ASTM C357-07(2022)e1

• Abstract:

  SIGNIFICANCE AND USE; 3.1 Granular refractory materials may be either refractory grain raw materials that are used in the manufacture of finished refractory products, or bulk granular refractory materials that are sold, with or without some degree of processing, to refractory consumers for various uses. In either case, characterizing the properties of a granular refractory material is essential in evaluating its quality or consistency of quality and in determining suitability for end use. One of the important properties is bulk density because of its relationship to end product quality, usage, and performance. ; 3.2 The refractories producer can use this test method as one of the quality control tests for his manufactured or mined refractory grain raw materials or for evaluating potential refractory grain raw materials. ; 3.3 For the refractories consumer, the principal use of this test method is in the evaluation of the quality or the consistency of quality of the granular material in purchased refractory mixes or in bulk granular refractory materials used by the consumer. ; 3.4 This is a primary test method, and thus is suitable for use in specifications, quality control, and research and development. It can also serve as a referee test method in purchasing contracts or agreements and as a base for development of more rapid, secondary test methods for use in quality control on manufactured refractory raw materials. ; 3.5 Fundamental assumptions inherent in this test method are that the sample is representative of the material in general, the particle size of the sample is within the range specified by the test method, the material is not readily hydratable, and the size and quantity of pores in the material permits removal of surface water without drainage from the pores themselves. Deviation from any of these assumptions negates the usefulness of the test results. ; 3.6 In interpreting the results of this test method, it must be recognized that the specific gravity of the materia...; SCOPE; 1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the bulk density of granular refractory materials, commercial products which usually have particles that are retained on a 0.265 in. (6.7 mm) or coarser sieve. ; Note 1: This test method is not suitable for materials that hydrate in boiling water. ; 1.2 Units—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. ; 1.2.1 Exceptions—In Sections 4, 7, and 8, the apparatus used is only available in SI units. ; 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.

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

• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM E11-04 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• 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 C357-07(2022)e1: Standard Test Method for Bulk Density of Granular Refractory Materials establishes a standardized procedure for determining the bulk density of granular refractory materials. These materials are commonly used as raw ingredients in the manufacture of finished refractory products or sold in bulk for diverse high-temperature applications. Accurate measurement of bulk density is critical in evaluating material quality, consistency, and performance, impacting both producers and consumers within the refractory industry.

This test method is intended for granular refractory materials with particle sizes retained on a 0.265 in. (6.7 mm) or coarser sieve. It is applicable to various types of refractories except those that hydrate in boiling water. Compliant with internationally recognized principles, this ASTM standard plays a pivotal role in quality control, specifications, research and development, and purchasing agreements.

Key Topics

• Bulk Density Measurement: The core focus is on quantifying the bulk density, which influences end product quality, usage, and performance in demanding environments.
• Sample Preparation: Proper sample selection and preparation ensure representative results, with samples typically ranging between 60 and 90 grams, carefully selected to match specific particle sieve ranges.
• Testing Procedure: The method incorporates specific equipment, including laboratory crushers, standard test sieves, drying ovens, balances, burets or specific gravity bottles, and precise measurement protocols to eliminate sources of error.
• Assumptions for Valid Results: The test presupposes a representative sample, specified particle size, non-hydratable materials, and the ability to remove surface water without extracting moisture from within the pores.
• Reporting: Results should specify the sampling process, grain size distribution, dry weights, volumes, and calculated densities, including averages and ranges when multiple samples are tested.
• Quality Control & Comparisons: Enables both producers and consumers to assess raw materials, maintain consistent product quality, and facilitate fair comparisons among materials.

Applications

• Refractory Manufacturers: Use ASTM C357 as a quality control tool to assess raw grain materials and ensure consistency in finished products.
• Refractory Consumers: Evaluate the quality or consistency of granular refractory materials in purchased mixes, supporting informed procurement decisions.
• Material Research: Critical for research and development teams seeking to study new refractory material compositions or improve existing ones.
• Contractual Agreements: Acts as a referee method in purchasing contracts to resolve disputes or specify quality requirements in supply agreements.
• Specification Development: Serves as a primary test method, and may be a reference for creating or validating faster secondary testing methods used in industrial quality assurance.

Related Standards

• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves, referenced for the sizing equipment used in sample preparation.
• Other ASTM Refractory Standards: This test method complements numerous other ASTM standards for physical and chemical properties of refractory materials.
• International Standards Compliance: Developed in accordance with principles established by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

By adhering to ASTM C357-07(2022)e1, organizations ensure reliable, repeatable measurement of bulk density for granular refractory materials, supporting enhanced quality control, product performance, and robust supply chain agreements in refractory industries.

Keywords: ASTM C357, bulk density, granular refractory materials, refractory quality control, material testing, refractories, laboratory standard, sample preparation, industrial standards.

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: C357 − 07 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Bulk Density of Granular Refractory Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C357; 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 3
ε NOTE—Footnote 3, supplier sources, was removed and (g/cm ) was added to heading of Table 1 editorially in April
2022.
1. Scope 3. Significance and Use
3.1 Granular refractory materials may be either refractory
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the
grain raw materials that are used in the manufacture of finished
bulk density of granular refractory materials, commercial
refractory products, or bulk granular refractory materials that
products which usually have particles that are retained on a
are sold, with or without some degree of processing, to
0.265 in. (6.7 mm) or coarser sieve.
refractory consumers for various uses. In either case, charac-
NOTE 1—This test method is not suitable for materials that hydrate in
terizing the properties of a granular refractory material is
boiling water.
essential in evaluating its quality or consistency of quality and
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
in determining suitability for end use. One of the important
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
properties is bulk density because of its relationship to end
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
product quality, usage, and performance.
information only and are not considered standard.
3.2 Therefractoriesproducercanusethistestmethodasone
1.2.1 Exceptions—In Sections 4, 7, and 8, the apparatus
of the quality control tests for his manufactured or mined
used is only available in SI units.
refractory grain raw materials or for evaluating potential
refractory grain raw materials.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.3 For the refractories consumer, the principal use of this
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
testmethodisintheevaluationofthequalityortheconsistency
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of quality of the granular material in purchased refractory
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mixes or in bulk granular refractory materials used by the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- consumer.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.4 Thisisaprimarytestmethod,andthusissuitableforuse
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
in specifications, quality control, and research and develop-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ment. It can also serve as a referee test method in purchasing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
contracts or agreements and as a base for development of more
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rapid, secondary test methods for use in quality control on
manufactured refractory raw materials.
2. Referenced Documents
3.5 Fundamental assumptions inherent in this test method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
are that the sample is representative of the material in general,
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
the particle size of the sample is within the range specified by
Sieves
the test method, the material is not readily hydratable, and the
size and quantity of pores in the material permits removal of
surface water without drainage from the pores themselves.
1 Deviation from any of these assumptions negates the useful-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of the ASTM Committee C08 on
Refractories and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.03 on Physical ness of the test results.
Properties.
3.6 In interpreting the results of this test method, it must be
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published February 2022. Originally
recognized that the specific gravity of the material as well as
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C357 – 07 (2015).
DOI: 10.1520/C0357-07R22E01.
the porosity affects the value obtained for bulk density. Thus,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
comparisons of results should only be made between like
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
materials or with full recognition of inherent differences
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. between the materials being compared.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
C357 − 07 (2022)
4. Apparatus 7.2 Place the test sample in a beaker of water and boil for
1 h during which the grains shall be completely covered with
4.1 Laboratory Jaw Crusher or Rolls, for crushing samples
water. Cool the sample to room temperature by running cold
to pass a 0.265 in. (6.7 mm) sieve.
water into the beaker or by a similar method.
4.2 Standard Sieves, 0.265 in. and No. 8 (2.36 mm) with Pan
7.3 Rinse the clean buret (Note 3) thoroughly and introduce
and Cover (Note 2)—The sieves shall conform to Specification
approximately 25 mL of distilled water at room temperature.
E11.
Allow it to stand until drops of water on the sides settle into the
4.2.1 The coarser sieve may be the No. 4 (4.75 mm) and the
body of liquid.
finer sieve may be the No. 6 (3.35 mm) or No. 12 (1.70 mm),
if tests indicate that the range in particle size is not critical.
NOTE 3—Clean the burette or the Le Chatelier specific gravity bottle
frequently with a good cleaning solution such as liquid soap to ensure
NOTE 2—The 0.265 in., No. 4, No. 6, No. 8, and No. 12 ASTM sieves
complete drainage without drops of water forming on the inside walls.
are equivalent to 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mesh, respectively, of the Tyler
7.3.1 Alternately rinse the clean specific gravity bottle and
Standard Series.
fill with distilled water at room temperature as close to the 0
4.3 Drying Oven, adjustable to 220 to 230 °F (105 to
mark as possible. Allow it to stand until drops of water on the
110 °C).
sidessettleintothebodyofliquid.Takeacleanpieceofsponge
1 3
4.4 Riffle, with six or more ⁄2 to ⁄4 in. (13 to 19 mm)
that is hooked to a stainless steel or copper wire and is long
troughs with pans, or a smooth plate at least 15 in. (381 mm)
enough to reach to the bottom of the straight section. Insert the
square and a 300 mm blade spatula or trowel for s
...