ASTM D4164-13(2018)

Standard Test Method for Mechanically Tapped Packing Density of Formed Catalyst and Catalyst Carriers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is to be used for measuring the mechanically tapped packing density of formed particles that will not break up during sampling, filling, or tapping of the measuring cylinder under test conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the mechanically tapped density of formed catalyst and catalyst carriers. For the purpose of this test method, catalyst particles are defined as extrudates, spheres, or formed pellets of 0.8 to 4.8-mm (1/32 to 3/16-in.) nominal diameter.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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-2018
• ICS: 71.040.30 - Chemical reagents
• Technical Committee: D32 - Catalysts
• Drafting Committee: D32.02 - Physical-Mechanical Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4164-13 - Standard Test Method for Mechanically Tapped Packing Density of Formed Catalyst and Catalyst Carriers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3766-24a - Standard Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D3766-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM E1272-02(2019) - Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Graduated Cylinders
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3766-08(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• 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 E456-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013

Overview

ASTM D4164-13(2018) is a recognized international standard that details the method for determining the mechanically tapped packing density of formed catalyst particles and catalyst carriers. This test method is especially relevant for granules such as extrudates, spheres, or formed pellets with a nominal diameter between 0.8 mm and 4.8 mm (1/32 to 3/16 in). It is designed to ensure reliable and repeatable measurement of tapped density for particles robust enough to withstand handling during sampling, cylinder filling, and tapping without breaking down.

Ensuring accurate packed density measurements is essential in the production and quality control of catalysts and catalyst carriers, supporting optimal process design and reactor performance.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Focuses on formed catalyst types such as extrudates, spheres, and pellets.
  • Particle size range: 0.8 mm to 4.8 mm diameter.
  • Intended only for materials that remain intact under test conditions.

• Test Method Summary

  • The test sample is dried, cooled in a desiccator, and carefully poured into a tared graduated cylinder.
  • The cylinder is mechanically tapped a preset number of times (typically 1,000 taps).
  • Tapped volume is recorded, and density calculated as the mass to volume ratio (MTD = W/V).

• Precision and Repeatability

  • Interlaboratory studies show highly repeatable and reproducible results within established tolerance intervals.
  • The procedure aims to minimize bias and deliver reliable, comparative data on catalyst density.

• Safety and Compliance

  • Users must establish proper safety, health, and environmental practices.
  • The standard does not address all hazards; responsibility lies with the user to identify applicable regulations.

Applications

• Catalyst Manufacturing

  • Ensures consistent quality of formed catalyst particles used in chemical processes.
  • Helps control important properties affecting catalyst performance, such as bed density and reactor loading.

• Process Design and Optimization

  • Accurate density measurement is vital for reactor design and operation, influencing flow dynamics and reaction efficiency.
  • Informs packing procedures and volume calculations for industrial reactors and packed columns.

• Quality Assurance and R&D

  • Supports quality control by allowing manufacturers to benchmark their products against industry standards.
  • Utilized in research settings to evaluate the effects of formulation and process changes on packing properties.

• Regulatory and Trade Compliance

  • Adopts internationally recognized testing practices, supporting compliance with global trade and technical regulations.

Related Standards

• ASTM D3766 - Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis: Provides definitions used in the catalyst industry.
• ASTM E1272 - Specification for Laboratory Glass Graduated Cylinders: Details requirements for the measuring cylinders used in the test.
• ASTM E456 - Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics: Clarifies statistical terms associated with measurement precision.
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method: Establishes protocols for determining test method consistency.
• ASTM E177 - Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods: Guides interpretation of measurement repeatability and bias.

Practical Value

By standardizing the determination of tapped packing density, ASTM D4164 supports manufacturers and end users in ensuring the reliability and performance of formed catalysts and carriers. Employing this method contributes to enhanced process control, better product quality, and compatibility with international regulatory requirements.

Keywords: ASTM D4164, tapped packing density, catalyst carriers, formed catalyst, packing density test, quality control, catalyst manufacturing, laboratory standards, chemical process optimization.

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: D4164 − 13 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Mechanically Tapped Packing Density of Formed Catalyst
and Catalyst Carriers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4164; 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 4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A preconditioned sample of formed catalyst or catalyst
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the me-
chanically tapped density of formed catalyst and catalyst carrier is tapped in a graduated cylinder. The mechanically
tappedpackingdensityisdeterminedfromtheknownmassand
carriers. For the purpose of this test method, catalyst particles
are defined as extrudates, spheres, or formed pellets of 0.8 to tapped volume.
1 3
4.8-mm ( ⁄32 to ⁄16-in.) nominal diameter.
5. Significance and Use
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 This test method is to be used for measuring the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
mechanically tapped packing density of formed particles that
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
will not break up during sampling, filling, or tapping of the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
measuring cylinder under test conditions.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
6. Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6.1 Graduated Cylinder, capacity 250 mL, conforming to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Specification E1272, Class A, with a base designed to accom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical modate the cylinder holder.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.2 Cylinder Holder, weighing approximately 1 lb (454 g).
6.3 Tapping Device, consisting of a base-plate with worm
2. Referenced Documents
drive, reduction ratio 15:1, nominal cam shaft speed of 250
2.1 ASTM Standards:
r/min, tapping stroke travel ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm).
D3766 Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis
6.4 Four Digit Adjustable Counter, which can be preset to
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
deliver any number of taps between 1 and 9999.
ASTM Test Methods
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
6.5 Desiccator, with a desiccant grade molecular sieve such
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to as No. 4A.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
6.6 Balance having a sensitivity of 0.1 g.
E1272 Specification for Laboratory Glass Graduated Cylin-
6.7 Drying Oven.
ders
7. Procedure
3. Terminology
7.1 Heat an adequate sample(s) at 400 6 15°C for not less
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology D3766.
than 3 h. Normally, this treatment can take place in air.
However, in the case of materials that might react with air at
elevated temperatures (such as prereduced catalysts) the heat
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D32 on
treatment should take place in an inert atmosphere. After
Catalysts and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D32.02 on Physical-
heating, cool the test sample(s) in a desiccator or other suitable
Mechanical Properties.
container to eliminate the possibility of moisture adsorption
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D4164 – 13. DOI: prior to testing.
10.1520/D4164-13R18.
NOTE 1—These conditions may not be appropriate for all materials.
For referenced ASTM stan
...