ASTM C520-98
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Density of Granular Loose Fill Insulations
Standard Test Methods for Density of Granular Loose Fill Insulations
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are applicable to granular loose fill insulation materials such as vermiculite and perlite. They may be used for other insulation materials with similar flow and settling properties.
1.2 Method A will be used to determine bulk density.
1.3 Method B will be used to determine design density and, with Method A, can be used to calculate percent loss of volume due to settling.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: C 520 – 98
Standard Test Methods for
Density of Granular Loose Fill Insulations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 520; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope induced settling procedures or specified conditioning, or both,
expressed as a percent.
1.1 These test methods are applicable to granular loose fill
insulation materials such as vermiculite and perlite. They may
4. Significance and Use
be used for other insulation materials with similar flow and
4.1 Method A will be used primarily as a manufacturing
settling properties.
quality control and field test method without the need for
1.2 Method A will be used to determine bulk density.
conditioning. For more accurate research purposes, condition-
1.3 Method B will be used to determine design density and,
ing may be specified.
with Method A, can be used to calculate percent loss of volume
4.2 Method B will be used, when specified, to determine the
due to settling.
density at which other insulation properties such as thermal
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
resistance and placement coverage will be determined.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Apparatus
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.1 Bulk Density Measure—A lightweight rigid box having
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3 3
a volume of 1 ft (0.03 m ). All inside dimensions shall be
12.00 6 0.04 in. (305 6 1 mm).
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 Scale(s)—A scale or balance with an accuracy of at least
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1 % of the sample weight. More than one type may be required
C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulating Materi-
for Method B.
als
5.3 Design Density Sample Measure—The sample container
C 390 Criteria for Sampling and Acceptance of Preformed
(see Fig. 1) shall be made of construction grade plywood and
Thermal Insulation Lots
two 48-in. (1220 mm) long, nominal 2 by 8-in. wood joists.
3. Terminology The joists shall be spaced 16 in. (406 mm) apart from center to
center. The inside width and depth of the container will depend
3.1 The definitions of terms used in this method shall be in
somewhat on the actual dimensions of the 2 by 8-in. lumber
accordance with Terminology C 168.
used and should result in an interior volume of approximately
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3 3
2.9 6 0.1 ft (0.082 6 0.003 m ). The actual volume must be
3.2.1 bulk density—the apparent density of the granular
measured.
material, according to the procedures in Method A, as received,
5.4 Screed—A suitable piece of wood, metal, or plastic at
and including the normal voids incorporated during the place-
least 20 in. (508 mm) long with a thin straight edge suitable for
ment procedure. No conditioning is required unless specified.
leveling the loose, granular material.
3.2.2 design density—the apparent density of the granular
5.5 Tapping Hammer and Frame—This shall include a
material, according to the procedures in Method B, as condi-
standard 7 ⁄2-lb (3.4 kg) sledge hammer. The total length of the
tioned, and including the normal voids incorporated during the
handle shall be approximately 34 in. (864 mm). A ⁄4-in.
placement and subsequent procedures.
(6-mm) hole is drilled through the handle to provide a pivot
3.2.3 percent volume loss—the loss in volume between the
point 32 ⁄8 in. (816 mm) from the center line of the head of the
as received bulk density and the design density determined by
hammer. It shall be incorporated in a moveable frame as
described in Fig. 1.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-16 on 5.6 Blowing Machine, Optional—The blowing machine, if
Thermal Insulation and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C 16.32on
used, shall be typical of the type of blowing machine recom-
Mechanical Properties.
mended by the insulation manufacturer and shall be equipped
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 1998. Published October 1998. Originally
published as C 520 – 63 T. Last previous edition C 520 – 91.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C 520
FIG. 1 Sample Container
with 100 ft (30 m) of the type and diameter of blower hose 8.1.4 Using fresh material, repeat the test for a total of three
recommended by the insulation manufacturer for field instal- times.
lation.
8.1.5 Calculation—Calculate bulk
...
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