ASTM D5158-23

Standard Test Method for Determination of Particle Size of Fine Mesh and Powdered Activated Carbon by Air-Jet Sieving

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The particle size of fine mesh and powdered activated carbon is sometimes used to evaluate filter cake filtration rates and the filter penetration in filtering applications.  
5.2 The selection and handling of fine mesh or powdered activated carbon, and operation of processes using fine mesh or powdered activated carbon, requires the knowledge of the particle size.  
5.3 This test method is intended for single sieve testing only. For determination of particle size distribution of a sample, the test must be repeated using sieves with different openings.
Note 1: Relative humidity (RH) can affect the repeatability and accuracy of this test. Activated carbon not at equilibrium with the RH of the ambient air may lose or gain weight accordingly, dependent upon whether the carbon picks up or loses moisture.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle size of powdered activated carbons using an air-jet sieve device. For purposes of this test method, powdered activated carbon is defined as activated carbon in particle sizes predominantly in a range of 80 mesh (0.180 mm) through 500 mesh (0.025 mm).  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.  
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-2023
• ICS: 19.120 - Particle size analysis. Sieving
• ICS: 71.040.30 - Chemical reagents
• Technical Committee: D28 - Activated Carbon
• Drafting Committee: D28.02 - Liquid Phase Evaluation

Relations

• 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 E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• 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 E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2652-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-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 D2867-09 - Standard Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM E177-08 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• 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 E177-06b - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E177-06a - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E691-05 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM D2652-05a - Standard Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2005

Overview

ASTM D5158-23 specifies the standard test method for determining the particle size of fine mesh and powdered activated carbon using an air-jet sieving device. Published by ASTM International, this standard is widely used by professionals in quality assurance, environmental services, and manufacturing to accurately analyze and control the particle size of activated carbon products. The method covers particle size analysis for activated carbon within the range of 80 mesh (0.180 mm) to 500 mesh (0.025 mm), focusing on single sieve testing for precise results.

Understanding the particle size of fine mesh and powdered activated carbon is essential. It directly influences filtration efficiency, filter cake formation, and product performance in various commercial and industrial applications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability: Covers analysis of powdered activated carbon particles between 80 and 500 mesh, utilizing air-jet sieve technology for accurate quantification.
• Test Method: The standard outlines step-by-step procedures, including careful sample preparation, drying to minimize moisture effects, and detailed weighing and sieving instructions for repeatable results.
• Reproducibility and Precision: Provides statistical guidelines and performance data regarding repeatability within a single laboratory and reproducibility across multiple laboratories.
• Significance of Particle Size:
  • Crucial for evaluating filter cake filtration rates.
  • Determines filter penetration capabilities in filtering applications.
  • Affects handling and process efficiency for activated carbon products.
• Environmental and Handling Considerations: Emphasizes the role of relative humidity in test repeatability and accuracy, recommending control of laboratory environmental conditions for optimal consistency.

Applications

• Water and Air Filtration: Manufacturers use this test method to ensure activated carbons meet particle size specifications for optimal removal efficiency and filter performance.
• Quality Control in Manufacturing: Enables producers and suppliers to consistently deliver powdered activated carbon with verified particle sizes, supporting regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.
• Environmental Testing Laboratories: Provides a reliable approach to characterize activated carbon materials used in pollution control and remediation projects.
• Process Optimization: Facilities dependent on precise dosing and filtration can use particle size data to select appropriate filter media and optimize process flow.
• Product Development: R&D teams use the method to evaluate new grades of activated carbon and compare performance characteristics in laboratory settings.

Related Standards

The ASTM D5158-23 test method references several supporting standards to ensure comprehensive measurement and reporting:

• ASTM D2652 - Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
• ASTM D2867 - Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon
• ASTM E11 - Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• ASTM E177 - Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E300 - Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Practical Value

Applying ASTM D5158-23 for air-jet sieving of fine mesh and powdered activated carbon ensures product consistency, reliable filtration performance, and regulatory compliance. By standardizing sampling, preparation, and analysis procedures, the method enhances confidence in measurement results, benefits supply chain quality assurance, and provides clear reporting requirements. This standard supports industries such as water treatment, environmental technology, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceuticals, where the precise characterization of activated carbon particle size is critical.

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: D5158 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Particle Size of Fine Mesh and Powdered
Activated Carbon by Air-Jet Sieving
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5158; 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 Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle
3. Terminology
size of powdered activated carbons using an air-jet sieve
3.1 Definitions—Terms relating to this test method are
device. For purposes of this test method, powdered activated
defined in Terminology D2652.
carbon is defined as activated carbon in particle sizes predomi-
nantly in a range of 80 mesh (0.180 mm) through 500 mesh
4. Summary of Test Method
(0.025 mm).
4.1 A sample of fine mesh or powdered activated carbon is
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
placed on a test sieve that is inserted in the sieve holder of the
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
air-jet sieve assembly. Air is passed through the sieve from a
information only.
slowly rotating nozzle to fluidize the sample for a given period
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of time. Exit airflow removes undersized particles downward
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
through the test sieve to a collection canister. The amount of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
carbon retained on the test sieve is weighed and the percent
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
passing the test sieve is computed by difference. For a particle
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
size distribution, the test must be repeated using sieves with
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
different openings.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 The particle size of fine mesh and powdered activated
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
carbon is sometimes used to evaluate filter cake filtration rates
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and the filter penetration in filtering applications.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 The selection and handling of fine mesh or powdered
activated carbon, and operation of processes using fine mesh or
2.1 ASTM Standards:
powdered activated carbon, requires the knowledge of the
D2652 Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
particle size.
D2867 Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
5.3 This test method is intended for single sieve testing only.
Sieves
For determination of particle size distribution of a sample, the
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
test must be repeated using sieves with different openings.
ASTM Test Methods
NOTE 1—Relative humidity (RH) can affect the repeatability and
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
accuracy of this test. Activated carbon not at equilibrium with the RH of
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
the ambient air may lose or gain weight accordingly, dependent upon
whether the carbon picks up or loses moisture.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D28 on 6. Apparatus
Activated Carbon and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D28.02 on Liquid
6.1 Air-Jet Sieve Assembly.
Phase Evaluation.
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
6.2 Wire Cloth Sieves, bronze or stainless steel (stainless
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D5158 – 98 (2019).
steel sieves preferred), 80 mesh (0.180 mm) through 500 mesh
DOI: 10.1520/D5158-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or (0.025 mm) in accordance with Specification E11. The sieves
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
shall be 203 mm (8 in.) in diameter.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 6.3 Brush, soft bristle.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5158 − 23
NOTE 2—A 10 g sample has been satisfactory for some types of fine
6.4 Balance, with a sensitivity of 1.0 mg.
mesh or powdered activated carbon. Samples smaller than 10 g may
6.5 Ultrasonic Bath, capable of cleaning 203 mm (8 in.)
produce inconsistent results. For greater accuracy, it is advisable to control
diameter sieves is recommended but not required.
laboratory environmental conditions and to pre-equilibrate carbon
samples.
7. Sampling
8.5 Transfer the weighed sample into the required wire cloth
test sieve that has previously been placed in the sieve holder of
7.1 Activated carbon is not strictly a chemically and physi-
the air-jet sieve assembly. The material should be evenly
cally homogeneous material. To enable performing meaningful
distributed over the entire sieve.
tests within the stated tolerances of the ASTM test methods, it
is essential that sampling be performed to obtain as represen-
8.6 Install the plastic sieve cover on the test sieve.
tative a sample as possible. When a small amount of sample
8.7 Allow the air-jet sieve to operate for 10 min 6 10 s at
represents tons of material, the collection, mixing, and prepa-
a pressure drop greater than 152 mm (6 in.) H O.
ration of samples is extremely important. The practice de-
8.8 When the air-jet sieve has stopped, remove the plastic
scribed in Practice E300 is suitable to ensure that sampling and
cover and carefully brush any material adhering to the cover
sample preparation of activated carbon is appropriate for the
into the sieve.
performance of this test method. In absence of following
Practice E300, a detailed specific sampling and sample prepa-
NOTE 3—Static electricity that can affect the repeatability and accuracy
ration procedure suitable to the parties involved needs to be
of this test may be generated during the testing. If it is apparent that an
excessive amount of material was adhering to the plastic cover, repeat 8.7
prepared.
of this procedure.
8. Procedure
8.9 Remove the test sieve from the air-jet assembly and
quantitatively transfer the material into a weighing pan, weigh
8.1 Sieves to be used for the testing should be carefully
to the nearest 1.0 mg, and record.
inspected prior to use and replaced if damaged. Sieves should
also be cleaned routinely to remove entrapped particles. Due to
9. Calculation
the potential for wire cloth damage for sieve sizes used in this
9.1 Calculate the percent passing through the test sieve as
test, the use of an ultrasonic bath to clean sieves is recom-
follows:
mended. These units are readily available from multiple
suppliers in the market.
S 2 R
~ !
P, % passing 5 × 100
8.1.1 To properly clean a test sieve, brush the underside of
S
the wire cloth in a circular motion, exerting light pressure to
where:
dislodge near-size particles.
P = percent of sample passing through the test sieve,
8.1.2 Tap the sieve frame with a wooden handle of the brush
R = weight of sample remaining on test sieve, g, and
to dislodge particles. Be careful to not damage the sieve frame.
S = weight of sample used, g.
8.1.3 Wash the sieve in warm soapy water solution to
remove near-size particles lodged in the mesh. Brush the
10. Report
underside of the sieve carefully in the warm water.
10.1 Report the following information:
8.1.4 An ultrasonic cleaner can be used to clean sieves of
10.1.1 Source of the sample,
very fine mesh sizes. If using an ultrasonic cleaner, immerse
10.1.2 Type or designation of the powdered activated
the sieve in the water and detergent s
...

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: D5158 − 98 (Reapproved 2019) D5158 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Particle Size of Fine Mesh and Powdered
Activated Carbon by Air-Jet Sieving
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5158; 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 the determination of the particle size of powdered activated carbons using an air-jet sieve device. For
purposes of this test method, powdered activated carbon is defined as activated carbon in particle sizes predominantly smaller than
80 mesh.in a range of 80 mesh (0.180 mm) through 500 mesh (0.025 mm).
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information
only.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2652 Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
D2867 Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terms relating to this test method are defined in Terminology D2652.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A weighed sample of as-received fine mesh or powdered activated carbon is placed inon a test sieve that is inserted in the sieve
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D28 on Activated Carbon and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D28.02 on Liquid Phase
Evaluation.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019April 1, 2023. Published August 2019April 2023. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20132019 as
D5158 – 98 (2013).(2019). DOI: 10.1520/D5158-98R19.10.1520/D5158-23.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5158 − 23
holder of the air-jet sieve assembly. Air is passed through the sieve from a slowly rotating nozzle to fluidize the sample for a given
period of time. Exit airflow removes undersized particles downward through the test sieve to a collection canister. The amount of
carbon retained on the test sieve is weighed and the percent passing the test sieve is computed by difference. For a particle size
distribution, the test must be repeated using sieves with different openings.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The particle size of fine mesh and powdered activated carbon is sometimes used to evaluate filter cake filtration rates and the
filter penetration in filtering applications.
5.2 The selection and handling of fine mesh or powdered activated carbon, and operation of processes using fine mesh or
powdered activated carbon, requires the knowledge of the particle size.
5.3 The particle size of powdered activated carbon is sometimes used to evaluate filter cake filtration rates and the filter penetration
in filtering applications. The selection and handling of powdered activated carbon, and operation of processes using powdered
activated carbon, requires This test method is intended for single sieve testing only. For determination of particle size distribution
of a sample, the test must be repeated using sieves with different openings.
NOTE 1—Relative humidity (RH) can affect the repeatability and accuracy of this test. Activated carbon not at equilibrium with the RH of the ambient
air may lose or gain weight accordingly, dependent upon whether the carbon picks up or loses moisture.the knowledge of the particle size.
NOTE 1—Relative humidity (RH) can affect the repeatability and accuracy of this test. Activated carbon not at equilibrium with the RH of the ambient
air may lose or gain weight accordingly, dependent upon whether or not the carbon picks up or loses moisture.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Air-Jet Sieve Assembly.
6.2 Wire Cloth Sieves, bronze or stainless steel (stainless steel sieves preferred), 200 and 325 mesh, 80 mesh (0.180 mm) through
500 mesh (0.025 mm) in accordance with Specification E11. The sieves shall be 203 mm (8 in.) in diameter.
6.3 Brush, soft bristle.
6.4 Balance, with a sensitivity of 1.0 mg.
6.5 Ultrasonic Bath, capable of cleaning 203-mm (8-in.) diameter sieves. 203 mm (8 in.) diameter sieves is recommended but not
required.
7. Sampling
7.1 Activated carbon is not strictly a chemically and physically homogeneous material. To enable performing meaningful tests
within the stated tolerances of the ASTM test methods, it is essential that sampling be performed to obtain as representative a
sample as possible. When a small amount of sample represents tons of material, the collection, mixing, and preparation of samples
is extremely important. The practice described in Practice E300 is suitable to ensure that sampling and sample preparation of
activated carbon is appropriate for the performance of this test method. In absence of following Practice E300, a detailed specific
sampling and sample preparation procedure suitable to the parties involved needs to be prepared.
8. Procedure
8.1 Sieves to be used for the testing should be carefully inspected prior to use and replaced if damaged. Sieves should also be
cleaned routinely to remove entrapped particles. Due to the potential for wire cloth damage for sieve sizes used in this test, the
use of an ultrasonic bath to clean sieves is recommended. These units are readily available from multiple suppliers in the market.
8.1.1 To properly clean a test sieve, brush the underside of the wire cloth in a circular motion, exerting light pressure to dislodge
near-size particles.
8.1.2 Tap the sieve frame with a wooden handle of the brush to dislodge particles. Be careful to not damage the sieve frame.
D5158 − 23
8.1.3 Wash the sieve in warm soapy water solution to remove near-size particles lodged in the mesh. Brush the underside of the
sieve carefully in the warm water.
8.1.4 An ultrasonic cleaner can be used to clean sieves of very fine mesh sizes. If using an ultrasonic cleaner, immerse the sieve
in the water and detergent solution. The ultrasonic agitation will ease the removal of near-size particles.
8.2 Determine the size of the test sample in accordance with ASTM STP 447B. In deciding on the size of a test sample,
consideration must be given to the character of the material, its screenability, screening ability, and the range of particle sizes
present.
8.3 Dry the sample in accordance with Test Methods D2867. Cool the dry carbon to room temperature in a desiccator. The sample
is oven-dried to minimize any error that may be introduced by moisture pick-up of finer particles during the sample preparation
step.
8.4 Weigh the established weight of a representative sample of fine mesh or powdered activated carbon, which has been taken and
prepared in strict accordance with Practice E300 or a mutually agreed upon sampling and sample preparation procedure, to the
nearest 10 mg and record.
NOTE 2—A 10-g10 g sample has been satisfactory for some types of fine mesh or powdered activated carbon. Samples smaller than 10 g may produce
inconsistent results. For greater accuracy, it is advisable to control laboratory environmental conditions and to pre-equilibrate carbon samples.
8.5 Transfer the weighed sample into the required wire cloth test sieve that has previously been placed in the sieve holder of the
air-jet sieve assembly. The material should be evenly distributed over the entire sieve.
8.6 Install the plastic sieve cover inon the test sieve.
8.7 Allow the air-jet sieve to operate for 10 min 6 10 s at a pressure drop greater than 152 mm (6 in.) H O.
8.8 When the air-jet sieve has stopped, remove the plastic cover and carefully brush any material adhering to the cover into the
sieve.
NOTE 3—Static electricity that can affect the repeatability and accuracy of this test may be generated during the testing. If it is apparent that an excessive
amount of material was ad
...