ASTM D61-75(2010)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Pitch does not go through a solid-liquid phase change when heated, and therefore it does not have a true melting point. As the temperature rises, pitch softens and becomes less viscous. The softening point is arbitrarily defined and shall be established by a closely controlled method which shall be carefully followed if test results are to be reproducible.
This test is useful in determining the consistency of pitch as one element in establishing the uniformity of shipments or sources of supply.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of pitches below 176°F (80°C). Pitches of higher softening point should be tested by Test Method D2319 or Test Method D3104.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D61 − 75(Reapproved 2010)
Standard Test Method for
Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationD61;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope point.As the temperature rises, pitch softens and becomes less
viscous. The softening point is arbitrarily defined and shall be
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the soft-
established by a closely controlled method which shall be
ening point of pitches below 176°F (80°C). Pitches of higher
carefully followed if test results are to be reproducible.
softening point should be tested byTest Method D2319 orTest
Method D3104. 4.2 This test is useful in determining the consistency of
pitch as one element in establishing the uniformity of ship-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ments or sources of supply.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
5. Apparatus
and are not considered standard.
5.1 Mold—A mold suitable for forming two ⁄2-in. (12.7-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
mm) cubes of pitch, having cylindrical core pins 12 gauge
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
(2.05mm)indiameterlocatedinthebaseplateoftheassembly
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
to produce accurately centered suspension holes in the cubes.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
(See Fig. 1.)
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.2 Hooks—Two L-shaped hooks, made of 12-gauge (2.05-
2. Referenced Documents mm) copper wire. The foot of the hook shall be 1-in. (25-mm)
longandatarightangletotheuprightportionforinsertioninto
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the center hole of the pitch cube.
D140Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
D2319Test Method for Softening Point of Pitch (Cube-in- 5.3 Container—A glass vessel that can be heated, not less
Air Method) than 85 mm in diameter and 105 mm deep. (A standard
D3104Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Mettler 600-mL low-form beaker meets these requirements).
Softening Point Method)
5.4 Thermometer—An ASTM Low Softening Point Ther-
E1Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
mometer having a range from 30 to 180°F (−2 to 80°C) and
conformingtotherequirementsforThermometer15F(15C)as
3. Summary of Test Method
described in Specification E1.
3.1 Twocubesofpitch,supportedonwirehooks,areheated
5.5 Heat Source:
at a controlled rate in water in a glass container. The softening
5.5.1 Electric Heater—A hot plate or immersion heater
point is defined as the mean of the temperatures at which the
provided with a variable transformer or other device suitable
cubes sag downwards a distance of 25 mm.
for regulating the temperature of the heating element.
5.5.2 Gas Heater—A bunsen-type burner, fitted with a
4. Significance and Use
chimney.
4.1 Pitch does not go through a solid-liquid phase change
when heated, and therefore it does not have a true melting
6. Sampling
6.1 Samples from shipments shall be taken in accordance
with Practice D140 and shall be free of foreign substances.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Thoroughly mix the sample before removing a representative
Petroleum Products and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.05 on Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material.
portion for the determination or for dehydration.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2010. Published March 2010. Originally
6.2 If the presence of water is indicated by surface foam on
approved in 1919. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D61–75(2004). DOI:
10.1520/D0061-75R10.
heating, maintain the sample at a temperature of about 260°F
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
(125°C) in an open container until the surface is free of foam.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Take care not to overheat, and remove from the heat source as
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. soon as the foam has subsided.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D61 − 75 (2010)
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Cube-in-Water Method
7. Test Specimens 7.2 Pitches with softening points up to about 140°F (60°C)
can usually be pressed into the mold by hand at, or slightly
7.1 Coat the inner surfaces and core pins of the mold very
above, room temperature. If too soft, they may be pressed
lightly with silicone oil or silicone grease. Form the pitch into
under water at about 40°F (5°C).
truly shaped cubes either by pressing (7.2) or by pouring (7.4),
thelatterbeingprecededbymelting(7.3)ifthesampleissolid.
7.3 To melt a dry pitch sample, add the material to a
Use an excess of pitch in either case. Cool until firm and
container having a height equal to
...
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