ASTM E382-20

Standard Test Method for Determination of Crushing Strength of Iron Ore Pellets and Direct-Reduced Iron

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The crushing strength aids the pellet producer in the determination of quality problems associated with the production of pellets.  
5.2 The crushing strength is often used by the pellet consumer as a quality indicator for performance in the blast furnace and gas-based direct reduction plants.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a method for determining the crushing strength of fired iron ore pellets and direct-reduced iron. Cylindrical agglomerates and briquettes are not covered by this test method.  
1.2 The values as stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standards. The values in parentheses are given for information only.  
1.3 Results given by this test should be similar to those from ISO 4700 (see Appendix X1 for details).  
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: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Apr-2020
• ICS: 73.060.10 - Iron ores
• Technical Committee: E01 - Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Drafting Committee: E01.02 - Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metallurgical Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E382-12 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Crushing Strength of Iron Ore Pellets
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM E135-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E135-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E50-17 - Standard Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM E50-11(2016) - Standard Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Refers: ASTM E135-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM E135-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM E135-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM E135-14b - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM E50-11 - Standard Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E135-11b - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011

Overview

ASTM E382-20: Standard Test Method for Determination of Crushing Strength of Iron Ore Pellets and Direct-Reduced Iron establishes a reliable method for measuring the compressive load required to break fired iron ore pellets and direct-reduced iron (DRI). This standard provides essential guidance for both pellet producers and consumers within the iron and steel industry, supporting quality control and specification compliance. The crushing strength of iron ore pellets is a critical performance indicator, providing valuable information for both production optimization and end-use suitability in blast furnaces and direct reduction plants.

Key Topics

• Crushing Strength Measurement: The method describes the procedure for applying a compressive load to individual pellets at a specified platen speed until failure occurs, recording the mean crushing strength of a representative sample.
• Applicability: This standard is specific to fired iron ore pellets and direct-reduced iron. It excludes cylindrical agglomerates and briquettes, as well as unfired or ductile pellets.
• Sample Preparation: Guidance is provided for proper sampling and preparation, including random sampling, minimum quantity (commonly 60 pellets or agreed upon amount), and specific pellet size range (typically 9.5 mm to 12.5 mm).
• Apparatus Requirements: The test method specifies equipment capabilities such as loading unit capacity, parallel platens with surface-hardened steel, regulated speed controls, and properly calibrated electronic or mechanical load indicators.
• Data Reporting: Results are reported as the mean compressive strength (in kilogram-force or decaNewtons), including standard deviation, pellet size range, and number tested for comprehensive quality control documentation.
• Safety and Compliance: The standard emphasizes adherence to safety, health, and environmental practices, as well as regulatory considerations relevant to laboratory operations.

Applications

• Quality Control in Pellet Production: Pellet producers use crushing strength results to detect and analyze process variability, identify manufacturing defects, and improve product consistency.
• End-User Acceptance and Specification Compliance: Steelmakers and industrial users utilize crushing strength data as a key specification for iron ore pellets and DRI used in blast furnaces and direct reduction processes, ensuring reliable charge material performance and minimization of fines generation.
• Procurement and Supply Chain: The test method facilitates objective assessment for contracts and supply agreements by providing a standardized benchmark for pellet quality.
• Process Optimization: Insights from crushing strength trends help optimize pelletizing parameters, raw material blends, and reduction furnace procedures.

Related Standards

• ISO 4700: Iron ore pellets for blast furnace and direct reduction feedstocks - Determination of crushing strength. This international standard provides a comparable methodology, with close alignment in equipment, procedures, and reporting.
• ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications - referenced for rounding methods.
• ASTM E50: Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials.
• ASTM E122: Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process.
• ASTM E389: Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis for Metal-Bearing Ores and Related Materials.
• ASTM E877: Practice for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Iron Ores and Related Materials.
• ASTM E135: Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials.

By adhering to ASTM E382-20, industry professionals can ensure consistent, reproducible measurement of iron ore pellet and DRI crushing strength, supporting product quality, process optimization, and international trade requirements.

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: E382 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Crushing Strength of Iron Ore Pellets and
Direct-Reduced Iron
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E382; 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 Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
Lot or Process
1.1 This test method describes a method for determining the
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
crushing strength of fired iron ore pellets and direct-reduced
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
iron. Cylindrical agglomerates and briquettes are not covered
E389 TestMethodforParticleSizeorScreenAnalysisatNo.
by this test method.
4 (4.75-mm) Sieve and Coarser for Metal-Bearing Ores
1.2 The values as stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
and Related Materials
standards. The values in parentheses are given for information
E877 Practice for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Iron
only.
Ores and Related Materials for Determination of Chemi-
cal Composition and Physical Properties
1.3 Resultsgivenbythistestshouldbesimilartothosefrom
ISO 4700 (see Appendix X1 for details). 2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 4700 Iron ore pellets for blast furnace and direct
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
reduction feedstocks—Determination of the crushing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
strength
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3. Terminology
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
method, refer to Terminology E135.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.1 crushing strength, n—average compressive load
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
needed to break the pellets in the test sample completely.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Summary of Test Method
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 A load is applied on a single pellet at a specified speed
of the compressive platen until the pellet is broken. This
2.1 ASTM Standards:
procedure is repeated on all pellets of the test sample.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications 4.2 This test method assumes that individual samples are
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Consid-
essentially brittle; that is, at some level of applied force, the
erations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and sample will break into two or more pieces. There are
Related Materials
circumstances, however, when pellets are more ductile (for
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With example, green pellets that have not yet been fired), and the
sample may deform and not break. This test method does not
apply to such pellets; refer to ISO 4700 for analytical methods
to deal with ductile samples.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on
Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct
5. Significance and Use
responsibility of Subcommittee E01.02 on Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metal-
lurgical Materials.
5.1 The crushing strength aids the pellet producer in the
Current edition approved April 15, 2020. Published August 2020. Originally
determination of quality problems associated with the produc-
approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E382 – 12. DOI:
10.1520/E0382-20.
tion of pellets.
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 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
E382 − 20
5.2 The crushing strength is often used by the pellet 8. Sampling and Sample Preparation
consumer as a quality indicator for performance in the blast
8.1 The test sample for determining the crushing strength
furnace and gas-based direct reduction plants.
shall be obtained at random by riffle division of a sample and
prepared in accordance with Practice E877.
6. Apparatus
8.2 Sixty or more pellets, or a number agreed upon between
6.1 Loading Unit
the parties concerned, shall be tested for each sample.
6.1.1 The loading capacity shall be 981 daN or more
8.3 The size range of the test sample shall be between 9.5
(980.7 daN = 1000 kg ).
f
mm and 12.5 mm (as determined in Test Method E389)orany
6.1.2 The compressive platens shall be installed in parallel
size range as agreed upon between the parties concerned.
planes. The surface of the platens that are in contact with the
9. Procedure
sample shall be made of surface-hardened steel.
6.1.3 A device for setting the speed of the compressive
9.1 Place a single pellet of the sample at the approximate
platen at 0.25 mm/s 6 0.08 mm/s over
...

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: E382 − 12 E382 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Crushing Strength of Iron Ore Pellets and
Direct-Reduced Iron
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E382; 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 describes a method for determining the crushing strength of fired iron ore pellets. Cylindrical agglomerates,
briquettes, and reduced pellets pellets and direct-reduced iron. Cylindrical agglomerates and briquettes are not covered by this test
method.
1.2 The values as stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standards. The values in parentheses are given for information only.
1.3 Results given by this test should be similar to those from ISO 4700 (see Appendix X1 for details).
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:
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E389 Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) Sieve and Coarser for Metal-Bearing Ores and
Related Materials
E877 Practice for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Iron Ores and Related Materials for Determination of Chemical
Composition and Physical Properties
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 4700 Iron ore pellets for blast furnace and direct reduction feedstocks—Determination of the crushing strength
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology E135.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 crushing strength, n—average compressive load needed to break the pellets in the test sample completely.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A load is applied on a single pellet at a specified speed of the compressive platen until the pellet is broken. This procedure
is repeated on all pellets of the test sample.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E01.02 on Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metallurgical Materials.
Current edition approved June 1, 2012April 15, 2020. Published July 2012August 2020. Originally approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
E382 – 07.E382 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/E0382-12.10.1520/E0382-20.
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.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 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
E382 − 20
4.2 This test method assumes that individual samples are essentially brittle; that is, at some level of applied force, the sample
will break into two or more pieces. There are circumstances, however, when pellets are more ductile (for example, green pellets
that have not yet been fired), and the sample may deform and not break. This test method does not apply to such pellets; refer to
ISO 4700 for analytical methods to deal with ductile samples.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The crushing strength aids the pellet producer in the determination of quality problems associated with the production of
pellets.
5.2 The crushing strength is often used by the pellet consumer as a quality indicator for performance in the blast furnace.furnace
and gas-based direct reduction plants.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Loading Unit:Unit
6.1.1 The loading capacity shall be 1000 kgf 981 daN or more (1000 kgf = 9.806 kN).(980.7 daN = 1000 kg ).
f
6.1.2 The compressive platens shall be installed in parallel planes. The surface of the platens that are in contact with the sample
shall be made of surface-hardened steel.
6.1.3 A device for setting the speed of the compressive platen at 0.25 mm/s 6 0.08 mm/s over the entire test period shall be
used.
NOTE 1—If the platen speed is not constant during the test cycle, results may differ depending upon the test machine used.
6.2 Indicating Unit, consists of a load transfer device and a load indicator.
6.2.1 Load Transfer Device:Device
6.2.1.1 The transfer of the applied load to the load indicator shall be by a load cell or by a lever.
6.2.1.2 The capacity of the load cell shall be at least 1000 kg.981 daN.
6.2.2 Load Indicator:Indicator
6.2.2.1 The ap
...