ASTM C1891-20

Standard Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air Jet Sieving at 45-µm (No. 325)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides data for assessing compliance where specifications limit the amount of material retained when sieved on a 45-µm (No. 325) sieve.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the fineness of hydraulic cement by means of air jet sieving using a 45-µm (No. 325) sieve by Air Jet sieving.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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-Jan-2020
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C01 - Cement
• Drafting Committee: C01.25 - Fineness

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1891-19e1 - Standard Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air Jet Sieving at 45-µm (No. 325)
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM C219-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C219-20a - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM C219-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM C219-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM C219-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1005-18 - Standard Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM C430-17 - Standard Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 45-μm (No. 325) Sieve
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2017
• Refers: ASTM C1005-17 - Standard Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM C430-08(2015) - Standard Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 45-μm (No. 325) Sieve
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM C219-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM C219-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2013
• Refers: ASTM C219-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013

Overview

ASTM C1891-20 specifies the standard test method for determining the fineness of hydraulic cement by air jet sieving at 45-micrometre (No. 325) sieve. This international standard provides a precise and efficient procedure to assess the particle size distribution of hydraulic cement, which is a critical parameter in quality control and specification compliance. The fineness of cement influences the hydration rate, strength development, and durability of concrete and other cementitious products. The method utilizes air jet sieving, ensuring repeatable and comparable results across laboratories by adhering to standardized procedures.

Key Topics

• Purpose: The test method is designed for assessing whether hydraulic cement meets specific fineness requirements, typically dictated by specifications limiting the percentage of material retained on a 45-µm sieve.
• Scope: Applies to hydraulic cements, with the procedure suitable for evaluating other fine powders such as kiln feed and fly ash.
• Test Procedure: Involves placing a known mass of cement on a stainless steel wire sieve and using an air jet sieving apparatus at a specified vacuum. The process separates finer particles, and the mass retained on the sieve is measured to determine the percent passing.
• Equipment: Requires an air jet sieving apparatus, a 45-µm (No. 325) stainless steel sieve, a precise balance, vacuum device, sieve covers, seals, cleaning apparatus, and timer.
• Units: Results and procedures are presented in SI units to maintain international uniformity.
• Precision and Bias: Includes guidance on achieving consistency by using certified reference materials and provides information on repeatability and reproducibility from interlaboratory studies.

Applications

• Quality Control in Cement Production: Cement manufacturers rely on this air jet sieving method to regularly monitor and document the fineness of batches, ensuring compliance with product specifications and customer requirements.
• Specification Compliance: Regulatory agencies and construction projects use this standard as an acceptance criterion for cement used in critical applications such as infrastructure, roads, and high-performance concrete structures.
• Research and Development: Laboratories utilize the standardized procedure to evaluate new types of hydraulic cements or substitute materials, gaining reliable data to compare performance.
• Alternative Materials Testing: The method may be adapted for other materials including pulverized fuels, kiln feed, and fly ash by using alternate sieve sizes, offering valuable flexibility for broader materials testing.

Related Standards

• ASTM C430 – Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 45-μm Sieve (Manual Wet Sieving): An alternative to the air jet method outlined in C1891-20.
• ASTM C219 – Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements: Provides definitions for terms used in the context of cement fineness testing.
• ASTM C1005 – Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume in Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements.
• ASTM E11 – Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves: Ensures sieve material and construction meet required precision.
• ASTM E177 & E691 – Practices for evaluating precision and conducting interlaboratory studies, supporting the statistical validity of test results.

Using ASTM C1891-20 for cement fineness testing with an air jet sieve at 45-μm supports quality assurance, specification compliance, and process optimization in the cement and construction industries. This standardized method offers a rigorous, reproducible approach to measuring a key parameter that directly impacts concrete performance.

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: C1891 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air Jet Sieving at 45-µm
(No. 325)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1891; 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* E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the fine-
ness of hydraulic cement by means of air jet sieving using a
3. Terminology
45-µm (No. 325) sieve by Air Jet sieving.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 The values stated in SI units are regarded as the
3.1.1 Terms relating to this test method are defined in
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
Terminology C219.
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 A known mass of hydraulic cement is placed on a test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sieve that is inserted in the sieve holder of the air jet sieve
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
apparatus. Air from a slowly-rotating nozzle located beneath
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the sieve passes through the sieve to fluidize the sample for a
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
predetermined period of time. The exit air flow removes
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
undersized particles downward through the test sieve to a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
vacuum canister.The mass of hydraulic cement retained on the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
test sieve is determined, and the percent passing the test sieve
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
is calculated.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 This test method provides data for assessing compliance
2.1 ASTM Standards:
where specifications limit the amount of material retained
C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inor-
when sieved on a 45-µm (No. 325) sieve.
ganic Cements
C430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the
6. Air Jet Sieving Apparatus
45-µm (No. 325) Sieve
C1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for
6.1 Sieve:
Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical
6.1.1 Sieve Frame—The sieve frame shall be of a rigid
Testing of Hydraulic Cements
material, preferably bronze or stainless steel, not subject to
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
corrosion (for purposes of the cleaning procedure). The frame
Sieves
shall be circular and it shall be 203 mm (8-in.) in diameter to
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
fit the air jet sieving apparatus.
ASTM Test Methods
6.1.2 Sieve Cloth—The sieve frame shall be fitted with a
45-µm (No. 325) stainless steel AISI Type 304 woven-wire
sieve cloth, conforming to the requirements of Specification
E11. The sieve cloth shall be mounted in the frame without
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C01 on Cement
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.25 on Fineness.
distortion, looseness or wrinkling. The joint between the cloth
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally
and frame shall be smooth and without holes.
ε1
approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C1891 – 19 . DOI:
10.1520/C1891-20.
6.2 Sieve Cover—A cover made of hard plastic or metal is
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
necessary for covering the sieve and achieving a seal. The seal
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
needs to be such that the apparatus can maintain a vacuum
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. pressure throughout the test period.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1891 − 20
6.3 Seal—A seal between the sieve frame and its holder to significantly reduce the amount of material sticking to the
ensure air flow is through and not around the sieve. The seal underside of the cover.
shall be made of soft, pliable material.
8.3 When the air jet sieve has stopped, remove the cover
6.4 Vacuum Device—A canister type vacuum cleaner that and gently brush any material off the underside of the cover
can achieve and maintain at least 2.5 kPa (254 mm or 10-in. onto the sieve. Restart the air jet sieve apparatus and run for
water column) vacuum. 30 s.
6.5 Timer—Adevicecapableoftimingthetestperiodwithin 8.4 If material is still built up on the underside of the cover,
1 s. It can be attached and automatic, or such that it lets the repeat step 8.3. Occasionally wiping the underside of the cover
operator know when to start and stop the apparatus. with an anti-static dryer cloth has been found to reduce
material held by static charges.
6.6 Vacuum Gauge—A gauge capable of indicating the
vacuum pressure below the sieve within 0.1 kPa (12.7 mm or 8.5 Remove the sieve from the air jet sieve apparatus and
0.5-in. water column). carefully transfer the residual material to a weigh paper or pan
and determine the mass of the residue to the nearest 0.01 g.
6.7 Brush—Abrush with soft bristles used to brush material
NOTE 3—The ideal time to run the apparatus can be determined by
off the cover and onto the sieve.
running the same sample several times until a constant mass of residue
remains. For hydraulic cement, 180 s has been found to be sufficient in
6.8 Low Power Ultrasonic Bath—150 W maximum and
most cases.
large enough to allow submersion and cleaning of a 203 mm
(8-in.) sieve. A smaller bath is acceptable if the sieve can be
9. Cleaning of Sieves
partially submerged and rotated such that the entire sieve cloth
9.1 Frequency of Cleaning and Standardization—Sieves
is cleaned incrementally.
shall be cleaned after no more than five determinations and
6.9 Balance—Conforming to the requirements of Specifica-
re-standardized after no more than 100 determinations.
tion C1005 and able to measure a minimum mass of 10 mg.
9.2 Place sieve topside down in the ultrasonic bath with
water and a laboratory cleaning solution or detergent. Turn the
7. Sieve Standardization
ultrasonic bath on for 10 to 15 min. Rotate the sieve, as
7.1 Place 10.00 g of a certified reference material of a
necessary, to ensure submersion and cleaning of the entire
known 45-µm fineness (Note 1) on the sieve and proceed as
sieve cloth. Rinse and dry the sieve. When held up to a light,
described in Section 8. The sieve correction factor (Note 2)is
a dirty sieve is very apparent.
the difference between the test residue obtained and the
assigned residue value specified for the standard sample,
10. Calculation
expressed as a percentage of the test residue.
10.1 Calculate the fineness of the cement to the nearest
0.1 % as follows:
Example of Sieve Correction Factor Determination:
Residue on a 45-µm sieve, sample No. 114, or No. 46h 12.2 %
R 5 ~R ⁄ W! 3 ~100 1 C! (1)
c s
or secondary standard
F 5 100 2 R (2)
c
Residue for a 10.00-g sample 1.22 g
where:
Residue on sieve being calibrated 0.93 g
Difference +0.29 g
F = fineness of the cement expressed as the corrected
percentage passing the 45-µm (No. 325) sieve,
Correction factor = +0.29/0.93 × 100 = +31.18 +31.2 %
R = corrected residue, %,
c
R = residue from the sample retained on the 45-µm
s
NOTE 1—Use of the current lot of National Institute of Standards and
(No. 325) sieve, g,
Technology Standard Reference Material (SRM) for fineness is recom-
W = original sample weight, g, and
mended. As an alternative, a secondary standard can be developed as
described in Appendix X1. C = sieve correction factor (determined as prescribed in
NOTE 2—It should be noted that the sieve correction as specified is a
Sect
...

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.
´1
Designation: C1891 − 19 C1891 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air Jet Sieving at 45-μm
(No. 325)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1891; 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.
ε NOTE—Added research report footnote to Section 11 and corrected formatting of Appendix X1 and Appendix X2 edito-
rially in January 2020.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the fineness of hydraulic cement by means of air jet sieving using a 45-μm
(No. 325) sieve by Air Jet sieving.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are regarded as the standard. The inch-pound equivalents may be approximatevalues given in
parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
C430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 45-μm (No. 325) Sieve
C1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical Testing of
Hydraulic Cements
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Terms relating to this test method are defined in Terminology C219.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A known mass of hydraulic cement is placed on a test sieve that is inserted in the sieve holder of the air jet sieve apparatus.
Air from a slowly-rotating nozzle located beneath the sieve passes through the sieve to fluidize the sample for a predetermined
period of time. The exit air flow removes undersized particles downward through the test sieve to a vacuum canister. The mass
of hydraulic cement retained on the test sieve is determined, and the percent passing the test sieve is calculated.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides data for assessing compliance where specifications limit the amount of material retained when
sieved on a 45-μm (No. 325) sieve.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C01 on Cement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.25 on Fineness.
Current edition approved June 15, 2019Jan. 15, 2020. Published July 2019February 2020. Originally approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as
ε1
C1891 – 19 . DOI: 10.1520/C1891-19E01.10.1520/C1891-20.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1891 − 20
6. Air Jet Sieving Apparatus
6.1 Air Jet Sieving Apparatus:
6.1 Sieve:
6.1.1 Sieve Frame—The sieve frame shall be of a rigid material, preferably bronze or stainless steel, not subject to corrosion
(for purposes of the cleaning procedure). The frame shall be circular and it shall be 203 mm (8 in.) (8-in.) in diameter to fit the
air jet sieving apparatus.
6.1.2 Sieve Cloth—The sieve frame shall be fitted with a 45-μm (No. 325) stainless steel AISI Type 304 woven-wire sieve cloth,
conforming to the requirements of Specification E11. The sieve cloth shall be mounted in the frame without distortion, looseness
or wrinkling. The joint between the cloth and frame shall be smooth and without holes.
6.2 Sieve Cover—A cover made of hard plastic or metal is necessary for covering the sieve and achieving a seal. The seal needs
to be such that the apparatus can maintain a vacuum pressure throughout the test period.
6.3 Seal—A seal between the sieve frame and its holder to ensure air flow is through and not around the sieve. The seal shall
be made of soft, pliable material.
6.4 Vacuum Device—A canister type vacuum cleaner that can achieve and maintain at least 2.5 kPa (254 mm or 10-in. water
column) vacuum.
6.5 Timer—A device capable of timing the test period within 1 s. It can be attached and automatic, or such that it lets the operator
know when to start and stop the apparatus.
6.6 Vacuum Gauge—A gauge capable of indicating the vacuum pressure below the sieve within 0.1 kPa (12.7-mm(12.7 mm or
0.5-in. water column).
6.7 Brush—A brush with soft bristles used to brush material off the cover to and onto the sieve.
6.8 Low Power Ultrasonic Bath—150 W maximum and large enough to allow submersion and cleaning of a 203 mm
(8 in.)(8-in.) sieve. A smaller bath is acceptable if the sieve can be partially submerged and rotated such that the entire sieve cloth
is cleaned incrementally.
6.9 Balance Balance—conformingConforming to the requirements of Specification C1005C1005 with sensitivity of at least 10
mg. and able to measure a minimum mass of 10 mg.
7. Sieve Standardization
7.1 Place 10.00 grams 10.00 g of a certified reference material of a known 45-μm fineness (Note 1) on the sieve and proceed
as described in Section 8. The sieve correction factor (Note 2) is the difference between the test residue obtained and the assigned
residue value specified for the standard sample, expressed as a percentage of the test residue.
Example of Sieve Correction Factor Determination:
Residue on a 45-μm sieve, sample No. 114, or No. 46h 12.2 %
or secondary standard
Residue for a 10.00-g sample 1.22 g
Residue on sieve being calibrated 0.93 g
Difference +0.29 g
Correction factor = +0.29/0.93 × 100 = +31.18 +31.2 %
NOTE 1—Use of the current lot of National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material (SRM) for fineness is recommended.
As an alternative, a secondary standard can be developed as described in Appendix X1.
NOTE 2—It should be noted that the sieve correction as specified is a factor to be multiplied by the residue obtained and that the amount to be added
to or subtracted from the residue in any given test is therefore proportional to the amount of residue.
8. Procedure
8.1 Place 10.00 g of hydraulic cement on the sieve. Place the sieve on the air jet sieving apparatus. Place the cover on the sieve.
Turn the air jet sieving apparatus on and allow it to run for the predetermined time (Note 3). Ensure that at least 2.5 kPa (254 mm
or 10-in10-in. water column) of vacuum is reached. If the minimum vacuum is not reached, determine the cause of the problem
and correct it.
8.2 Lightly tapping the cover two minutes before the end of the test and again one minute before ending the test can significantly
reduce the amount of material sticking to the underside of the cover.
8.3 When the air jet sieve has stopped, remove the cover and gently brush any material off the underside of the cover onto the
sieve. Restart the air jet sieve apparatus and run for 30 s.
C1891 − 20
8.4 If material is still built up on the underside of the cover, repeat step 8.3. Occasionally wiping the underside of the cover with
an anti-static dryer cloth has been found to reduce material held by static charges.
8.5 Remove the sieve from the air jet sieve apparatus and carefully transfer the residual material to a weigh paper or pan and
determine the mass of the residue to the nearest 0.01 g.
NOTE 3—The ideal time to run the apparatus can be determined by running the same sample several times until a constant mass of residue remains.
For hydraulic cement, 180 s has been found to be sufficient in most cases.
9. Cleaning of Sieves
9.1 Frequency of Cleaning and Standardization—Sieves shall be cleaned after no more than five determinations and
r
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