ASTM D6136/D6136M-15(2021)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Kerosine Number of Unsaturated (Dry) Felt by Vacuum Method
Standard Test Method for Kerosine Number of Unsaturated (Dry) Felt by Vacuum Method
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The ability to absorb kerosine is an indication of the ability to absorb hot asphalt. The kerosine number is used in calculating saturation efficiency.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative saturating capacity of unsaturated (dry) felt papers used in roofing.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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
- 14-Nov-2021
- Technical Committee
- D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
- Drafting Committee
- D08.04 - Felts, Fabrics and Bituminous Sheet Materials
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Jun-2003
Overview
ASTM D6136/D6136M-15(2021): Standard Test Method for Kerosine Number of Unsaturated (Dry) Felt by Vacuum Method provides a standardized procedure to determine the relative saturating capacity of unsaturated (dry) roofing felt papers. This test method is essential for manufacturers, quality control professionals, and roofing specialists as it measures the absorption properties of felt-a critical performance factor for roofing materials that are later saturated with asphalt or similar products.
The kerosine number derived from this method quantifies how much kerosine unsaturated roofing felt can absorb, serving as an indicator for its capacity to absorb hot asphalt during manufacturing. The test employs a vacuum method to ensure accurate and repeatable results, supporting material selection and quality assurance in roofing product manufacturing.
Key Topics
- Kerosine Number Determination: The method measures the amount of kerosine absorbed by roofing felt expressed as milliliters per 100 grams of felt, providing a direct measure of saturant uptake capacity.
- Testing Procedure: Felt strips are dried, weighed, immersed in kerosine under vacuum, reweighed, and the kerosine number is calculated. The method ensures displacement of air from the felt for accurate absorption results.
- Units and Reporting: Results can be reported in SI or inch-pound units, but not combined. The method requires average tracking across two determinations to three significant figures.
- Safety Considerations: The test uses flammable kerosine-safe laboratory practices and local regulatory compliance are essential.
- Saturation Efficiency: The kerosine number serves as a fundamental parameter in calculating the efficiency of the saturation process, helping to optimize roofing felt performance and consistency.
Applications
- Quality Control in Roofing Felt Manufacturing: Used to verify that unsaturated felts meet specified absorption performance before bituminous saturation.
- Material Comparison and Selection: Enables comparison of different felts' absorptive capacities to select optimal materials for various roofing applications.
- Process Optimization: Supports process adjustment in bituminous and asphalt roofing production lines by offering measurable benchmarks for felt saturation.
- Regulatory and Standards Compliance: Assists manufacturers in demonstrating that roofing felts conform to industry and international standards, supporting global market access.
- Research and Development: Used in R&D environments to assess the impact of new materials or treatments on felt saturation properties.
Related Standards
Several ASTM standards are referenced or closely related to ASTM D6136/D6136M, including:
- ASTM D585 – Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product
- ASTM D1298 – Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
- ASTM D3699 – Specification for Kerosine
These standards provide supporting methods for sampling, test liquid specification, and density measurement, ensuring accuracy and harmonization across roofing material tests.
Summary
ASTM D6136/D6136M-15(2021) is a vital standard for assessing the absorptive performance of unsaturated roofing felts, supporting the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and compliant roofing products. Through precise kerosine number determination by vacuum method, it empowers manufacturers, specifiers, and researchers with actionable data for improved roofing system performance and market competitiveness. For best outcomes, always employ the latest edition and adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D6136/D6136M-15(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Kerosine Number of Unsaturated (Dry) Felt by Vacuum Method". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The ability to absorb kerosine is an indication of the ability to absorb hot asphalt. The kerosine number is used in calculating saturation efficiency. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative saturating capacity of unsaturated (dry) felt papers used in roofing. 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The ability to absorb kerosine is an indication of the ability to absorb hot asphalt. The kerosine number is used in calculating saturation efficiency. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative saturating capacity of unsaturated (dry) felt papers used in roofing. 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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.
ASTM D6136/D6136M-15(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 85.060 - Paper and board; 91.060.20 - Roofs. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D6136/D6136M-15(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D3699-18a, ASTM D3699-18, ASTM D3699-13b, ASTM D3699-13be1, ASTM D3699-13a, ASTM D3699-13, ASTM D1298-12a, ASTM D1298-12, ASTM D3699-08, ASTM D3699-07, ASTM D3699-06, ASTM D1298-99(2005), ASTM D3699-05, ASTM D3699-04, ASTM D3699-03. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D6136/D6136M-15(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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.
Designation: D6136/D6136M − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Kerosine Number of Unsaturated (Dry) Felt by Vacuum
Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6136/D6136M; 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.
1. Scope D3699 Specification for Kerosine
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative
3. Summary of Test Method
saturating capacity of unsaturated (dry) felt papers used in
roofing.
3.1 The kerosine number of unsaturated (dry) felt is com-
puted from the weight of a kerosine of known specific gravity
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
retained by the felt after displacement of the air from interior
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
voids. It is the millilitres of kerosine held /100 g of felt, and
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
thus, is a measure of the quantity of saturant that a given felt
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
will absorb.
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined.
4. Significance and Use
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4.1 The ability to absorb kerosine is an indication of the
ability to absorb hot asphalt. The kerosine number is used in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- calculating saturation efficiency.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 5. Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Glass Vessel, approximately 1500 mL capacity, for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
soaking specimens of felt in kerosine, under vacuum.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 Vacuum Pump, capable of reaching and maintaining a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
vacuum of at least 700 mm Hg in the glass vessel.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.3 Lightweight Glass or Metal Weighing Container, with
2. Referenced Documents
tightly fitting cover, 60 by 140 mm [2.5 by 5.5 in.] or larger, to
2.1 ASTM Standards: contain felt strips in a horizontal position without bending or
distortion.
D585 Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product
5.4 Drying Oven, with dimensions at least 300 by 300 by
(Withdrawn 2010)
300 mm [12 by 12 by 12 in.].
D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API
5.5 Other Apparatus—Desiccator, wire hook, and if
Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod-
necessary, a punch to make a small hole in a corner of the
ucts by Hydrometer Method
specimens after they are cut.
6. Materials
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D08 on Roofing
andWaterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.04 on Felts,
6.1 Water-WhiteKerosine,complyingtotherequirementsof
Fabrics and Bituminous Sheet Materials.
Specification D3699 and having a specific gravity of 0.800 6
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D6136/D6136M – 15.
0.025 at 25 °C, as determined in accordance with Test Method
DOI: 10.1520/D6136_D6136M-15R21.
D1298.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
7. Sampling
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
7.1 Obtain a sample of the felt in accordance with Practice
The last approved version of this historical standard is re
...




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