ASTM C1806-21

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Flow Rate of Aerosol Foam Sealants

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a calculated data point regarding the amount of foam dispensed at one time from a single can of foam at standard laboratory conditions or a specific temperature and relative humidity range.  
5.2 Flow Rate does not predict the performance capability of the foam sealant or its suitability for the intended application.  
5.3 Flow Rate can be measured with a testing machine (Procedure B) or with the intended applicator or dispensing unit (Procedure A).  
5.4 The test is suitable for product performance certification and quality control programs, and can be useful to the general public, aerosol foam sealant manufacturers, distributors, specifiers, architects, contractors, testing laboratories, and other businesses and professionals.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining the flow rate of aerosol foam sealants.  
1.2 Flow rate is determined in a controlled laboratory environment with manual dispensing (Method A) or using a flow rate machine (Method B).  
1.3 Currently, two foam sealant types are applicable to this test method: single component polyurethane and latex.  
1.4 There are no other known test methods specific for measuring the flow rate of aerosol foam sealants.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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: 14-May-2021
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
• Drafting Committee: C24.61 - Aerosol Foam Sealants

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C717-19 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-18 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C717-17a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-17 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-16a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-16 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM C1620-16 - Standard Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Aerosol Latex Foam Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-14a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-13 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM C717-12b - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C1620-12 - Standard Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Aerosol Latex Foam Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-11a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2011

Overview

ASTM C1806-21: Standard Test Method for Measuring the Flow Rate of Aerosol Foam Sealants defines a reliable procedure for determining the flow rate of aerosol foam sealants under controlled laboratory conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is crucial in evaluating the foam output from a single can, helping to support product certification, quality control, and comparative analysis for manufacturers and professionals. The standard is specifically applicable to single-component polyurethane and latex foam sealants, providing a universally recognized benchmark for measuring foam flow rates accurately and consistently.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Significance

  • Provides a quantitative method for calculating the amount of foam dispensed from aerosol foam sealants under specified conditions.
  • Does not predict the overall performance or suitability of a foam sealant for a particular application, but offers an important metric for quality control and certification.

• Test Procedures

  • Procedure A: Manual (non-mechanical) method using the applicator or dispensing unit intended for the product.
  • Procedure B: Mechanical test method using a calibrated flow rate machine to ensure consistent and repeatable actuation.

• Scope and Applicability

  • Applicable to single-component polyurethane and latex-based aerosol foam sealants.
  • Performed at standard laboratory conditions (23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity) or at a certified temperature and humidity range.

• Units of Measurement

  • Results are reported in SI units, specifically grams per second (g/s), to provide a standard reference.

• Reporting Requirements

  • Includes information such as product name, dispensing conditions, test method used, average flow rate, and testing agency details.

Applications

Implementing ASTM C1806-21 is essential for:

• Product Certification
  • Ensures that manufacturers, distributors, and testing laboratories can certify product consistency in accordance with recognized industry benchmarks.
• Quality Control
  • Assists foam sealant producers in maintaining consistent product output and standardizing manufacturing processes.
• Comparative Testing
  • Enables architects, contractors, and specifiers to compare multiple products using uniform criteria, supporting better decision-making.
• Regulatory and Safety Compliance
  • Provides an auditable procedure that meets international principles and supports compliance with existing regulations regarding aerosol foam sealants.
• Consumer Assurance
  • Offers the general public confidence in product claims by confirming measured foam output under controlled conditions.

Related Standards

• ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
  • Defines relevant terms such as foam sealant, aerosol foam, and latex sealant, ensuring clarity and consistency across the industry.
• ASTM C1620: Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Aerosol Latex Foam Sealants
  • Details requirements and classifications for products covered by ASTM C1806-21.

Keywords: ASTM C1806-21, aerosol foam, foam sealant, latex foam sealant, polyurethane foam sealant, flow rate measurement, quality control, product certification, building seals, aerosol sealant standards.

By adhering to ASTM C1806-21, organizations and professionals in the building, construction, and manufacturing industries can ensure consistent testing, clear product documentation, and improved quality assurance for aerosol foam sealants.

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: C1806 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Flow Rate of Aerosol Foam Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1806; 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 foam; sealant, latex; aerosol container, empty; and standard
laboratory conditions. Refer to Specification C1620 for defini-
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining
tions and classifications of aerosol foam sealants and latex
the flow rate of aerosol foam sealants.
foam sealants. Temperature and humidity are referenced from
1.2 Flow rate is determined in a controlled laboratory
C1620.
environment with manual dispensing (Method A) or using a
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
flow rate machine (Method B).
3.2.1 flow rate, n—a unit of measurement expressed as
1.3 Currently, two foam sealant types are applicable to this
grams per second (g/s).
test method: single component polyurethane and latex.
3.2.2 flow rate machine, n—a testing machine that includes
1.4 There are no other known test methods specific for
both a stationary and a moveable member (pneumatic piston).
measuring the flow rate of aerosol foam sealants.
The machine must be capable of depressing the aerosol can
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
valve at a consistent and repeatable pressure and do so for a
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
consistent and repeatable duration for each test operation.
standard.
3.2.3 mechanical test method, n—the practice of using a
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
testing machine to measure flow rate without an applicator or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
dispensing unit.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.4 non-mechanical test method, n—the practice of using
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
an applicator or dispensing unit to dispense the foam sealant
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
product to measure flow rate by hand.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Summary of Test Method
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 Procedure A-Non-mechanical Test Method:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.1 The contents of the aerosol foam or latex sealant are
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
dispensed for a predetermined amount of time with consistent
hand pressure on the applicator of the dispensing unit such that
2. Referenced Documents
2 the aerosol can is fully activated.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.2 The flow rate is calculated from the measured amount
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
of foam dispensed and the net time to dispense the aerosol can.
C1620 Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Aerosol
Latex Foam Sealants
4.2 Procedure B-Mechanical Test Method:
4.2.1 The aerosol sealant is dispensed for a predetermined
3. Terminology
amount of time with the same amount of pressure using a flow
3.1 Definitions——Refer to C717 for definitions of the
rate machine such that the aerosol can is in the fully activated
following terms used in this terminology: sealant, aerosol
position.
4.2.2 The flow rate is calculated from the measured amount
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuilding
of foam dispensed and the net time to dispense the aerosol can.
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.61 on
Aerosol Foam Sealants.
Current edition approved May 15, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally
5. Significance and Use
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C1806-14. DOI:
10.1520/C1806-21
5.1 This test method provides a calculated data point re-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
garding the amount of foam dispensed at one time from a
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
single can of foam at standard laboratory conditions or a
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. specific temperature and relative humidity range.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1806 − 21
5.2 Flow Rate does not predict the performance capability 10. Procedure B – Mechanical Test Method
of the foam sealant or its suitability for the intended applica-
10.1 Record the laboratory conditions as defined in Section
tion.
8.
5.3 Flow Rate can be measured with a testing machine
10.2 Weigh the full can of foam sealant without the cap and
(Procedure B) or with the intended applicator or dispensing
record
...

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: C1806 − 14 C1806 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Flow Rate of Aerosol Foam Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1806; 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 describes a procedure for determining the flow rate of aerosol foam sealants.
1.2 Flow rate is determined in a controlled laboratory environment with manual dispensing (Method A) or using a flow rate
machine (Method B).
1.3 Currently, two foam sealant types are applicable to this test method,method: single component and polyurethane and latex.
1.4 There are notno other known test methods specific for measuring the flow rate of aerosol foam sealants.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 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.
1.7 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:
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
C1620 Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Aerosol Latex Foam Sealants
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions——Refer to Terminology C717 for definitions of the following terms used in this terminology: foam sealant,
sealant-latex. sealant, aerosol foam; sealant, latex; aerosol container, empty; and standard laboratory conditions. Refer to
Specification C1620 for definitions and classifications of aerosol foam sealants and latex foam sealants. Temperature and humidity
are referenced from C1620.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.61 on Aerosol
Foam Sealants.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2014May 15, 2021. Published January 2015June 2021. DOI: 10.1520/C1806-14Originally approved in 2014. Last previous edition
approved in 2014 as C1806-14. DOI: 10.1520/C1806-21
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
C1806 − 21
3.2.1 empty aerosol can, n—the time at which the product flow of the foam sealant is less than 2.0 linear cm of 1.0 g of continuous
foam bead during two continuous seconds of dispensing.
3.2.1 flow rate, n—a unit of measurement expressed for this standard as grams per second (g/s).
3.2.2 flow rate machine, n—a testing machine that includes both a stationary and a moveable member (pneumatic piston). The
machine must be capable of depressing the aerosol can valve at a consistent and repeatable pressure and do so for a consistent and
repeatable duration for each test operation.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
The machine must be capable of depressing the aerosol can valve at a consistent and repeatable pressure and do so for a consistent
and repeatable duration for each test operation.
3.2.3 mechanical test method, n—the practice of utilizingusing a testing machine to measure flow rate without an applicator or
dispensing unit.
3.2.4 non-mechanical test method, n—the practice of using an applicator or dispensing unit to dispense the foam sealant product
to measure flow rate by hand.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Procedure A-Non-mechanical Test Method:
4.1.1 The aerosol can’s contents contents of the aerosol foam or latex sealant are dispensed for a specificpredetermined amount
of time with a consistent amount of hand pressure on the applicator of the dispensing unit.unit such that the aerosol can is fully
activated.
4.1.2 The flow rate is calculated from the measured amount of foam dispensed and the net time to dispense the aerosol can.
4.2 Procedure B-Mechanical Test Method:
4.2.1 The aerosol sealant is dispensed for a specificpredetermined amount of time with the same amount of pressure withusing
a testing machine (the flow rate machine such that the aerosol can is in the fully activated position).position.
4.2.2 The flow rate is calculated from the measured amount of foam dispensed and the net time to dispense the aerosol can.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a calculated data point regarding the amount of foam dispensed at one time from a single can of
foam at standard laboratory conditions or a specific temperature and relative humidity range 23 6 2°C and 50 6 5 %.range.
5.2 Flow Rate does not predict the performance capability of the foam sealant or its suitability for the intended application.
5.3 Flow Rate can be measured with a testing machine (Procedure B) or with the intended applicator or dispensing unit (Procedure
A).
5.4 The test is suitable for product performance certification and quality control programs, and can be useful to the general public,
aerosol foam sealant manufacturers, distributors, specifiers, architects, contractors, testing laboratories, and other businesses and
professionals.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Testing Flow rate machine, dispensing unit, or applicat
...