ASTM D3461-97

Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Asphalt and Pitch (Mettler Cup-and-Ball Method)

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of asphalt and pitch in the range from 50 to 180°C by the cup-and-ball apparatus, and gives results comparable to those obtained by Test Method D 36.
Note 1—If the softening point of asphalt by this Mettler cup-and-ball method fails to meet specified requirements, tests may be rerun using the Test Method D 36 (ring-and-ball) softening point apparatus as a referee method.
1.2 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: 09-Jul-1997
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.05 - Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D3461-97(2002) - Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Asphalt and Pitch (Mettler Cup-and-Ball Method)
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or
withdrawn.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 3461 – 97 An American National Standard
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
Softening Point of Asphalt and Pitch (Mettler Cup-and-Ball
1
Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3461; 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 points. As the temperature is raised, they gradually soften or
become less viscous. For this reason, the determination of the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the soft-
softening point must be made by an arbitrary, but closely
ening point of asphalt and pitch in the range from 50 to 180°C
defined, method if the test values are to be reproducible.
by the cup-and-ball apparatus, and gives results comparable to
4.2 This test method is useful in determining the consis-
those obtained by Test Method D 36.
tency as one element in establishing the uniformity of ship-
NOTE 1—If the softening point of asphalt by this Mettler cup-and-ball
ments or sources of supply.
method fails to meet specified requirements, tests may be rerun using the
Test Method D 36 (ring-and-ball) softening point apparatus as a referee
5. Apparatus
method.
6
5.1 A Mettler dropping point cell can be used to determine
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
softening points by this test method. These commercially
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
available instruments consist of a control unit with a digital
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
temperature indicator, matched furnace, sample cartridges, and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
accessories. The control unit automatically regulates the heat-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ing rate of the furnace. The softening point is indicated on the
readout, and the heating program stopped, when the sample
2. Referenced Documents
flow triggers a photocell detector. A general view of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
components of the Mettler apparatus is shown in Fig. 1.
A 314 Specification for Stainless Steel Billets and Bars for
5.1.1 Control Unit—This unit shall provide a continuous,
2
Forgings
linear temperature increase from 25 to 250°C at a rate of
D 36 Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-
2°C/min. A digital readout shall indicate the temperature to
3
and-Ball Apparatus)
0.1°C throughout.
4
D 140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
5.1.2 Furnace Unit—This unit shall be capable of heating a
5
D 4296 Practice for Sampling Pitch
specimen cup assembly, as described in 5.1.3, at a linear rate of
2 6 0.3°C/min. It shall include a sensing system capable of
3. Summary of Test Method
detecting the softening point with a precision of 0.1°C.
3.1 In this test method the softening point is defined as the
5.1.3 Specimen Cup Assembly—A cup of chromium-plated
temperature at which the specimen, suspended in a cylindrical
brass, or stainless steel conforming to the requirements for
cup with a 6.5-mm hole in the bottom and with a lead ball, 8
Type 303 (UNS 530300) as prescribed in Specification A 314,
mm in diameter, centered on top of the sample in the cup, flows
with dimensions shown in Fig. 2. It shall be placed in the
downward a distance of 19 mm to interrupt a light beam, as the
assembly so that the test specimen will flow down a distance of
sample is heated at a linear rate in air.
19 mm before interrupting a light beam and stopping the
heating program as the softening point is reached.
4. Significance and Use
5.1.4 Lead Ball—A lead ball weighing 3.20 6 0.10 g.
4.1 Asphalt and pitch do not go through a solid-liquid phase
A32-caliber lead shot is suitable for this purpose.
change when heated, and therefore do not have true melting
6. Reagents
6.1 Xylene, industrial grade.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
7. Calibration of Mettler Apparatus
D02.05.OF on Industrial Pitches.
Current edition approved July 10, 1997. Published October 1997. Originally
7.1 This step, required only occasionally, is designed to
e2
published as D 3461 – 76. Last previous edition D 3461 – 85 (1994) .
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.04.
4 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03. Available from the Mettler Toledo, Inc., Balances and Instruments, 69
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.02. Princeton-Hightsto
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