ASTM C860-10

Standard Test Method for Determining the Consistency of Refractory Castable Using the Ball-In-Hand Test

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is used primarily to determine if a freshly mixed refractory castable is of the proper consistency and therefore would most likely provide optimum performance. It can also be used to estimate the correct water addition rate of a castable when either the manufacturer's specified water content is not available or when unique circumstances have rendered that recommendation unusable.
The correct water content is an important factor that must be controlled to obtain optimum castable performance. Excess water can reduce strength, increase volume shrinkage, and promote segregation of the castable ingredients. Insufficient water can produce “honeycombs” (air voids) in the castable because of the insufficient mobility during placement and in extreme cases can prevent the complete hydration of the cement (if used).
The Ball-in-Hand test is subjective and somewhat depends on the skill of the operator. However, it is a universally accessible method due to the simplicity of the equipment required, and it is readily used in the field.
The total wet mixing time of a castable influences the rheological and final properties and therefore should be monitored.
This test method can be performed in a laboratory or on a job site.
This test method is not intended to determine the proper consistency for gunning applications, although it may provide information of value for interpretation by a skilled operator.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for determining the consistency of a castable using the Ball-in-Hand Test. The amount of water used in a castable has a significant influence on its performance.  
1.2 This test method applies to regular weight castable refractories and insulating castable refractories which are described in Classification C401. It also applies to such castables containing metal fibers.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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 this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (See 6.2.3 for a specific safety warning.)

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2010
• ICS: 81.080 - Refractories
• Technical Committee: C08 - Refractories
• Drafting Committee: C08.09 - Monolithics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C860-00(2005) - Standard Practice for Determining the Consistency of Refractory Castable Using the Ball-In-Hand Test
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Replaced By: ASTM C860-15 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Consistency of Refractory Castable Using the Ball-In-Hand Test
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C71-12(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Refractories
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Referred By: ASTM C1445-13(2018) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Consistency of Castable Refractory Using a Flow Table
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010

Standards Content (Sample)

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: C860 − 10
StandardTest Method for
Determining the Consistency of Refractory Castable Using
1
the Ball-In-Hand Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C860; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope addition rate of a castable when either the manufacturer’s
specified water content is not available or when unique
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for determining
circumstances have rendered that recommendation unusable.
the consistency of a castable using the Ball-in-Hand Test. The
amount of water used in a castable has a significant influence
3.2 The correct water content is an important factor that
on its performance. must be controlled to obtain optimum castable performance.
Excess water can reduce strength, increase volume shrinkage,
1.2 This test method applies to regular weight castable
and promote segregation of the castable ingredients. Insuffi-
refractories and insulating castable refractories which are
cient water can produce “honeycombs” (air voids) in the
described in Classification C401. It also applies to such
castable because of the insufficient mobility during placement
castables containing metal fibers.
and in extreme cases can prevent the complete hydration of the
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
cement (if used).
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.3 The Ball-in-Hand test is subjective and somewhat de-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
pends on the skill of the operator. However, it is a universally
and are not considered standard.
accessible method due to the simplicity of the equipment
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
required, and it is readily used in the field.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.4 The total wet mixing time of a castable influences the
responsibility of this standard to establish appropriate safety
rheological and final properties and therefore should be moni-
and health practices and determine the applicability of regu-
tored.
latory limitations prior to use. (See 6.2.3 for a specific safety
warning.)
3.5 This test method can be performed in a laboratory or on
a job site.
2. Referenced Documents
3.6 This test method is not intended to determine the proper
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
consistency for gunning applications, although it may provide
C401 Classification of Alumina and Alumina-Silicate
information of value for interpretation by a skilled operator.
Castable Refractories
4. Apparatus
3. Significance and Use
4.1 Castable Mixer—Either a manually or electrically oper-
3.1 This test method is used primarily to determine if a
ated mechanical mixer (see Fig. 1) may be used to prepare
freshly mixed refractory castable is of the proper consistency
batches for consistency determination in a laboratory. Wet
and therefore would most likely provide optimum perfor-
castable may also be obtained while in the field from the mixer
mance. It can also be used to estimate the correct water
being used for installation.
4.2 Heavy Rubber Gloves, for castables containing metal
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 on
fibers.
Refractories and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.09 on Monolith-
ics.
4.3 Clock or Watch, with a readability of 1 s.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2010. Published December 2010. Originally
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as C860–00 (2005). DOI:
5. Sampling
10.1520/C0860-10.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.1 A representative handful of freshly mixed castable
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
should be drawn from the center of the mixer while the mixer
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. is not running.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C860 − 10
FIG. 1 Example of a Five-Quart Mechanical Mixer
6. Procedure castables containing deflocculating admixtures (to allow for
wet-out), such as low cement castables (LCC) or ultra-low
6.1 Preparation of Castable:
cement castables (ULCC).
6.1.1 Load the mixer with dry castable to an appropriate
level so as to allow proper mixing action by the mixer but not 6.2 Ball-in-Hand Test:
so much as to cause dry or wet castable
...

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:C860–00 (Reapproved 2005)
Standard Practice for Designation:C860–10
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Consistency of Refractory Castable Using
1
the Ball-In-Hand Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C860; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1The amount of water used in a castable has a significant influence on its performance. This practice covers the procedures
for determining the consistency of a castable using the Ball-in-Hand Test.
1.2This practice applies to regular weight castable refractories and insulating castable refractories which are described in
Classification
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for determining the consistency of a castable using the Ball-in-Hand Test. The
amount of water used in a castable has a significant influence on its performance.
1.2 This test method applies to regular weight castable refractories and insulating castable refractories which are described in
Classification C401. It also applies to such castables containing metal fibers.
1.3
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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 this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use. (See 6.2.3 for a specific safety warning.)
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C401 Classification of Alumina and Alumina-Silicate Castable Refractories
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This practicetest method is used primarily to determine if a freshly mixed refractory castable is of the proper consistency
and therefore would most likely provide optimum performance. It can also be used to estimate the correct water addition rate of
a castable when either the manufacturer’s specified water content is not available or when unique circumstances have rendered that
recommendation unusable.
3.2 The correct water content is an important factor that must be controlled to obtain optimum castable performance. Excess
water can reduce strength, increase volume shrinkage, and promote segregation of the castable ingredients. Insufficient water can
produce “honeycombs” (air voids) in the castable because of the insufficient mobility during placement and in extreme cases can
prevent the complete hydration of the cement (if used).
3.3 TheBall-in-Handtestissubjectiveandsomewhatdependsontheskilloftheoperator.However,itisauniversallyaccessible
method due to the simplicity of the equipment required, and it is readily used in the field.
3.4 The total wet mixing time of a castable influences the rheological and final properties and therefore should be monitored.
1
This practice test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 on Refractories and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.09 on Monolithics.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2005. Published January 2006. Originally approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as C860–00. DOI:
10.1520/C0860-00R05.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2010. Published December 2010. Originally approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as C860–00 (2005). DOI:
10.1520/C0860-10.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C860–10
3.5 This practice test method can be performed in a laboratory or on a job site.
3.6 This practicetest method is not intended to determine the proper consistency for gunning applications, although it may
provide information of value for interpretation by a skilled operator.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Castable Mixer—Either a manually or electrically operated mechanical mixer (see Fig. 1) mech
...