ASTM C974-87(2020)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Preparing Test Specimens from Basic Refractory Castable Products by Casting
General Information
- Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 This practice defines a procedure that ensures consistent preparation of specimens for product testing and evaluation.
2.2 This practice can be used in the laboratories of producers, users, and general-interest parties for research and development or quality-control work. It is particularly useful for interlaboratory comparisons or products, for repetitive evaluations or comparisons of products or product quality, and in specifying a uniform preparation practice for specimens for acceptance testing.
2.3 In using this practice it must be recognized that the structure of laboratory-cast specimens may differ significantly from the structure of material cast in field applications.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for preparing test specimens from a basic refractory castable by casting prepared material in a mold. Specimens prepared in accordance with this procedure are intended for use in ASTM test methods.
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, 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.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2020
- Technical Committee
- C08 - Refractories
- Drafting Committee
- C08.09 - Monolithics
Overview
ASTM C974-87(2020) is an international standard defining a consistent method for preparing test specimens from basic refractory castable products by casting. It establishes procedures to ensure specimens are suitable for reliable product testing and evaluation, supporting both research and quality control within the ceramics and refractory industries. This standard is maintained by ASTM International and aligns with globally recognized best practices for standardization.
The practice is intended for use by laboratories involved in the testing, development, and quality assessment of refractory castables, particularly where repeatability and consistency are essential. This method is crucial when comparing product quality, conducting interlaboratory studies, or setting uniform practices for acceptance testing.
Key Topics
- Specimen Preparation by Casting: The standard outlines the method for mixing, molding, and curing basic refractory castable materials to produce uniform test specimens.
- Consistent Procedure: It emphasizes maintaining set storage, batch size, water content, mixing duration, and curing parameters to ensure test reliability.
- Lab Equipment: Requires the use of a mixer (such as a Hobart mixer), steel molds, vibration table, and air-circulating oven for consistent results.
- Batch Quality: Highlights the importance of correct water addition, avoidance of segregation, and proper batch consistency to replicate field applications as closely as possible.
- Documentation and Reporting: Specifies that reports must include important details like water content, drying time, and specimen dimensions to guarantee traceability and repeatability of results.
- Scope Limitations: Notes that laboratory-prepared specimens may have different structural properties from those produced in field applications, which should be considered when interpreting test outcomes.
Applications
- Product Development: Provides a uniform approach for R&D teams to prepare castable specimens, supporting comparative analysis of new materials.
- Quality Control: Used by manufacturers and users to evaluate batch-to-batch consistency and product compliance with technical requirements.
- Interlaboratory Comparisons: Supports testing between independent labs through the use of standardized specimen preparation, enhancing data reliability and confidence.
- Acceptance Testing: Sets the foundation for acceptance criteria in purchasing and procurement contracts through tightly controlled test specimen preparation.
- Industry Research: Facilitates scientific investigations by researchers, ensuring specimen consistency across studies and contributing to the advancement of refractory technology.
- Supplier Specifications: Assists suppliers and customers in agreeing upon standardized preparation practices for castable product evaluations.
Related Standards
- ASTM C401: Standard Practice for Preparing Refractory Concrete Specimens by Casting for Pre-Shrinkage Measurements.
- ASTM C703: Standard Test Method for Thermal Shock Resistance of Refractory Materials.
- ASTM C113: Standard Test Method for Reheat Change of Refractory Brick.
- ASTM C704: Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Refractory Materials at Room Temperature.
Practical Value
Using ASTM C974-87(2020) increases repeatability, reliability, and comparability in the testing of basic refractory castables, supporting robust quality assurance and fostering innovation through standardized laboratory methods. This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and users concerned with accurate, reproducible results in refractory material performance assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C974-87(2020) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Preparing Test Specimens from Basic Refractory Castable Products by Casting". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 2.1 This practice defines a procedure that ensures consistent preparation of specimens for product testing and evaluation. 2.2 This practice can be used in the laboratories of producers, users, and general-interest parties for research and development or quality-control work. It is particularly useful for interlaboratory comparisons or products, for repetitive evaluations or comparisons of products or product quality, and in specifying a uniform preparation practice for specimens for acceptance testing. 2.3 In using this practice it must be recognized that the structure of laboratory-cast specimens may differ significantly from the structure of material cast in field applications. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers a procedure for preparing test specimens from a basic refractory castable by casting prepared material in a mold. Specimens prepared in accordance with this procedure are intended for use in ASTM test methods. 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, 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 2.1 This practice defines a procedure that ensures consistent preparation of specimens for product testing and evaluation. 2.2 This practice can be used in the laboratories of producers, users, and general-interest parties for research and development or quality-control work. It is particularly useful for interlaboratory comparisons or products, for repetitive evaluations or comparisons of products or product quality, and in specifying a uniform preparation practice for specimens for acceptance testing. 2.3 In using this practice it must be recognized that the structure of laboratory-cast specimens may differ significantly from the structure of material cast in field applications. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers a procedure for preparing test specimens from a basic refractory castable by casting prepared material in a mold. Specimens prepared in accordance with this procedure are intended for use in ASTM test methods. 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, 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.
ASTM C974-87(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 81.080 - Refractories. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C974-87(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: C974 − 87 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Practice for
Preparing Test Specimens from Basic Refractory Castable
Products by Casting
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C974; 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. Apparatus
3.1 Mixer, bench-type, Hobart or equivalent.
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for preparing test
specimens from a basic refractory castable by casting prepared
3.2 Steel Molds.
material in a mold. Specimens prepared in accordance with this
3.3 Vibration Table, spring or air-cushioned, with a pneu-
procedure are intended for use in ASTM test methods.
matic or electric driver.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.4 Oven, air circulating.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4. Procedure
and are not considered standard.
4.1 Store the material to be tested at 85 6 2 °F (29.5 6
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1 °C) for 24 h prior to testing.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.2 Reduce the sample to the desired batch size with a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sample splitter or by quartering, taking precautions to prevent
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
segregation. Sufficient material should be batched to provide at
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
least a 10 % excess over test specimen requirements.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 4.3 Add the weighed, dry batch to the mixer and dry-mix at
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the low speed for 30 s. Continue to mix at low speed while adding
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- the required amount of water (see 4.3.1) within 30 s. Wet-mix
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical at low speed for 4 min.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 4.3.1 Use the amount of water and mixing time (if different
from above) recommended by the manufacturer. The water
must be potable and at a temperature of 85 6 2 °F (29.5 6
2. Significance and Use
1 °C). Measure the water addition to the nearest 0.1 % by
2.1 This practice defines a procedure that ensures consistent
weight.
preparation of specimens for product testing and evaluation.
4.4 Specimens should be cast in a mold immediately after
2.2 This practice can be used in the laboratories of
the batch is mixed so that all specimens made from a batch are
producers, users, and general-interest parties for research and
cast at the same time. The mold should be securely clamped to
development or quality-control work. It is particularly useful
the
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