ASTM C903-15

Standard Practice for Preparing Refractory Specimens by Cold Gunning

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The properties of refractories can be affected by their method of installation. This practice attempts to minimize the variables encountered during installation by pneumatic gunning.  
3.2 This practice provides parameters to produce gunned specimens for use in other ASTM test methods.  
3.3 This practice may be used to produce specimens for acceptance testing, service evaluation, manufacturing control, and research and development.  
3.4 Differences between various kinds of equipment and the differences in procedures and operator techniques may result in significant variations in the physical properties of the gunned specimens. It is recommended that the same operator use the same equipment to produce specimens for referee testing agreed to by the involved testing parties. The specific operating parameters should be shown in the report.  
3.5 Although this practice is specifically designed for refractories containing calcium aluminate cement, it may be used with minor modifications for gun mixes containing other bond systems.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for preparing refractory specimens usually containing calcium aluminate cement with or without metal fibers by cold nozzle-mix gunning. Specimens prepared in accordance with this practice are intended for use in standard ASTM test methods required for evaluating gunned materials.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2015
• ICS: 81.080 - Refractories
• Technical Committee: C08 - Refractories
• Drafting Committee: C08.09 - Monolithics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C903-10 - Standard Practice for Preparing Refractory Castable Specimens by Cold Gunning
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C903 − 15
StandardPractice for
1
Preparing Refractory Specimens by Cold Gunning
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C903; 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 3.4 Differences between various kinds of equipment and the
differences in procedures and operator techniques may result in
1.1 Thispracticecoversaprocedureforpreparingrefractory
significant variations in the physical properties of the gunned
specimens usually containing calcium aluminate cement with
specimens. It is recommended that the same operator use the
orwithoutmetalfibersbycoldnozzle-mixgunning.Specimens
same equipment to produce specimens for referee testing
prepared in accordance with this practice are intended for use
agreed to by the involved testing parties.The specific operating
in standardASTM test methods required for evaluating gunned
parameters should be shown in the report.
materials.
3.5 Although this practice is specifically designed for re-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
fractories containing calcium aluminate cement, it may be used
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
with minor modifications for gun mixes containing other bond
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
systems.
and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Apparatus
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 Gun, pneumatic nozzle-mix. At least 50 ft (15.2 m) of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
hose should be available. Acceptable nozzle diameters range
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
from 1 to 2 in. (25 to 51 mm).
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 Air Compressor, capable of delivering sufficient pres-
sure and volume to adequately move castable to the gun. The
2. Referenced Documents
3 3
2 compressorshouldbeabletosupplyatleast250ft (7m )/min.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.3 Forms, suitable nonabsorbent type, which will vary in
C401 Classification of Alumina and Alumina-Silicate
Castable Refractories size in accordance with the number and size of samples being
prepared, but are at minimum 12 by 12 by 4 in. (305 by 305 by
C865 Practice for Firing Refractory Concrete Specimens
100 mm). Forms should be sized to prevent rebound entrap-
1
3. Significance and Use
ment. The use of ⁄2 inch hardware cloth as sidewalls of the
form allows most of the rebound to pass through.
3.1 The properties of refractories can be affected by their
method of installation. This practice attempts to minimize the
5. Procedure
variables encountered during installation by pneumatic gun-
5.1 Store the castable to be gunned at 70 to 85°F (20 to
ning.
27°C) for 24 h prior to gunning.
3.2 This practice provides parameters to produce gunned
5.2 Place the form against a rigid surface at an angle of 80
specimens for use in other ASTM test methods.
to 90° to the horizontal.
3.3 This practice may be used to produce specimens for
5.3 If recommended by the supplier, predampen the refrac-
acceptance testing, service evaluation, manufacturing control,
tory by mixing with potable water in a paddle mixer for 1 to 5
and research and development.
min or follow manufacturer’s specific instructions. In general,
regular (dense) castables require 2 to 4 % of predampening
1
water and lightweight (insulating) castables require 5 to 8 %.
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC08onRefractories
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.09 on Monolithics.
NOTE 1—Refractories that contain a high-purity cement may benefit by
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015. Published December 2015. Originally
aging for 5 to 10 min after dampening before gunning. This “aging’’
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C903 – 10. DOI:
procedure should be used if gunning without it produces excessive
10.1520/C0903-15.
2
rebound, dusting, or slumping.
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 NOTE 2—Treat refractories containing metal fibers in a normal manner.
the ASTM website. If metal fibers are to be added to the gunning material, add them to the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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C903 − 15
paddle mixer before any water
...

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: C903 − 10 C903 − 15
Standard Practice for
1
Preparing Refractory Castable Specimens by Cold Gunning
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C903; 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 practice covers a procedure for preparing refractory castable specimens usually containing calcium aluminate cement
with or without metal fibers by cold nozzle-mix gunning. Specimens prepared in accordance with this practice are intended for use
in standard ASTM test methods required for evaluating gunned materials.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C401 Classification of Alumina and Alumina-Silicate Castable Refractories
C865 Practice for Firing Refractory Concrete Specimens
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The properties of refractory castables refractories can be affected by their method of installation. This practice attempts to
minimize the variables encountered during installation by pneumatic gunning.
3.2 This practice provides parameters to produce gunned specimens for use in other ASTM test methods.
3.3 This practice may be used to produce specimens for acceptance testing, service evaluation, manufacturing control, and
research and development.
3.4 Differences between various kinds of equipment and the differences in procedures and operator techniques may result in
significant variations in the physical properties of the gunned specimens. It is recommended that the same operator use the same
equipment to produce specimens for referee testing agreed to by the involved testing parties. The specific operating parameters
should be shown in the report.
3.5 Although this practice is specifically designed for refractory castables refractories containing calcium aluminate cement, it
may be used with minor modifications for gun mixes containing other bond systems.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Gun, pneumatic nozzle-mix. At least 50 ft (15.2 m) of hose should be available. Acceptable nozzle diameters range from
1 to 2 in. (25 to 51 mm).
4.2 Air Compressor, capable of delivering sufficient pressure and volume to adequately move castable to the gun. The
3 3
compressor should be able to supply at least 250 ft (7 m )/min.
4.3 Forms, suitable nonabsorbent type, which will vary in size in accordance with the number and size of samples being
prepared, but are at minimum 12 by 12 by 4 in. (305 by 305 by 100 mm). Forms should be sized to prevent rebound entrapment.
1
The use of ⁄2 inch hardware cloth as sidewalls of the form allows most of the rebound to pass through.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 on Refractories and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.09 on Monolithics.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2010Oct. 1, 2015. Published February 2010December 2015. Originally approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 20082010
as C903 – 08.C903 – 10. DOI: 10.1520/C0903-10.10.1520/C0903-15.
2
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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C903 − 15
4.4 Suitable eye and hand protection must be worn capable of protection against high velocity refractory particles and steel
fibers.
5. Procedure
5.1 Store the castable to be gunned at 70 to 85°F (20 to 27°C) for 24 h prior to gunning.
5.2 Oil the forms lightly. Typically 10W-30 oil is used. Place the form against a rigid surface at an angle of 80 to 90° to the
horizontal.
5.3 If recommended by the supplier, predampen the castablerefractory by mixing with potable
...