ASTM D6683-19

Standard Test Method for Measuring Bulk Density Values of Powders and Other Bulk Solids as Function of Compressive Stress

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The data from this test can be used to estimate the bulk density of materials in bins and hoppers and for material handling applications such as feeders.  
5.2 The test results can be greatly affected by the sample selected for testing. For meaningful results it is necessary to select a representative sample of the particulate solid with respect to moisture (water) content, particle-size distribution and temperature. For the tests an appropriate size sample should be available, and fresh material should be used for each individual test specimen.  
5.3 Initial bulk density, (ρb)initial, may or may not be used as the minimum bulk density. This will depend on the material being tested. For example, the two are often close to the same for coarse (most particles larger than about 6 mm), free-flowing bulk solids, but not for fine, aeratable powders.  
5.4 Bulk density values may be dependent upon the magnitude of the applied mass increments. Traditionally, the applied mass is doubled for each increment resulting in an applied mass increment ratio of 1. Smaller than standard increment ratios may be desirable for materials that are highly sensitive to the applied mass increment ratio. An example of the latter is a material whose bulk density increases 10% or more with each increase in applied mass.  
5.5 Bulk density values may be dependent upon the duration of each applied mass. Traditionally, the duration is the same for each increment and equal to 15 s. For some materials, the rate of compression is such that complete compression (no change in volume with time at a given applied compressive stress) will require significantly more than 15 s.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers an apparatus and procedure for determining a range of bulk densities of powders and other bulk solids as a function of compressive stress.  
1.2 This test method should be performed in the laboratory under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives, and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measure are included in this standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 30-Apr-2019
• ICS: 19.120 - Particle size analysis. Sieving
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.24 - Characterization and Handling of Powders and Bulk Solids

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6683-14 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Bulk Density Values of Powders and Other Bulk Solids as Function of Compressive Stress
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D3740-23 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3740-19 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2216-19 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12a - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3740-11 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2216-10 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM D3740-10 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D653-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008

Overview

ASTM D6683-19 is the Standard Test Method for Measuring Bulk Density Values of Powders and Other Bulk Solids as a Function of Compressive Stress. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a laboratory method for determining how the bulk density of powders and bulk solids changes under varying compressive stresses. Understanding bulk density is vital for applications involving storage, handling, and processing of particulate materials.

This test method is especially relevant for industries that rely on accurate characterization of materials such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food ingredients, construction materials, and minerals. By systematically applying compressive stresses and measuring the accompanying changes in bulk density, users can gain valuable insights into material behavior in real-world settings like bins, hoppers, and feeders.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Use

  • Estimates bulk density in bins and hoppers under different loading conditions.
  • Supports design and evaluation of material handling equipment such as feeders and conveyors.
  • Helps predict flowability and compressibility of powders and bulk solids.

• Sample Selection

  • Emphasizes the need for representative specimens regarding moisture content, particle size, and temperature to ensure reliable results.
  • Stresses use of fresh material for each test to avoid inconsistencies.

• Testing Procedure

  • Describes standardized apparatus, including a density cup, applied mass set, dial indicator, and other accessories.
  • Requires application of increasing compressive stresses with precise measurement of mass and displacement.
  • Specifies calculations for bulk density at each stress increment.

• Data Recording and Reporting

  • Test data should include specific details such as sample identification, environmental conditions, and measurements for each mass increment.
  • Results are typically presented as a curve of bulk density versus compressive stress.

• Significance of Results

  • The method reveals how material compaction occurs under load, affecting storage stability and mobility.
  • Data aids in optimizing equipment design to mitigate arching, rat-holing, and segregation in handling systems.

Applications

• Material Handling System Design

  • Provides critical parameters for engineers designing silos, hoppers, and conveyors by predicting how materials will behave under load.

• Quality Control and Specification

  • Supports specification of bulk density for purchasing and batch processing, ensuring consistency in manufacturing and packaging.

• Process Optimization

  • Enables process engineers and operations teams to assess the compressibility and flow characteristics of bulk solids, informing adjustments to equipment or procedures.

• Research and Development

  • Used in R&D for evaluating new materials or formulations for suitability in existing processes.

• Regulatory Compliance

  • Assists facilities in meeting material handling and safety regulations by documenting bulk density as influenced by compressive stress.

Related Standards

• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D2216: Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D3740: Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
• ASTM D4753: Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses
• ASTM D6026: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data

Practical Value

By following ASTM D6683-19, organizations can achieve reliable, standardized measurements of bulk density under compressive stress, supporting safer, more efficient material handling and process optimization. This standard is fundamental for industries seeking to enhance quality control, predict storage behavior, and ensure equipment suitability for various powdered and bulk solid materials.

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: D6683 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Bulk Density Values of Powders and Other Bulk
Solids as Function of Compressive Stress
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6683; 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. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers an apparatus and procedure for 2.1 ASTM Standards:
determining a range of bulk densities of powders and other D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
bulk solids as a function of compressive stress. Fluids
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
1.2 This test method should be performed in the laboratory
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity.
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
Practice D6026.
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
1.3.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
Construction Materials Testing
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
Data
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- 3. Terminology
ations for the user’s objectives, and it is common practice to
3.1 Definitions—For common definitions of terms in this
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
3.2 Symbols:
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
3.2.1 A —inside cross-sectional area of density cup, m .
cup
methods for engineering design.
3.2.2 AM —calculated value of maximum applied mass,
max
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
kg.
as standard. No other units of measure are included in this
3.2.3 D —inside diameter of density cup, m.
standard.
cup
3.2.4 EH —maximum effective head to be applied to
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
max
material in density cup, m.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.5 M —mass of material in density cup, kg.
mat’l
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
th
3.2.6 V —calculated volume of material in density cup at i
i
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3
consolidation step, m .
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.7 (ρ ) —approximate value of material’s bulk den-
b approx
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
sity used in calculation of maximum applied mass, kg/m .
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
th
3.2.8 (ρ ) —calculated bulk density value at i consolida-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
b i
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical tion step, kg/m .
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.9 (ρ ) —calculated initial bulk density value, kg/m .
b initial
th
3.2.10 σ —calculated compressive stress at i consolidation
i
step, N/m .
Thistestmethodisunder the jurisdiction ofASTM CommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.24 on Characterization
and Handling of Powders and Bulk Solids. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D6683 – 14. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D6683-19. 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
D6683 − 19
3.2.11 σ —maximum compressive stress to be applied to 6.3 Stand, to support the density cup, and to mount the dial
max
material in density cup, N/m . indicator. The stand must be level and securely mounted on a
vibration free base to support the test apparatus.
4. Summary of Test Method
6.4 Density Cup, with cover to contain the test specimen.
4.1 Bulk density values are determined by calculating the
Density cup cover has a ball mounted in the center, which acts
volume of a given mass of bulk solid under increasing
asapivotpointtoensurethatonlyaverticalforceisexertedon
compressive stress.
the cover by the applied mass. The density cup is to be a
cylindrical cup with the minimum cell diameter of 64 mm and
5. Significance and Use
a minimum inside height of 21 mm or five times the diameter
5.1 The data from this test can be used to estimate the bulk
ofthelargestparticlewhicheverresultsinthelargercellheight.
density of materials in bins and hoppers and for material
The ratio of cell diameter-to-height must be at least 3:1.
handling applications such as feeders.
6.5 Applied masses, to be used with the hanger for applying
5.2 The test results can be greatly affected by the sample
compressive stress.
selected for testing. For meaningful results it is necessary to
6.6 Hanger, to support applied masses and guide load onto
select a representative sample of the particulate solid with
the density cup cover. A thin, short rod extends between the
respect to moisture (water) content, particle-size distribution
hanger and cover to prevent the hanger from coming in contact
and temperature. For the tests an appropriate size sample
with the density cup or its cover.
should be available, and fresh material should be used for each
individual test specimen. 6.7 Dial or Digital Displacement Indicator, to measure
change in height. Indicator should be able to read in 0.01 mm
5.3 Initial bulk density, (ρ ) , may or may not be used as
b initial
increments and apply negligible (if any) force on the test
the minimum bulk density. This will depend on the material
specimen in the density cup. The spring force from the dial
being tested. For example, the two are often close to the same
indicator is assumed to be negligible in this test.
forcoarse(mostparticleslargerthanabout6mm),free-flowing
bulk solids, but not for fine, aeratable powders.
6.8 Plug, gauge block used to zero the dial indicator. Its
length should be equal to the inside height of the density cup.
5.4 Bulk density values may be dependent upon the mag-
nitude of the applied mass increments. Traditionally, the
6.9 Mass Support, to support applied masses as they are
applied mass is doubled for each increment resulting in an added to compress the material.
applied mass increment ratio of 1. Smaller than standard
6.10 Scraper, used to scrape off excess material from top of
increment ratios may be desirable for materials that are highly
cup.Itshouldbestraightandflat,withalengthinexcessofcup
sensitive to the applied mass increment ratio. An example of
diameter and a width of at least 15 mm.
the latter is a material whose bulk density increases 10% or
more with each increase in applied mass.
7. Preparation of Apparatus
5.5 Bulkdensityvaluesmaybedependentupontheduration
7.1 Check that the balance is set on a sturdy table or bench,
ofeachappliedmass.Traditionally,thedurationisthesamefor
level and zeroed, and its calibration/verification sticker is
each increment and equal to 15 s. For some materials, the rate
within requirements.
of compression is such that complete compression (no change
7.2 Make sure that the density cup and cover are clean and
in volume with time at a given applied compressive stress) will
free of foreign material prior to starting each new test.
require significantly more than 15 s.
7.3 Check that the applied masses are clean of foreign
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
material and have a known mass.
dependent on the competence of personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
7.4 Select a minimum of five applied masses to be used
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
according to the following procedure. Additional applied
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
massesmaybeusedifmoredatapointsaredesiredorrequired.
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 7.4.1 Calculate the maximum applied mass, AM by
max
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. Practice D3740 was
multiplying the material’s approximate bulk density,
developed for agencies engaged in the testing or inspection (or both) of 3
(ρ ) (kg⁄m ) by maximum effective head to be applied,
b approx
soil and rock. As such it is not totally applicable to agencies performing
EH (m) times the inside cross-sectional area of the density
max
this standard. However, users of this standard should recognize that the
cup, A .
framework of Practice D3740 is appropriate for evaluating the quality of cup
an agency performing this standard. Currently there is no known quali-
2 2
A 5 π D /4, m
~ !
cup cup
fying national authority that inspects agencies that perform this standard.
AM 5 ~ρ ! ~EH !~A !, kg
max b max cup
approx
6. Ap
...

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: D6683 − 14 D6683 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Bulk Density Values of Powders and Other Bulk
Solids as Function of Compressive Stress
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6683; 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 covers an apparatus and procedure for determining a range of bulk densities of powders and other bulk
solids as a function of compressive stress.
1.2 This test method should be performed in the laboratory under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry
standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives,
and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations.
It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measure are included in this standard.
1.5 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.
1.6 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:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For common definitions of terms in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 maximum effective head, n—in powders, height of a column of material that has no shear stresses along its vertical walls.
Used in calculation of maximum applied mass, this value can be approximated, for example, by using the height of the cylindrical
section of the bin to be analyzed, m.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.24 on Characterization and
Handling of Powders and Bulk Solids.
Current edition approved May 1, 2014May 1, 2019. Published June 2014May 2019. Originally approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 20082014 as
D6683 – 08.D6683 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/D6683-14.10.1520/D6683-19.
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
D6683 − 19
3.2 Symbols:
3.2.1 A —inside cross-sectional area of density cup, m .
cup
3.2.2 AM —calculated value of maximum applied mass, kg.
max
3.2.3 D —inside diameter of density cup, m.
cup
3.2.4 EH —maximum effective head to be applied to material in density cup, m.
max
3.2.5 M —mass of material in density cup, kg.
mat’l
th 3
3.2.6 V —calculated volume of material in density cup at i consolidation step, m .
i
3.2.7 (ρ ) —approximate value of material’s bulk density used in calculation of maximum applied mass, kg/m .
b approx
th 3
3.2.8 (ρ ) —calculated bulk density value at i consolidation step, kg/m .
b i
3.2.9 (ρ ) —calculated initial bulk density value, kg/m .
b initial
th 2
3.2.10 σ —calculated compressive stress at i consolidation step, N/m .
i
3.2.11 σ —maximum compressive stress to be applied to material in density cup, N/m .
max
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Bulk density values are determined by calculating the volume of a given mass of bulk solid under increasing compressive
stress.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The data from this test can be used to estimate the bulk density of materials in bins and hoppers and for material handling
applications such as feeders.
5.2 The test results can be greatly affected by the sample selected for testing. For meaningful results it is necessary to select
a representative sample of the particulate solid with respect to moisture (water) content, particle-size distribution and temperature.
For the tests an appropriate size sample should be available, and fresh material should be used for each individual test specimen.
5.3 Initial bulk density, (ρ ) , may or may not be used as the minimum bulk density. This will depend on the material being
b initial
tested. For example, the two are often close to the same for coarse (most particles larger than about 6 mm), free-flowing bulk solids,
but not for fine, aeratable powders.
5.4 Bulk density values may be dependent upon the magnitude of the applied mass increments. Traditionally, the applied mass
is doubled for each increment resulting in an applied mass increment ratio of 1. Smaller than standard increment ratios may be
desirable for materials that are highly sensitive to the applied mass increment ratio. An example of the latter is a material whose
bulk density increases 10% or more with each increase in applied mass.
5.5 Bulk density values may be dependent upon the duration of each applied mass. Traditionally, the duration is the same for
each increment and equal to 15 s. For some materials, the rate of compression is such that complete compression (no change in
volume with time at a given applied compressive stress) will require significantly more than 15 s.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of personnel performing it, and the suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable
results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. Practice D3740 was developed for agencies
engaged in the testing or inspection (or both) of soil and rock. As such it is not totally applicable to agencies performing this standard. However, users
of this standard should recognize that the framework of Practice D3740 is appropriate for evaluating the quality of an agency performing this standard.
Currently there is no known qualifying national authority that inspects agencies that perform this standard.
6. Apparatus
6.1 A typical embodiment of the test apparatus is shown in Fig. 1.
6.2 Balance, having a capacity and readability to determine mass of the specimen and applied masses to four significant digits
in accordance with Table 1 in Guide D4753.
6.3 Stand, to support the density cup, and to mount the dial indicator. The stand must be level and securely mounted on a
vibration free base to support the test apparatus.
6.4 Density Cup, with cover to contain the test specimen. Density cup cover has a ball mounted in the center, which acts as a
pivot point to ensure that only a vertical force is exerted on the cover by the applied mass. The density cup is to be a cylindrical
cup with the minimum cell diameter of 64 mm and a minimum inside height of 21 mm or five times the diameter of the largest
particle whichever results in the larger cell height. The ratio of cell diameter-to-height must be at least 3:1.
6.5 Applied masses, to be used with the hanger for applying compressive stress.
6.6 Hanger, to support applied masses and guide load onto the density cup cover. A thin, short rod extends between the hanger
and cover to prevent the hanger from coming in contact with the density cup or its cover.
D6683 − 19
1. Stand 5. Dial indicator
2. Density cup 6. Dial indicator holder
3. Cover 7. Applied masses
4. Hanger 8. Support
FIG. 1 Test Apparatus
6.7 Dial or Digital Displacement Indicator, to measure change in height. Indicator should be able to read in 0.01 mm increments
and apply negligible (if any) force on the test specimen in the density cup. The spring force from the dial indicator is assumed to
be negligible in this test.
6.8 Plug, gauge block used to zero the dial indicator. Its length should be equal to the inside height of the density cup.
6.9 Mass Support, to support applied masses as they are added to compress the material.
6.10 Scraper, used to scrape off excess material from top of cup. It should be straight and flat, with a length in excess of cup
diameter and a width of at least 15 mm.
7. Preparation of Apparatus
7.1 Check that the balance is set on a sturdy table or bench, level and zeroed, and its calibration/verification sticker is within
requirements.
7.2 Make sure that the density cup and cover are clean and free of foreign material prior to starting eac
...