ASTM C870-11(2017)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Conditioning of Thermal Insulating Materials
Standard Practice for Conditioning of Thermal Insulating Materials
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The conditioning prescribed in this recommended practice is designed to obtain reproducible test results on thermal insulating materials. Results of tests obtained on these materials under uncontrolled atmospheric conditions are not comparable with each other. Some of the physical properties of thermal insulating materials are influenced by relative humidity and temperature in a manner that affects the results of tests. In this regard, such information is provided in pertinent material specifications and test methods by stating the physical properties relative to the specific ambient or test conditions.
Note 1: In some cases (for example, dimensionally unstable materials), the dry mass cannot easily be established and original mass has to be used.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the conditioning of thermal insulating materials for tests. Since prior exposure of insulating materials to high or low humidity will affect the equilibrium moisture content, a procedure is also given for preconditioning the materials.
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 may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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 and health 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.
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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: C870 − 11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Conditioning of Thermal Insulating Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C870; 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 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 544 Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and/or
1.1 This practice covers the conditioning of thermal insu-
Testing
lating materials for tests. Since prior exposure of insulating
materials to high or low humidity will affect the equilibrium
3. Terminology
moisture content, a procedure is also given for preconditioning
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms in the field of thermal
the materials.
insulating materials are given in Terminology C168. The
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
following definitions are derived from Terminology E41:
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1.1 moisture content—the moisture present in a material,
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
as determined by definite prescribed methods, expressed as a
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
percentage of the mass of the sample on either of the following
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
bases: (1) original mass (see 3.1.1); (2) moisture-free weight
with the standard.
(see 3.1.2).
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1.1 Discussion—This is variously referred to as mois-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ture content, or moisture “as is” or “as received.”
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1.2 Discussion—This is also referred to as moisture
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
regain (frequently contracted to “regain”), or moisture content
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
on the “oven-dry,” “moisture-free,” or “dry” basis.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.2 moisture equilibrium—the condition reached by a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
sample when the net difference between the amount of mois-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ture sorbed and the amount desorbed, as shown by a change in
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mass, shows no trend and becomes insignificant.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Superficial equilibrium with the film of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
air in contact with the specimen is reached very rapidly. Stable
equilibrium can be reached in a reasonable time only if the air
2. Referenced Documents
towhichthesampleisexposedisinmotion.Stableequilibrium
2.1 ASTM Standards:
with air in motion is considered to be realized when successive
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
weighings do not show a progressive change in mass greater
E41 Terminology Relating To Conditioning
than the tolerances established for the various insulating
E171 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier
materials.
Packaging
3.1.3 moisture regain—the moisture in a material deter-
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psy-
mined under prescribed conditions, and expressed as a percent-
chrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Tem-
age of the mass of the moisture-free specimen.
peratures)
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Moisture regain calculations are com-
monly based on the mass of a specimen that has been dried by
heating in an oven. If the air in the oven contains moisture, the
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
oven-dried specimen will contain some moisture even when it
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.31 on Chemical and
no longer shows a significant change in mass. In order to
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved April 15, 2017. Published May 2017. Originally
ensurethatthespecimenismoisture-free,itmustbeexposedto
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as C870 – 11. DOI:
desiccated air until it shows no further significant change in its
10.1520/C0870-11R17.
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
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C870 − 11 (2017)
mass. For drying temperatures above 100°C [212°F], the 4. Summary of Practice
moisture content of the oven atmosphere is negligible.
4.1 Specimens are brought to a low moisture content in the
3.1.3.2 Discussion—Moisture regain may be calculated
preconditioning atmosphere, and subsequently brought to con-
frommoisturecontentusingEq1,andmoisturecontentmaybe
ditioned moisture equilibrium in the conditioning atmosphere
calculated from moisture regain using Eq 2 as follows:
in accordance with the specified test method.
C
R 5 3100 (1)
5. Significance and Use
100 2 C
R 5.1 The conditioning prescribed in this recommended prac-
C 5 3100 (2)
1001R
tice is designed to obtain reproducible test results on thermal
insulating materials. Results of tests obtained on these materi-
where:
als under uncontrolled atmospheric conditions are not compa-
C = moisture content, % (see 3.1.1), and
rable with each other. Some of the physical properties of
R = moisture regain, % (see 3.1.3).
thermalinsulatingmaterialsareinfluencedbyrelativehumidity
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard—The
and temperature in a manner that affects the results of tests. In
following descriptions apply only to the usage of terms in this this regard, such information is provided in pertinent material
practice:
specifications and test methods by stating the physical proper-
ties relative to the specific ambient or test conditions.
3.2.1 preconditioned moisture equilibrium—The moisture
condition reached by a sample or specimen after exposure to
NOTE 1—In some cases (for example, dimensionally unstable
movingairatthestandardatmosphereforpreconditioning.The
materials),thedrymasscannoteasilybeestablishedandoriginalmasshas
final condition may be established after a specified period of to be used.
time, or at a moisture equilibrium that is considered to have
been reached when the change in mass of a specimen in 6. Apparatus
successive weighings made at intervals of not less than 2 h
6.1 Conditioning Room or Chamber:
does not exceed 0.2 % of the mass of the specimen.
6.1.1 Equipment for maintaining the standard atmosphere
3.2.2 conditioned moisture equilibrium—The moisture con- fortestinginsulatingmaterialsthroughouttheroomorchamber
ditionreachedbyasampleorspecimenduringfreeexposureto
within the tolerance given in 3.2.4, and including facilities for
movingaircontrolledatspecifiedconditions.Fortestpurposes, circulating the air over the exposed sample or specimen or,
moisture equilibrium must be reached by absorption, starting
alternatively, facilities such as a revolving
...
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: C870 − 11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Conditioning of Thermal Insulating Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C870; 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 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 544 Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and/or
1.1 This practice covers the conditioning of thermal insu-
Testing
lating materials for tests. Since prior exposure of insulating
materials to high or low humidity will affect the equilibrium
3. Terminology
moisture content, a procedure is also given for preconditioning
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms in the field of thermal
the materials.
insulating materials are given in Terminology C168. The
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
following definitions are derived from Terminology E41:
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1.1 moisture content—the moisture present in a material,
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
as determined by definite prescribed methods, expressed as a
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
percentage of the mass of the sample on either of the following
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
bases: (1) original mass (see 3.1.1); (2) moisture-free weight
with the standard.
(see 3.1.2).
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1.1 Discussion—This is variously referred to as mois-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ture content, or moisture “as is” or “as received.”
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1.2 Discussion—This is also referred to as moisture
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
regain (frequently contracted to “regain”), or moisture content
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
on the “oven-dry,” “moisture-free,” or “dry” basis.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.2 moisture equilibrium—the condition reached by a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
sample when the net difference between the amount of mois-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ture sorbed and the amount desorbed, as shown by a change in
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mass, shows no trend and becomes insignificant.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Superficial equilibrium with the film of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
air in contact with the specimen is reached very rapidly. Stable
equilibrium can be reached in a reasonable time only if the air
2. Referenced Documents
to which the sample is exposed is in motion. Stable equilibrium
2.1 ASTM Standards:
with air in motion is considered to be realized when successive
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
weighings do not show a progressive change in mass greater
E41 Terminology Relating To Conditioning
than the tolerances established for the various insulating
E171 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier
materials.
Packaging
3.1.3 moisture regain—the moisture in a material deter-
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psy-
mined under prescribed conditions, and expressed as a percent-
chrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Tem-
age of the mass of the moisture-free specimen.
peratures)
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Moisture regain calculations are com-
monly based on the mass of a specimen that has been dried by
heating in an oven. If the air in the oven contains moisture, the
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
oven-dried specimen will contain some moisture even when it
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.31 on Chemical and
no longer shows a significant change in mass. In order to
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved April 15, 2017. Published May 2017. Originally
ensure that the specimen is moisture-free, it must be exposed to
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as C870 – 11. DOI:
desiccated air until it shows no further significant change in its
10.1520/C0870-11R17.
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
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C870 − 11 (2017)
mass. For drying temperatures above 100°C [212°F], the 4. Summary of Practice
moisture content of the oven atmosphere is negligible.
4.1 Specimens are brought to a low moisture content in the
3.1.3.2 Discussion—Moisture regain may be calculated
preconditioning atmosphere, and subsequently brought to con-
from moisture content using Eq 1, and moisture content may be
ditioned moisture equilibrium in the conditioning atmosphere
calculated from moisture regain using Eq 2 as follows:
in accordance with the specified test method.
C
R 5 3 100 (1)
1002 C 5. Significance and Use
R
5.1 The conditioning prescribed in this recommended prac-
C 5 3 100 (2)
1001R tice is designed to obtain reproducible test results on thermal
insulating materials. Results of tests obtained on these materi-
where:
als under uncontrolled atmospheric conditions are not compa-
C = moisture content, % (see 3.1.1), and
rable with each other. Some of the physical properties of
R = moisture regain, % (see 3.1.3).
thermal insulating materials are influenced by relative humidity
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard—The and temperature in a manner that affects the results of tests. In
following descriptions apply only to the usage of terms in this
this regard, such information is provided in pertinent material
practice: specifications and test methods by stating the physical proper-
ties relative to the specific ambient or test conditions.
3.2.1 preconditioned moisture equilibrium—The moisture
condition reached by a sample or specimen after exposure to
NOTE 1—In some cases (for example, dimensionally unstable
moving air at the standard atmosphere for preconditioning. The
materials), the dry mass cannot easily be established and original mass has
final condition may be established after a specified period of
to be used.
time, or at a moisture equilibrium that is considered to have
been reached when the change in mass of a specimen in 6. Apparatus
successive weighings made at intervals of not less than 2 h
6.1 Conditioning Room or Chamber:
does not exceed 0.2 % of the mass of the specimen.
6.1.1 Equipment for maintaining the standard atmosphere
3.2.2 conditioned moisture equilibrium—The moisture con-
for testing insulating materials throughout the room or chamber
dition reached by a sample or specimen during free exposure to within the tolerance given in 3.2.4, and including facilities for
moving air controlled at specified conditions. For test purposes,
circulating the air over the exposed sample or specimen or,
moisture equilibrium must be reached by absorption, starting alternatively, facilities such as a revolving rack for moving the
from a relatively low moisture content (see 3
...
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: C870 − 11 C870 − 11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Conditioning of Thermal Insulating Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C870; 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 practice covers the conditioning of thermal insulating materials for tests. Since prior exposure of insulating materials
to high or low humidity will affect the equilibrium moisture content, a procedure is also given for preconditioning the materials.
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 may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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 and health 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:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
E41 Terminology Relating To Conditioning
E171 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 544 Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and/or Testing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms in the field of thermal insulating materials are given in Terminology C168. The following
definitions are derived from Terminology E41:
3.1.1 moisture content—the moisture present in a material, as determined by definite prescribed methods, expressed as a
percentage of the mass of the sample on either of the following bases: (1) original mass (see 3.1.1); (2) moisture-free weight (see
3.1.2).
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.31 on Chemical and Physical
Properties.
Current edition approved April 1, 2011April 15, 2017. Published April 2011May 2017. Originally approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 20042011 as
C870 – 96 (2004).C870 – 11. DOI: 10.1520/C0870-11.10.1520/C0870-11R17.
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 Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
This is variously referred to as moisture content, or moisture “as is” or “as received.”
3.1.1.2 Discussion—
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C870 − 11 (2017)
This is also referred to as moisture regain (frequently contracted to “regain”), or moisture content on the “oven-dry,”
“moisture-free,” or “dry” basis.
3.1.2 moisture equilibrium—the condition reached by a sample when the net difference between the amount of moisture sorbed
and the amount desorbed, as shown by a change in mass, shows no trend and becomes insignificant.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
Superficial equilibrium with the film of air in contact with the specimen is reached very rapidly. Stable equilibrium can be reached
in a reasonable time only if the air to which the sample is exposed is in motion. Stable equilibrium with air in motion is considered
to be realized when successive weighings do not show a progressive change in mass greater than the tolerances established for the
various insulating materials.
3.1.3 moisture regain—the moisture in a material determined under prescribed conditions, and expressed as a percentage of the
mass of the moisture-free specimen.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
Moisture regain calculations are commonly based on the mass of a specimen that has been dried by heating in an oven. If the air
in the oven contains moisture, the oven-dried specimen will contain some moisture even when it no longer shows a significant
change in mass. In order to ensure that the specimen is moisture-free, it must be exposed to desiccated air until it shows no further
significant change in its mass. For drying temperatures above 100°C [212°F], the moisture content of the oven atmosphere is
negligible.
3.1.3.2 Discussion—
Moisture regain may be calculated from moisture content using Eq 1, and moisture content may be calculated from moisture regain
using Eq 2 as follows:
C
R 5 3100 (1)
100 2 C
R
C 5 3100 (2)
1001R
where:
C = moisture content, % (see 3.1.1), and
R = moisture regain, % (see 3.1.3).
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard—The following descriptions apply only to the usage of terms in this practice:
3.2.1 preconditioned moisture equilibrium—The moisture condition reached by a sample or specimen after exposure to moving
air at the standard atmosphere for preconditioning. The final condition may be established after a specified period of time, or at
a moisture equilibrium that is considered to have been reached when the change in mass of a specimen in successive weighings
made at intervals of not less than 2 h does not exceed 0.2 % of the mass of the specimen.
3.2.2 conditioned moisture equilibrium—The moisture condition reached by a sample or specimen during free exposure to
moving air controlled at specified conditions. For test purposes, moisture equilibrium must be reached by absorption, starting from
a relatively low moisture content (see 3.2.3). Moisture equilibrium for testing is considered to have been reached when the rate
of increase in the mass of a sample or specimen does not exceed that specified for the material being tested. In the absence of a
specified rate, an increase of less than 0.1 % of the sample mass after a 24-h exposure is considered satisfactory.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
Because the standard preconditioning atmosphere covers a range of relative humidities, the close approach to equilibrium is, in
general, warranted only at the top of the range. At lower humidities exposure for several hours is usually sufficient.
3.2.3 standard preconditioning atmosphere—An atmosphere having uncontrolled humidity and a constant temperature within
the range from 100 to 120°C [212 to 248°F], or a specified lower temperature if these temperatures would be destructive to the
specimens. Refer to material specification.
C870 − 11 (2017)
3.2.4 standard conditioning atmosphere—Air maintained at a relative humidity of 50 6 5 % and at a temperature of 23 6 2°C
[73 6 4°F]. This atmosphere may be used for testing without preconditioning specimens if it has been determined that the property
...
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