ASTM D4179-11(2017)

Standard Test Method for Single Pellet Crush Strength of Formed Catalysts and Catalyst Carriers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended to provide information concerning the ability of a catalyst shape to retain physical integrity during use.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determining the resistance of formed catalysts and catalyst carriers to compressive force and is applicable to regular catalyst shapes such as tablets and spheres. Extrudates, granular materials, and other irregular shapes are specifically excluded.  
1.2 This test method determines the average crush strength in the range from 0 to 50 lbf (0 to 220 N). Some materials may have crush strengths above 50 lbf (220N); the test method is applicable to these materials, but the precision of the test is not known.  
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: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2017
• ICS: 71.040.30 - Chemical reagents
• Technical Committee: D32 - Catalysts
• Drafting Committee: D32.02 - Physical-Mechanical Properties

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: D4179 − 11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Single Pellet Crush Strength of Formed Catalysts and
Catalyst Carriers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4179; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method covers determining the resistance of
formed catalysts and catalyst carriers to compressive force and
3. Terminology
is applicable to regular catalyst shapes such as tablets and
spheres. Extrudates, granular materials, and other irregular 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
shapes are specifically excluded.
3.1.1 pellets—any catalyst shape—tablets, spheres, or other
similar configuration—that is not otherwise excluded from the
1.2 This test method determines the average crush strength
scope of this test method.
intherangefrom0to50lbf(0to220N).Somematerialsmay
have crush strengths above 50 lbf (220N); the test method is
3.1.2 tablets—tableted cylindrical catalyst particles, either
applicabletothesematerials,buttheprecisionofthetestisnot
solid or hollow core, with lengths that do not vary from the
known.
mean by more than 610%.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4. Summary of Test Method
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1 Individualpelletstakenfromarepresentativesampleare
and are not considered standard.
placed between two flat surfaces, subjected to a compressive
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
load,andtheforcerequiredtocrushthepelletismeasured.The
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
procedure is replicated and the average of all measurements
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
taken is determined.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Significance and Use
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 This test method is intended to provide information
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
concerning the ability of a catalyst shape to retain physical
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
integrity during use.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6. Apparatus
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1 A suitable compression testing device is required, con-
2. Referenced Documents
sisting of the following:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1.1 Calibrated Gauge, marked for direct reading of the
E177Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
force in pounds (newtons). Additionally, a suitable system
ASTM Test Methods
(mechanical,hydraulic,orpneumatic)mustbeprovidedsothat
E456Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
the rate of force application is both uniform and controllable
within specified limits.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D32 on
6.1.2 Tool Steel Anvils, between which the sample will be
Catalysts and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D32.02 on Physical-
crushed. The faces of the tool steel anvils shall be smooth and
Mechanical Properties.
free from recesses or ridges that would interfere with uniform
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017. Published September 2017. Originally
contact along the major axis of the pellet.When testing tablets
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D4179–11. DOI:
10.1520/D4179-11R17.
or spheres, the anvils may be of any convenient size or shape
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
as long as their length and width are greater than the corre-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
sponding dimensions of the tablet or pellet being tested (see
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Fig. 1).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4179 − 11 (2017)
9. Procedure
9.1 Remove from the desiccator only that number of pellets
that can be tested within a 10-min period. (Warning—Ensure
that moisture pick-up in the 10-min period will not signifi-
cantly affect the pellet crush strength.)
9.2 Place a single catalyst pellet between the anvils of the
compression testing device. Orient each pellet in the same
direction before crushing. For those pellets capable of being
tested in different orientations, report the one used. Fig. 1
shows pellets in radial and axial orientations. Use tweezers,
forceps, or other suitable device or procedure to prevent the
transfer of moisture from the operator’s hands to the piece
being tested.
9.3 Apply increasing force at a uniform rate in the range of
1to10lbf/s(4.4to44N/s)untilthepelletcrushesorcollapses.
Compression of surface irregularities or limited fracturing of a
pellet followed by continued resistance to increasing load are
not to be used as criteria for determining the endpoint of this
FIG. 1 Radial and Axial Crush
test.
9.4 Read and record, to the nearest one-half graduation, the
force indicated on the calibrated dial of the apparatus at the
instant of collapse.
7. Sampling
7.1 A test sample of 50 to 200 individual pieces shall be 9.5 Separate the anvils and remove all residue with a soft
obtained from larger composites by riffling or splitting in cloth or brush. Ensure that the faces of the anvils are free from
accordance with STP447A, (paragraph 5.12) with the ai
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4179 − 11 D4179 − 11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Single Pellet Crush Strength of Formed Catalysts and
Catalyst Carriers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4179; 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
1.1 This test method covers determining the resistance of formed catalysts and catalyst carriers to compressive force and is
applicable to regular catalyst shapes such as tablets and spheres. Extrudates, granular materials, and other irregular shapes are
specifically excluded.
1.2 This test method determines the average crush strength in the range from 0 to 50 lbf (0 to 220 N). Some materials may have
crush strengths above 50 lbf (220N); the test method is applicable to these materials, but the precision of the test is not known.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 pellets—any catalyst shape—tablets, spheres, or other similar configuration—that is not otherwise excluded from the
scope of this test method.
3.1.2 tablets—tableted cylindrical catalyst particles, either solid or hollow core, with lengths that do not vary from the mean by
more than 610 %.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Individual pellets taken from a representative sample are placed between two flat surfaces, subjected to a compressive load,
and the force required to crush the pellet is measured. The procedure is replicated and the average of all measurements taken is
determined.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended to provide information concerning the ability of a catalyst shape to retain physical integrity
during use.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D32 on Catalysts and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D32.02 on Physical-Mechanical
Properties.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2011Sept. 1, 2017. Published November 2011September 2017. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20062011
as D4179–01(2006).D4179–11. DOI: 10.1520/D4179-11.10.1520/D4179-11R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4179 − 11 (2017)
FIG. 1 Radial and Axial Crush
6. Apparatus
6.1 A suitable compression testing device is required, consisting of the following:
6.1.1 Calibrated Gauge, marked for direct reading of the force in pounds (newtons). Additionally, a suitable system
(mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) must be provided so that the rate of force application is both uniform and controllable within
specified limits.
6.1.2 Tool Steel Anvils, between which the sample will be crushed. The faces of the tool steel anvils shall be smooth and free
from recesses or ridges that would interfere with uniform contact along the major axis of the pellet. When testing tablets or spheres,
the anvils may be of any convenient size or shape as long as their length and width are greater than the corresponding dimensions
of the tablet or pellet being tested (see Fig. 1).
7. Sampling
7.1 A test sample of 50 to 200 individual pieces shall be obtained from larger composites by riffling or splitting in accordance
with STP 447A, (paragraph 5.12) with the aim of obtaining a representative sample that represents shape and size distribution of
the larger composite. The size of the sample shall depend on the precision required and the homogeneity of the material being
tested.
7.2 Pretreat the test sample(s) at 400 6 15°C for not less than 3 h. Normally, this treatment can take place in air; however, in
the case of materials that might react with air at elevated temperatures (such as prereduced catalysts) the heat treatment should take
place in an inert atmosphere. Care should be taken to ensure that the pretreatment does not alter the inherent strength or structure
of the sample as evidenced by changes in surface area or phase. Any modifications to pretreatment conditions should be noted in
the report.
7.3 After heating, cool the test sample(s) in a desiccator or other suitable container to eliminate the possibility of moisture
adsorption prior to testing.
NOTE 1—Since many catalyst formulations are strong adsorbents, the use of 4A indicating (cobalt-treated) molecular sieves as a desiccating medium
is suggested. Regenerate the desiccant at 220 to 260°C, as required.
8. Calibration and Stan
...