fluids,
6.4 Release to an Alternative Material Such as Sand—The No. 2 fuel oil, diesel fuel, JP-5, Jet A-1 (turbine fuel), or light
tendency to release sorbed liquid to beaches, ground, clothing crude oil (for example, light Arabian or Iranian crude), is
of personnel, etc., both as liquid and vapor can be determined recommended.
on a basis of priority (see 11.5). 8.6 High-Viscosity Fluids—Nondetergent or C-10 Trans-
6.5 Penetration—Absorbents may be useful as sealing de- former dielectric oil (specify manufacturer and viscosity) is
vices and the penetration test will allow a uniform means of recommended.
determining the efficacy of a material for this use. 8.7 Range Finding Fluids—Ethanol (95%), acetone, ethyl-
ene glycol, cyclohexane, 2-nitropropane are suitable fluids.
7. Apparatus
9. Conditioning
7.1 Exterior Exposure Tester, sufficient for use with Fed.
Std. No. 141, Method 6152 (optional).
9.1 Condition three absorbent test specimens at room tem-
7.1.1 Actual outdoor exposure in a direction averaging the
perature (21 to 26°C) (70 to 80°F) in a closed vessel with 2.5
maximum exposure in a sunny area, such as Southern Florida
cm of water in the bottom. Suspend specimens in vapor space
or Arizona, is desired. Exposure should be listed in months
without contacting water for not less than 24 h prior to testing.
with total sun days.
Condition specimens in the fully exposed state with no
7.1.2 Actual outdoor exposure for a period of three months
coverings or wrapping that would hinder the equilibration
at a testing site should be listed.
process.
7.2 Tension Tester—Commercially available tester (op-
9.2 Condition three absorbent test specimens totally im-
tional).
mersed in water at room temperature (21 to 26°C) (70 to 80°F)
7.2.1 Use of actual weights suspended from test pieces in
in a vessel with a minimum of 10 cm of water covering the
turn suspended from a continuous reading hanging scale may
absorbent for not less than 24 h prior to testing. Condition
be used. Shock loading may be simulated by fastening one end
specimens in the fully exposed state with no coverings or
of a unit rigidly and attaching the maximum pickup weight to
wrapping which would hinder the equilibration process.
the bottom end hanging free. The weight can be raised 2.5 cm
9.3 Alternative Temperatures—If temperature conditions
and released and also 10 cm and again released. This test
other than room temperature are expected to be important, then
should be recorded as pass or fail.
the sorbent should be conditioned and tested at the temperature
7.3 Continuous Reading Hanging Scales—A continuous
of use in addition to those specified in 9.1 and 9.2.
reading hanging scale fitted with a hook or clamp should be
10. Determination of Physical Characteristics of
used. For testing units, weighing sensitivity shall be 6 2%. For
Absorbents
small samples, postal-type scales may be used (0 to 80 g).
7.4 Top Loading Balance, having 0.5-g resolution for 10.1 Mildew—The susceptibility of an absorbent to mildew
samples weighing at minimum 50 g or more. An accuracy of under normal storage is described in MIL-I-631D. This op-
2% is desired. tional test determines the expected shelf life under conditions
7.5 Measuring Tubes—10 and 100-mL graduated measur- which could lead to mildew. This test may be required when it
ing cylinders of regular laboratory quality. is believed that this condition may exist prior to an emergency.
7.6 Paper Towels, for removing excess liquid from the 10.2 Exterior Exposure—This optional test may be per-
absorbent. formed in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 141, Method 6152.
7.7 Oven-Dried Mason Sand, for use in checking rate of
Actual exposure in area of use for one month is preferable.
release. Screen analysis is desired. Optionally, known screen Long-term testing is not necessary for materials that are to be
size silica sand can be used.
used in emergency situations. For testing purposes both absor-
bent and adsorbent and other parts of a fabricated unit should
8. Test Fluids
be tested or exposed individually and reported.
8.1 Test fluids may be used for general testing, although the
10.3 Humidity/Water Resistance—This test is used to pre-
actual fluid should be used where possible.
dict the performance of a product stored under high humidity
8.2 Samples Heavier than Water—For samples heavier than
or one that is water-soaked prior to use.
water 1,1,1-trichloroethane (available in many retail stores as
10.3.1 Condition all absorbent test specimens at room
nonflammable spot remover) may be used.
temperature (21 to 26°C) (70 to 80°F) in a closed vessel with
8.3 Low-Viscosity Materials—For low-viscosity material
2.5 cm of water in the bottom. Suspend the specimens in vapor
(like gasoline), use xylene which has a higher flash point. (For
space without contacting water for 2 days (14 days optional).
safety, a solution containing 10 % methylene chloride can be
At the end of the exposure period, test the specimens for oil
added to aid in raising flash point.) Materials conforming to 8.2
and water absorbency. Record weights before and after this
have a viscosity similar to gasoline but the density difference
conditioning.
may have to be adjusted.
10.3.2 Weigh specimens that are conditioned in water by
being total immersed (8.2) immediately after removal from
water and again after wringing out all excess water (typical
Instron Model No. TM, available from Instron Corp., 100-A Royall St., Canton,
MA 02021, or equivalent. hand wringer for laundry or equivalent). Test specimens for oil
F 716
and water sorbency following both weighings. swollen absorbent allows calculation of absorption efficiency:
10.4 Flammability—This test should indicate either contri-
A 5 W –W !/W 3 100 (1)
@~ #
1 2 1
bution to an existing fire, that is, a UL rating of 94, if desired,
where:
or a simple rating of combustible or noncombustible and
W 5 weight of absorbed material,
flashpoint by Cleveland open-cup.
W 5 weight of unabsorbed material, and
10.4.1 Warning—All sorbent materials, even those consid- 2
A 5 absorption efficiency for the fluid and absorbent
ered nonhazardous, take on the characteristics of the material
being tested.
they pick up. If the material is flammable, the used absorbent
Type I absorbent material may be tested with inert material
material is flammable. If the fluid picked up is toxic, then the
present such as sand, fibers, etc., that give a special property
used absorbent should be handled as a toxic substance. Basic
such as no stir dispersion or sufficient mass to serve as
active absorbent and simple fabricated units are adequate for
temporary diking. The absorbent mass with inert material can
this test.
be evaluated using the test described in 8.2. The inert material
11. Determination of Expected Performance
may be subtracted from the total weights to indicate the
11.1 General: absorbent data. The penetration test in 11.4 may also be useful.
11.3 Rate of Release—This test can be used to estimate the
11.1.1 Initial testing for performance can be accomplished
with absorbent in the as-received condition. Conditioning as degree of hazard in the case of flammable or hazardous
materials. For those materials with vapor hazards or skin
described in Section 9 may be necessary for special use or for
special fluids to be absorbed. Good practice requires triplicate toxicity to humans these are important factors (warning—see
10.4.1).
testing with results reported as the average.
11.1.2 For all tests, without exception, the fabricated mate- 11.3.1 Place a standard sized weighed piece of an absorbent
unit in a dish of fluid. Add excess fluid to assure total saturation
rials or units must remain handleable (without tearing) at the
maximum pickup rate reported while being held by a corner of of material. A saturation time of 30 min should be adequate
although a 2-h test is well within the useful practical applica-
the unit.
11.2 Oily Material Absorption—This test provides a simple tion time. If material to be absorbed is toxic, run this test in a
ventilated fume hood.
method of comparing the absorbing material’s inherent capac-
ity to absorb various fluids as well as compare ultimate 11.3.2 Following thorough saturation, hang the absorbent
units (minimum 15-cm dimensions) by one corner and weigh
capacity to do so. This test is run with an excess of fluid.
11.2.1 Type I Absorbent—In a 10-mL graduated cylinder, immediately (even if dripping). Record the time to cessation of
dripping. Reweigh and record the weight as maximum practi-
place 2 mL of absorbent and weigh to determine the weight of
absorbent. Place the 2 mL of absorbent into a 100-mL cal pickup rate at the time dripping stops.
11.3.3 Then hang the units in a ventilated hood with the fan
graduated cylinder. Add 50 mL of fluid to be tested, record
level, then cap with a foil (aluminum or plastic)-wrapped cork on, close the door to obtain maximum air flow (past the units),
or stopper. Agitate for short periods with a glass stirring rod. If and continually monitor and record the weight every 10 min.
at the end of 2 h there is still free liquid on top of the swollen At the end of 2 h (or sooner) if the total weight approaches the
absorbent or underneath if the fluid has a density greater than tare weight of the unit, record the time and use as a basis for
the absorbent, place a piece of 200-mesh screen (just slightly comparison where containment offers an environmental, per-
smaller than the inside diameter of the cylinder with at least sonal, or flammable hazard. The maximum pick up at the point
of no dripping (less than 1 drop per minute) is recorded as the
four centering wires bent up at 90°) in the fluid to sit on top of
the absorbent.
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.