ASTM C179-14(2019)

Standard Test Method for Drying and Firing Linear Change of Refractory Plastic and Ramming Mix Specimens

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method is useful in quantitatively rating or ranking both ramming and refractory plastics by their linear stability after heating.  
3.2 This test method is also useful for determining whether a ramming or refractory plastic can be used in a specified application based on linear change criteria.  
3.3 This test method excludes basic and carbon-bearing materials.  
3.4 This test method can produce data for the engineering and design of refractory installations. The linear change data can be used to determine the number of joints necessary to maintain integrity of ramming or refractory plastic in a large installation.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the drying shrinkage and of the combined drying and linear change of refractory ramming mixes and plastics.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 81.080 - Refractories
• Technical Committee: C08 - Refractories
• Drafting Committee: C08.09 - Monolithics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C179-14 - Standard Test Method for Drying and Firing Linear Change of Refractory Plastic and Ramming Mix Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM C181-11(2018) - Standard Test Method for Workability Index of Fireclay and High-Alumina Refractory Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1054-18 - Standard Practice for Pressing and Drying Refractory Plastic and Ramming Mix Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C113-14 - Standard Test Method for Reheat Change of Refractory Brick
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C1054-13 - Standard Practice for Pressing and Drying Refractory Plastic and Ramming Mix Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM C181-11 - Standard Test Method for Workability Index of Fireclay and High-Alumina Refractory Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM C134-95(2010) - Standard Test Methods for Size, Dimensional Measurements, and Bulk Density of Refractory Brick and Insulating Firebrick
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM C181-09 - Standard Test Method for Workability Index of Fireclay and High-Alumina Plastic Refractories
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E177-08 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008

Overview

ASTM C179-14(2019), titled Standard Test Method for Drying and Firing Linear Change of Refractory Plastic and Ramming Mix Specimens, defines a standardized procedure for measuring the linear dimensional change of refractory plastics and ramming mixes during drying and firing processes. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is primarily used to assess and rank the linear stability of these refractory materials as they are exposed to high-temperature environments. It plays a critical role in determining material suitability for specific thermal applications, ensuring that refractories maintain integrity throughout their service life.

This standard does not cover basic and carbon-bearing materials and is aligned with international principles for standardization as specified by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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Key Topics

• Linear Dimensional Change Measurement:
  The method describes procedures for quantifying both drying shrinkage and the total linear change after drying and firing. This involves preparing standard specimens, subjecting them to controlled heating, and measuring dimensional changes.

• Test Precision and Consistency:
  ASTM C179 provides guidelines for ensuring repeatable and reproducible results, referencing related precision practices and interlaboratory study protocols to validate its reliability.

• Material Suitability and Ranking:
  By evaluating linear stability under heat, users can numerically rate and compare different refractory plastics and ramming mixes, supporting the selection process for demanding high-temperature applications.

• Installation Design Data:
  The linear change data gathered through this method assists engineers in designing refractory installations-such as determining appropriate joint numbers and placements to maintain structural integrity during service.

• Exclusions and Safety:
  The method specifically excludes basic and carbon-bearing refractories. Users must implement appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices when applying this standard.

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Applications

ASTM C179-14(2019) is widely used across industries that require reliable refractory materials, such as steelmaking, foundry, and industrial furnace construction. Key practical applications include:

• Refractory Product Development:
  Manufacturers use this standard for quality assurance and to optimize formulations for minimal shrinkage or expansion during use.

• Material Selection:
  Project designers and procurement specialists rely on linear change data when choosing proper rammed or plastic refractory materials for furnaces, kilns, and other thermal process equipment.

• Installation Engineering:
  Data from this method informs the calculation of expansion joints required to prevent structural cracking or failure during thermal cycling, ensuring the long-term durability of refractory linings.

• Comparative Evaluation:
  Organizations conducting side-by-side material qualification can use the standardized approach to objectively compare new or alternative materials on the basis of their thermal stability.

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Related Standards

For enhanced material characterization, users of ASTM C179-14(2019) may also reference:

• ASTM C113: Test Method for Reheat Change of Refractory Brick
• ASTM C134: Test Methods for Size and Bulk Density of Refractory Brick and Insulating Firebrick
• ASTM C181: Test Method for Workability Index of Fireclay and High-Alumina Refractory Plastics
• ASTM C1054: Practice for Pressing and Drying Refractory Plastic and Ramming Mix Specimens
• ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Keywords: drying shrinkage, linear change, refractory plastic, ramming mix, thermal stability, dimensional change, ASTM C179, furnace lining, material testing, refractory installation.

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: C179 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Drying and Firing Linear Change of Refractory Plastic and
Ramming Mix Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C179; 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 E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the drying
shrinkage and of the combined drying and linear change of
3. Significance and Use
refractory ramming mixes and plastics.
3.1 This test method is useful in quantitatively rating or
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ranking both ramming and refractory plastics by their linear
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
stability after heating.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. 3.2 This test method is also useful for determining whether
a ramming or refractory plastic can be used in a specified
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
application based on linear change criteria.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.3 This test method excludes basic and carbon-bearing
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- materials.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.4 This test method can produce data for the engineering
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
and design of refractory installations. The linear change data
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
can be used to determine the number of joints necessary to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
maintain integrity of ramming or refractory plastic in a large
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
installation.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Kiln, electric or gas type, of such design that the flame,
2. Referenced Documents
as coming directly from the burner, cannot impinge upon the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
test specimens.
C113 Test Method for Reheat Change of Refractory Brick
4.2 Measuring Device, capable of being read to 0.02 in.
C134 Test Methods for Size, Dimensional Measurements,
(0.5 mm).Ahooked rule, 12 in. (305 mm), is convenient to use
and Bulk Density of Refractory Brick and Insulating
and a suitable type is described in Test Methods C134. Other
Firebrick
measuring devices, such as calipers or dial gages, of the same
C181 Test Method for Workability Index of Fireclay and
or better precision may also be used.
High-Alumina Refractory Plastics
C1054 Practice for Pressing and Drying Refractory Plastic
5. Test Specimens
and Ramming Mix Specimens
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
5.1 Number of Specimens—A minimum of six specimens
ASTM Test Methods
molded from the sample (see Note 1) of refractory plastic will
berequired.Halfofthespecimensshallbeusedforthetestand
the other half used as supporting pieces during the kiln heat
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 on
treatment.
Refractories and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.09 on Monolith-
ics.
NOTE 1—For pressing and drying the specimens, see Practice C1054.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
5.2 Measurement of Specimens—Using the measuring
approved in 1943. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C179 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/C0179-14R19.
device, measure the bar for all dimensions to the nearest
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
0.02 in. (0.5 mm). Label and make reference marks to indicate
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
the exact length measurement points. Caution should be taken,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. as deformation of the specimens may be caused by handling.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C179 − 14 (2019)
5.3 DryingofSpecimens—Dryspecimensshouldbedriedas
L = original length, in. (mm).
O
stated in Practice C1054, 6.6.
A negative value indicates shrinkage, and a positive value
5.4 Measuring Dried Specimens—Measure specimens as
growth or expansion of the specimen. Report the average value
stated in 5.2.
for the three specimens to the nearest 0.1 %.
7.3 The report shall include the following:
6. Procedure
7.3.1 Workability of the refractory plastic determined in
6.1 Placing Specimens in Kiln—Place the dried specimens
accordance with Test Method C181.
in the kiln in accordance with Test Method C113, with the
7.3.2 Firing temperature used or heating schedule from
exception that the supporting brick shall consist of the three
Table 1 of Test Method C113.
refractory plastic brick prepared for that purpose.
8. Precision and Bias
6.2 Temperature Measurements—Conduct temperature
measurements in accordance with Test Method C113. 8.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
interlaboratory study conducted in 2012. A total of five
6.3 Test Atmosphere—At all temperatures above 1470 °F
laboratories participated in this study in an effort to determine
(800 °C), operate the kiln so that the atmosphere shall contain
the intralaboratory and interlaboratory precision of this test
a minimum of 0.5 % oxygen with 0 % combustibles.
method. Laboratories were asked to report three test results per
6.4 Test Temperature Schedule—Operate the kiln so as to
material, and each test result was defined as a single analytical
conform to the appropriate heating schedule for the class of
determination. Practice E691 was followed for the design and
refractory being tested, as specified in Table 1 of Test Method
analysis of the data, except for the limited number of labora-
C113.
tories submitting results. All details are given in RR:C08-
6.5 Measuring Fired Specimens—After completion of the
1024. Two of the five laboratories had test results higher than
heatingschedule,coolthespecimensintheclosedkilntounder the c
...