ASTM C92-95(2022)e1

Standard Test Methods for Sieve Analysis and Water Content of Refractory Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Particle size distribution has a major effect upon most of the refractory properties. These test methods provide a means of measuring the distribution for the purpose of comparison to the desired distribution.  
3.2 These test methods also cover determination of the water content of refractory materials in the wet condition and of air-dried samples received, so that the sieve analysis can be calculated on the dry basis.  
3.3 These methods can produce data for specification acceptance, design purposes, manufacturing control, and research and development.  
3.4 A reference set of standard matched or calibrated sieves4 shall be provided for use in checking the set of sieves used in the actual sieve analysis of samples. The sieves for use in sieve analysis may also be standard matched sieves or may be unmatched sieves conforming to the Specification Table in Specification E11, provided that such sieves will give results that differ by no more than 5 % from those obtained with the reference set when the two sets are compared in accordance with the section of Test Method C429 on testing of sieves and sample splitters.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover a wet and a dry method for sieve analysis of refractory materials.  
1.1.1 Wet Sieve Analysis—Water promotes the slaking of clays and helps to separate fine particles, washing them from the larger grains. This method is recommended for use with materials that require water addition, and that slake in normal industrial use.  
1.1.2 Dry Sieve Analysis—The dry method is not as effective as the wet method in determining the amount of material present in the smaller particle sizes. It is recommended (1) for clays, when the slaking action of water is undesirable, (2) when the material is in the form of coarsely ground grog and calcine, and (3) when the clay is to be used in such a way that the ultimate particle size is of secondary importance.  
1.2 These test methods also cover determination of the water content of refractory materials in the wet condition and of air-dried samples as received, so that the sieve analysis can be calculated on the dry basis. Included is a method for obtaining the water content of other refractory materials, such as plastic refractories and wet mixes.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2022
• ICS: 81.080 - Refractories
• Technical Committee: C08 - Refractories
• Drafting Committee: C08.03 - Physical Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM C429-01(2011) - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Raw Materials for Glass Manufacture
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM C429-01(2006) - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Raw Materials for Glass Manufacture
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2006
• Refers: ASTM E11-04 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM C429-01 - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Raw Materials for Glass Manufacture
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Refers: ASTM C429-82(1996) - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Raw Materials for Glass Manufacture
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Refers: ASTM E11-01 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM E11-95 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001

Overview

ASTM C92-95(2022)e1: Standard Test Methods for Sieve Analysis and Water Content of Refractory Materials is a crucial specification developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines procedures for determining both the particle size distribution through sieve analysis and the water content in various refractory materials. Accurate knowledge of these properties is essential, as particle size distribution significantly influences refractory behavior and performance in industrial applications.

The standard covers both wet and dry sieve analysis methods, as well as procedures for measuring water content in materials delivered in wet conditions or as air-dried samples. These techniques are widely used for specification acceptance, quality control, design, and research and development within the refractory industry.

Key Topics

• Wet Sieve Analysis: Involves the use of water to promote slaking and separation of fine clay particles, making it particularly effective for materials that require hydration or slake during typical industrial processes.
• Dry Sieve Analysis: Best suited for materials where water-induced slaking is undesirable or unnecessary, such as coarsely ground grog, calcines, or clays designated for secondary applications.
• Water Content Determination: Procedures are provided for both wet and air-dried refractory materials, ensuring accurate conversion of analysis results to a dry basis. Special provisions are included for materials like plastic refractories and wet mixes.
• Use of Standard Sieves: Analysis requires standard matched or calibrated sieves, conforming to ASTM E11, to ensure consistent, reliable results. It is essential to use reference sieves for calibration and comparison purposes, ensuring differences remain within an acceptable 5%.
• Reporting and Precision: The standard details methods for calculating, reporting, and interpreting the results, with emphasis on precision and interlaboratory reproducibility.

Applications

ASTM C92-95(2022)e1 is widely used in the refractory materials industry and related sectors where accurate particle size distribution and moisture content measurement are critical. Key applications include:

• Specification Acceptance: Validates that the particle size distribution and water content of materials meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Manufacturing Control: Assists in monitoring and controlling consistency of refractory materials produced, reducing waste and enhancing product performance.
• Research and Development: Supports innovation and improvement of refractory formulations by providing reliable test methods for materials analysis.
• Design and Engineering: Informs the development of refractory products suited for specific environments, like high-temperature furnaces, by tailoring particle size characteristics.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures batches of refractory material are within acceptable property ranges, preventing performance failures in end-use conditions.

Industries that commonly apply these methods include cement, glass, steel, ceramics, and various sectors relying on high-performance refractory products.

Related Standards

ASTM C92-95(2022)e1 references and is aligned with other important ASTM standards and guidelines, including:

• ASTM C429: Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Raw Materials for Glass Manufacture
• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves - providing the criteria for sieve construction and calibration
• ASTM STP447: Manual on Test Sieving Methods

Adherence to these related standards ensures accuracy, repeatability, and international acceptance of the test results, supporting global trade and compliance initiatives.

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Keywords: sieve analysis, refractory materials, water content testing, particle size distribution, ASTM C92, wet sieve analysis, dry sieve analysis, quality control, ASTM standards for refractories.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
´1
Designation: C92 − 95 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Methods for
Sieve Analysis and Water Content of Refractory Materials
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationC92;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
ε NOTE—The title “ASTM Sieves” was added over the first column of Table 1 editorially in April 2022.
1. Scope Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 These test methods cover a wet and a dry method for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sieve analysis of refractory materials.
1.1.1 Wet Sieve Analysis—Water promotes the slaking of
2. Referenced Documents
clays and helps to separate fine particles, washing them from
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the larger grains. This method is recommended for use with
C429Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Raw Materials for
materials that require water addition, and that slake in normal
Glass Manufacture
industrial use.
E11Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest
1.1.2 Dry Sieve Analysis—The dry method is not as effec-
Sieves
tive as the wet method in determining the amount of material
present in the smaller particle sizes. It is recommended (1) for 2.2 Other Document:
clays,whentheslakingactionofwaterisundesirable,(2)when ASTM STP447Manual on Test Sieving Methods
thematerialisintheformofcoarselygroundgrogandcalcine,
3. Significance and Use
and (3) when the clay is to be used in such a way that the
ultimate particle size is of secondary importance.
3.1 Particlesizedistributionhasamajoreffectuponmostof
the refractory properties. These test methods provide a means
1.2 These test methods also cover determination of the
of measuring the distribution for the purpose of comparison to
water content of refractory materials in the wet condition and
the desired distribution.
of air-dried samples as received, so that the sieve analysis can
be calculated on the dry basis. Included is a method for
3.2 These test methods also cover determination of the
obtaining the water content of other refractory materials, such
water content of refractory materials in the wet condition and
as plastic refractories and wet mixes.
of air-dried samples received, so that the sieve analysis can be
calculated on the dry basis.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.3 These methods can produce data for specification
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
acceptance, design purposes, manufacturing control, and re-
and are not considered standard.
search and development.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.4 Areferencesetofstandardmatchedorcalibratedsieves
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
shall be provided for use in checking the set of sieves used in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
theactualsieveanalysisofsamples.Thesievesforuseinsieve
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
analysis may also be standard matched sieves or may be
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Available from ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 on Conshohocken, PA 19428.
Refractories and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.03 on Physical The sole source of supply of matched sieves known to the committee at this
Properties. time is W. S. Tyler, Inc., Mentor, OH 44060. If you are aware of alternative
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published February 2022. Originally suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters.
approvedin1943.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2015asC92–95(2015).DOI: Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
10.1520/C0092-95R22E01. technical committee, which you may attend.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
C92 − 95 (2022)
unmatched sieves conforming to the Specification Table in WET SIEVE ANALYSIS
Specification E11, provided that such sieves will give results
6. Dry Materials
that differ by no more than 5% from those obtained with the
6.1 If the material is received in the dry condition, the test
reference set when the two sets are compared in accordance
specimen (Note 1) shall consist of the dried and weighed test
with the section of Test Method C429 on testing of sieves and
specimen prepared in accordance with 5.2.2.
sample splitters.
NOTE1—Thesizeofthetestspecimenmaybechangedbyreasonofthe
4. Apparatus
nature of the material. For example, some clays tend to pack or cake on
the sieves when ground to exceedingly fine particle size, in which case a
4.1 ASTM sieves, or the equivalent Tyler series listed in
100 g sample may be used. For plastic refractories or coarsely ground
mixes, the weight of the specimen could be increased to 500 g.
Table 1, shall be used. The wire cloth for the sieves, described
inSpecificationE11,shallbewoven(nottwilled)andmounted
7. Wet Materials
without distortion or looseness in 8-in. (200 mm) diameter
7.1 Materials prepared with water (plastic refractories, wet-
circular frames. Pans and covers shall be provided for the
type high-temperature bonding mortars, etc.) shall be tested as
sieves.
received. Take two test specimens immediately after opening
theoriginalcontainerand,inthecaseofmortars,aftercarefully
5. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
mixing the contents. Use one specimen for determining the
5.1 Arepresentativesampleofthematerialtobetestedshall
water content in accordance with either 5.2.1 or 5.2.2. Obtain
weigh at least four to five times the required weight of the
approximately 250 g of the other specimen (Note 1) for sieve
actual test specimen. Material on which the water content is to
analysis. Weigh the test specimen to the nearest 0.1 g and
be determined shall be packed in a watertight container.
transfer to the 1 dm container (see Section 8). Wash the
utensils used during weighing (to which a small part of the
5.2 Water Content:
sample may adhere) with a small jet of water from a ⁄4-in. (6
5.2.1 Wet-Type Air-Setting Refractory Mortars—Remove
mm) hose to ensure a quantitative transfer of the weighed
approximately 50 g of the material immediately after opening
specimen to the container.
the original container and after carefully mixing the contents.
8. Procedure
To facilitate handling the specimen, place it on a tared piece of
waxed paper or aluminum weighing dish. Weigh the test
8.1 Place the test specimen into a container of about 1 dm
specimen to the nearest 0.1 g both before and after drying for
capacity.Addsufficientwatertoformaslurry.Allowslakingto
24hat220to230°F(105to110°C).Calculatethepercentage
proceed for 1 h, after which a further addition of water may be
of water to the nearest 0.1% on the as-received basis.
necessary.Then transfer the test specimen (without loss) to the
5.2.2 MaterialsOtherThanWet-TypeAir-SettingRefractory finest sieve to be used in the analysis.Wash with a small jet of
Mortars (ground fire clays, fireclay mortars, dry-type air-
water from a ⁄4-in. (6 mm) rubber hose until the water passing
setting mortars, plastic refractories, and similar materials)—If through the sieve contains only traces of the specimen.
the material is shipped in the wet condition, prevent loss of Exercise care during washing to prevent loss by splashing. It
waterbeforeobtainingatestspecimenofapproximately250g. maybenecessarytobreakuplumpsbygentlyrubbingbetween
Weigh the test specimen to the nearest 0.1 g both before and the fingers, but never by rubbing or pressing against the sieve.
after drying for3hat220to230°F (105 to 110°C). Calculate Then dry the washed residue in the sieve to con
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