ASTM D2639-98

Standard Test Method for Plastic Properties of Coal by the Constant-Torque Gieseler Plastometer

SCOPE
1.1 This test method gives a relative measure of the plastic behavior of coal when heated under prescribed conditions. This test method may be used to obtain semiquantitative values of the plastic properties of coals and blends used in carbonization and in other situations where determination of plastic behavior of coals is of practical importance.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1994
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: D05 - Coal and Coke
• Drafting Committee: D05.15 - Metallurgical Properties of Coal and Coke

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D2639-04 - Standard Test Method for Plastic Properties of Coal by the Constant-Torque Gieseler Plastometer
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Referred By: ASTM D121-15 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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
Designation: D 2639 – 98
Standard Test Method for
Plastic Properties of Coal by the Constant-Torque Gieseler
Plastometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2639; 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.
1. Scope 3.1.5 maximum fluidity temperature, n—as used in this test
method, the temperature at which stirrer rotation rate reaches a
1.1 This test method covers a relative measure of the plastic
maximum value.
behavior of coal when heated under prescribed conditions. This
3.1.6 plastic range, n—difference between the final fluid
test method may be used to obtain semiquantitative values of
and the initial softening temperatures.
the plastic properties of coals and blends used in carbonization
3.1.7 solidification temperature, n—as used in this test
and in other situations where determination of plastic behavior
method, the temperature at which the last stirrer rotation is
of coals is of practical importance.
observed.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
4. Summary of Test Method
only.
4.1 The plastometer measures the plastic properties of coals
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
by the use of a constantly applied torque on a stirrer placed in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
a crucible into which the coal is charged. The crucible is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
immersed in a bath and the temperature increased uniformly.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
The rates of movement of the stirrer are recorded in relation to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
increase in temperature.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Reliable values of the plastic properties of coals are used
D 2013 Method of Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
2 to predict or explain the behavior of a coal or blends during
D 2234 Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
carbonization or in other processes such as gasification, lique-
3. Terminology faction, and combustion.
3.1 Definitions:
6. Apparatus
3.1.1 dial division per minute, n—as used in this test
6.1 Gieseler Plastometer—The apparatus shall consist of
method, a measure of stirrer rotation rate. There are 100 dial
the following:
divisions for each full 360° rotation of the stirrer. Stirrer
6.1.1 Retort—A steel retort consisting of four parts as
rotation rate is total dial divisions turned by the stirrer in a one
shown in Fig. 1.
minute time period.
6.1.2 Retort Crucible, cylindrical, 21.4 6 0.08 mm
3.1.2 final fluid temperature, n—as used in this test method,
(0.844 6 0.003 in.) in inside diameter and 35.0 mm (1.38 in.)
the temperature at which stirrer rotation rate last reaches 1.0
in depth, with exterior threads for joining the crucible to the
dial divisions per minute.
crucible cover. The crucible shall have a 2.38- 6 0.02-mm
3.1.3 initial softening temperature, n—as used in this test
(0.094- 6 0.001-in.) diameter notch in the center of its inside
method, the temperature at which the stirrer rotation rate first
base to serve as a seat for the stirrer.
reaches 1.0 dial divisions per minute.
6.1.3 Retort Crucible Cover, with interior threads for join-
3.1.4 maximum fluidity, n—as used in this test method, the
ing the crucible cover to the crucible and exterior threads for
measured maximum stirrer rotation rate, in dial divisions per
joining the crucible cover to the barrel. The inside diameter of
minute.
the hole which accommodates the stirrer is 9.53 6 0.08 mm
(0.375 6 0.003 in.).
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-5 on Coal and
6.1.4 Barrel, 121 mm (4.75 in.) long and having an inside
Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.15 on Metallurgical
diameter of 9.53 6 0.08 mm (0.375 6 0.003 in.). The top end
Properties of Coal and Coke.
of the barrel shall be 12.7 mm (0.500 in.) in inside diameter to
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1998. Published November 1998. Originally
published as D 2639–67T. Last previous edition D 2639–97. a depth sufficient to allow clearance for the axle of the
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.05.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 2639 – 98
FIG. 1 Retort Assembly
D 2639 – 98
FIG. 2 Pulley Arrangement To Calibrate Torque
plastometer head when the apparatus is assembled. A hole, of the crucible when the stirrer is in place. The upper end of the
fitted with a tube, shall be provided at the midpoint of the stirrer shall be cut to fit into the slot on the lower end of the
barrel so as to afford exit for the volatile products during a test. axle in the plastometer head.
6.1.5 Steel Stirrer, provided with a straight shaft 6.1.6 Guide Sleeve, provided near the upper end of the
3.96 6 0.03 mm (0.156 6 0.001 in.) in diameter and equipped stirrer to guide the latter within the barrel, with a clearance of
with four rabble arms. The lower end of the stirrer shall have at least 0.05 mm (0.002 in.).
a 60° included angle. The rabble arms on the stirrer shall be 6.2 Plastometer Head—The plastometer head shall consist
1.59 6 0.03 mm (0.0625 6 0.001 in.) in diameter, 6.35 6 0.05 of a fixed-speed motor connected directly to a hysteresis brake
mm (0.250 6 0.002 in.) in length, and shall be placed perpen- which is capable of adjustment from 29- to 2.90-g · cm (11.4-
dicular to the shaft at 90° intervals around the shaft and to 114-g · in.) torque. Each complete revolution, or 100-dial
3.18 6 0.03 mm (0.125 6 0.001 in.) apart center to center division, shall be recorded on a magnetic counter actuated by
along the shaft. The middle two rabble arms shall be set at 180° an electric eye or other suitable method. The torque shall be
to each other, and likewise, the remaining two arms 180° to checked using a drive pulley, transfer pulley, monofilament
each other. The lowest rabble arm shall be set in the shaft to line, and weights as shown in Fig. 2. Adjust the hysteresis
give 1.59-mm (0.0625-in.) clearance between it and the bottom brake torque to lift a 38.00- 6 0.1-g weight over one full
D 2639 – 98
FIG. 3 Furnace Assembly
rotation of the slotted axle and not lift a 42.00- 6 0.1-g weight
over one full rotation of the slotted axle. The lifted weights
include the variable weight of the monofilament line between
the transfer pulley and the attached weight. All instruments
should be checked in this manner at least once each week.
6.3 Furnace—An electrically heated furnace with suitable
FIG. 4 Loading Device
manual, or automatic, controls shall be provided so that a
heating rate of 3.0 6 0.1°C/min, on an over-all basis, with not
more than 3.0 6 1.0°C for any given minute can be maintained
over a temperature range from 300 to 550°C. This temperature
circuit should be checked and standardized periodically. The
furnace shall contain a molten solder bath of approximately
50 % lead and 50 % tin composition. Temperature in the bath
shall be measured with a suitable thermocouple in a 6.35-mm
(0.250-in.) outside diameter protection tube immersed in the
bath
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