ASTM F716-82(2001)
(Test Method)Standard Methods of Testing Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
Standard Methods of Testing Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
These methods are to be used as a basis for comparison of absorbents in a consistent manner.
These methods are not useful for a comparison of absorbents with adsorbents, even though all absorbents exhibit adsorbent properties. Both types of materials have prime areas of utility.
These methods may not list all the safety and disposal options necessary for safe ultimate disposal of used sorbent material into the environment. Federal, state, and local regulatory rules must be followed.
SCOPE
1.1 These methods cover the development of laboratory test data which describe the performance of absorbent materials used to remove oils and other compatible fluids from water.
1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use. (For a specific warning statement see 10.4.)
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:F716–82 (Reapproved 2001)
Standard Test Methods for
Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 716; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope containing dissolved solids. These oily materials may either
float, sink, or be dispersed.
1.1 These test methods cover the development of laboratory
3.2.2 Type I absorbent (loose)—an unconsolidated, particu-
test data which describe the performance of absorbent materi-
late material without sufficient form to be applied in single
als used to remove oils and other compatible fluids from water.
units. This type may include particulate blends with other
1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe
materials, that is, adsorbents to allow use in specific applica-
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
tions.
to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and
3.2.3 Type II absorbent (roll, sheet, pad, blanket, pillow,
should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or
web)—a material that has a form and strength sufficient to be
fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire
lifted and handled when saturated without tearing.
conditions. However, results of this test may be used as
3.2.4 Type III Absorbent (booms)—absorbent material in a
elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all
form whose length substantially exceeds other dimensions.
of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire
Booms are to be provided with connector units so that they
hazard of a particular end use. (For a specific warning
may be coupled to another boom or line.
statement see 10.4.)
4. Summary of Method
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 The absorbent material is tested using established stan-
2.1 Federal Standard:
dard methods, where applicable, and specially developed tests
Fed. Std. No. 141 Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related
for performance factors.
Materials. Methods of Inspection, Sampling and Testing
2.2 Military Specification:
5. Significance and Use
MIL-I-631D Insulation, Electric, Synthetic Resin Composi-
2 5.1 These methods are to be used as a basis for comparison
tion, Nonrigid
of absorbents in a consistent manner.
3. Terminology 5.2 These methods are not useful for a comparison of
absorbents with adsorbents, even though all absorbents exhibit
3.1 Definitions:
adsorbent properties. Both types of materials have prime areas
3.1.1 absorption—a process where the material taken up is
of utility.
distributed throughout the body of the absorbing material.
5.3 These methods may not list all the safety and disposal
3.1.2 adsorption—a process where the material taken up is
options necessary for safe ultimate disposal of used sorbent
distributed over the surface of the adsorbing material.
material into the environment. Federal, state, and local regu-
3.1.3 sorbent—a material used to recover liquids through
latory rules must be followed.
the mechanisms of absorption or adsorption, or both.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6. Special Considerations
3.2.1 oil, oily liquid—substantially water-immiscible or-
6.1 Solubility—Fluid should not dissolve the absorbent
ganic liquids (limited water solubility) as well as liquids
under normal recovery or handling conditions.
6.2 Reuse—Used absorbent materials may be recycled un-
der certain conditions. Fluid absorbed cannot be released with
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on
Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response and are the direct responsibility of
squeezing. However, many of the polymeric materials will
Subcommittee F20.22 on Mitigation Actions.
depolymerize at temperatures at or below those in a refinery
Current edition approved Jan. 13, 1982. Published March 1982.
2 pipe still. This means they are recoverable, although in a
AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, Attn: NPODS. different form.Along with resource recovery, the harvestability
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F716–82 (2001)
of sorbents will become more important. Lower boiling mate- 8.3 Low-Viscosity Materials—For low-viscosity material
rials may also be steam stripped from absorbents to recover (like gasoline), use xylene which has a higher flash point. (For
both fluid and absorbent. safety, a solution containing 10 % methylene chloride can be
6.3 Release of Volatiles—Certain volatile materials picked addedtoaidinraisingflashpoint.)Materialsconformingto8.2
up by sorbents may create a vapor hazard by increasing the have a viscosity similar to gasoline but the density difference
exposed surface area and therefore vapor release. Depending may have to be adjusted.
on the material picked up, this may increase fire or health 8.4 Polar Solvents—For polar solvents, use methylisobu-
hazard (see 10.4). tylketone (hexone), butylacetate, and so forth.
6.4 Release to an Alternative Material Such as Sand—The
8.5 Medium-Viscosity Fluids—For medium-viscosity fluids,
tendency to release sorbed liquid to beaches, ground, clothing No. 2 fuel oil, diesel fuel, JP-5, Jet A-1 (turbine fuel), or light
of personnel, and so forth, both as liquid and vapor can be crude oil (for example, light Arabian or Iranian crude), is
determined on a basis of priority (see 11.5). recommended.
6.5 Penetration—Absorbents may be useful as sealing de-
8.6 High-Viscosity Fluids—Nondetergent or C-10 Trans-
vices and the penetration test will allow a uniform means of former dielectric oil (specify manufacturer and viscosity) is
determining the efficacy of a material for this use.
recommended.
8.7 Range Finding Fluids—Ethanol (95 %), acetone, ethyl-
7. Apparatus
ene glycol, cyclohexane, 2-nitropropane are suitable fluids.
7.1 Exterior Exposure Tester, sufficient for use with Fed.
Std. No. 141, Method 6152 (optional).
9. Conditioning
7.1.1 Actual outdoor exposure in a direction averaging the
9.1 Condition three absorbent test specimens at room tem-
maximum exposure in a sunny area, such as Southern Florida
perature (21 to 26°C) (70 to 80°F) in a closed vessel with 2.5
or Arizona, is desired. Exposure should be listed in months
cm of water in the bottom. Suspend specimens in vapor space
with total sun days.
without contacting water for not less than 24 h prior to testing.
7.1.2 Actual outdoor exposure for a period of three months
Condition specimens in the fully exposed state with no
at a testing site should be listed.
coverings or wrapping that would hinder the equilibration
7.2 Tension Tester—Commercially available tester (op-
process.
tional).
9.2 Condition three absorbent test specimens totally im-
7.2.1 Use of actual weights suspended from test pieces in
mersed in water at room temperature (21 to 26°C) (70 to 80°F)
turn suspended from a continuous reading hanging scale may
in a vessel with a minimum of 10 cm of water covering the
be used. Shock loading may be simulated by fastening one end
absorbent for not less than 24 h prior to testing. Condition
of a unit rigidly and attaching the maximum pickup weight to
specimens in the fully exposed state with no coverings or
the bottom end hanging free. The weight can be raised 2.5 cm
wrapping which would hinder the equilibration process.
and released and also 10 cm and again released. This test
9.3 Alternative Temperatures—If temperature conditions
should be recorded as pass or fail.
other than room temperature are expected to be important, then
7.3 Continuous Reading Hanging Scales—A continuous
the sorbent should be conditioned and tested at the temperature
reading hanging scale fitted with a hook or clamp should be
of use in addition to those specified in 9.1 and 9.2.
used. For testing units, weighing sensitivity shall be 62 %. For
small samples, postal-type scales may be used (0 to 80 g).
10. Determination of Physical Characteristics of
7.4 Top Loading Balance, having 0.5-g resolution for
Absorbents
samples weighing at minimum 50 g or more. An accuracy of
10.1 Mildew—The susceptibility of an absorbent to mildew
2 % is desired.
under normal storage is described in MIL-I-631D. This op-
7.5 Measuring Tubes—10 and 100-mL graduated measur-
tional test determines the expected shelf life under conditions
ing cylinders of regular laboratory quality.
which could lead to mildew. This test may be required when it
7.6 Paper Towels, for removing excess liquid from the
is believed that this condition may exist prior to an emergency.
absorbent.
10.2 Exterior Exposure—This optional test may be per-
7.7 Oven-Dried Mason Sand, for use in checking rate of
formed in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 141, Method 6152.
release. Screen analysis is desired. Optionally, known screen
Actual exposure in area of use for one month is preferable.
size silica sand can be used.
Long-term testing is not necessary for materials that are to be
used in emergency situations. For testing purposes both absor-
8. Test Fluids
bent and adsorbent and other parts of a fabricated unit should
8.1 Test fluids may be used for general testing, although the
be tested or exposed individually and reported.
actual fluid should be used where possible.
10.3 Humidity/Water Resistance—This test is used to pre-
8.2 Samples Heavier than Water—For samples heavier than
dict the performance of a product stored under high humidity
water 1,1,1-trichloroethane (available in many retail stores as
or one that is water-soaked prior to use.
nonflammable spot remover) may be used.
10.3.1 Condition all absorbent test specimens at room
temperature (21 to 26°C) (70 to 80°F) in a closed vessel with
2.5 cm of water in the bottom. Suspend the specimens in vapor
InstronModelNo.TM,availablefromInstronCorp.,100-ARoyallSt.,Canton,
MA 02021, or equivalent. space without contacting water for 2 days (14 days optional).
F716–82 (2001)
At the end of the exposure period, test the specimens for oil effective swell within 2 h. The report shall include the time
and water absorbency. Record weights before and after this required to reach maximum absorption if less than 2 h.
conditioning.
11.2.3 Increase in volume of the solid absorbent is the
10.3.2 Weigh specimens that are conditioned in water by property that distinguishes an absorbent from an adsorbent.
being total immersed (8.2) immediately after removal from
Free liquid should be poured out of the graduate cylinder and
water and again after wringing out all excess water (typical a weighing then made (with the tared screen). The weight of
hand wringer for laundry or equivalent). Test specimens for oil swollen absorbent allows calculation of absorption efficiency:
and water sorbency following both weighings.
A 5 [~W –W !/W # 3 100 (1)
1 2 1
10.4 Flammability—This test should indicate either contri-
bution to an existing fire, that is, a UL rating of 94, if desired,
where:
or a simple rating of combustible or noncombustible and
W = weight of absorbed material,
flashpoint by Cleveland open-cup. (Warning—All sorbent
W = weight of unabsorbed material, and
materials, even those considered nonhazardous, take on the
A = absorption efficiency for the fluid and absorbent
characteristics of the material they pick up. If the material is
being tested.
flammable, the used absorbent material is flammable. If the
Type I absorbent material may be tested with inert material
fluid picked up is toxic, then the used absorbent should be
present such as sand, fibers, and so forth, that give a special
handledasatoxicsubstance.Basicactiveabsorbentandsimple
propertysuchasnostirdispersionorsufficientmasstoserveas
fabricated units are adequate for this test.)
temporary diking. The absorbent mass with inert material can
11. Determination of Expected Performance
be evaluated using the test described in 8.2. The inert material
may be subtracted from the total weights to indicate the
11.1 General:
absorbent data.The penetration test in 11.4 may also be useful.
11.1.1 Initial testing for performance can be accomplished
11.3 Rate of Release—This test can be used to estimate the
with absorbent in the as-received condition. Conditioning as
degree of hazard in the case of flammable or hazardous
described in Section 9 may be necessary for special use or for
materials. For those materials with vapor hazards or skin
special fluids to be absorbed. Good practice requires triplicate
toxicity to humans these are important factors. (Warning—see
testing with results reported as the average.
10.4.)
11.1.2 For all tests, without exception, the fabricated mate-
11.3.1 Place a standard sized weighed piece of an absorbent
rials or units must remain handleable (without tearing) at the
unitinadishoffluid.Addexcessfluidtoassuretotalsaturation
maximum pickup rate reported while being held by a corner of
of material. A saturation time of 30 min should be adequate
the unit.
although a 2-h test is well within the useful practical applica-
11.2 Oily Material Absorption—This test provides a simple
tion time. If material to be absorbed is toxic, run this test in a
method of comparing the absorbing material’s inherent capac-
ventilated fume hood.
ity to absorb various fluids as well as compare ultimate
11.3.2 Following thorough saturation, hang the absorbent
capacity to do so. This test is run with an excess of fluid.
units (minimum 15-cm dimensions) by one corner and weigh
11.2.1 Type I Absorbent—In a 10-mL graduated cylinder,
immediately (even if dripping). Record the time to cessation of
place 2 mL of absorbent and weigh to determine the weight of
dripping. Reweigh and record the weight as maximum practi-
absorbent. Place the 2 mL of absorbent into a 100-mL
cal pickup rate at the time dripping stops.
graduated cylinder. Add 50 mL of fluid to be tested, record
11.3.3 Then hang the units in a ventilated hood with the fan
level, then cap with a foil (aluminum or plastic)-wrapped cork
on, close the door to obtain maximum air flow (past the units),
or stopper.Agitate for short periods with a glass stirring rod. If
and continually monitor and record the weight every 10 min.
at the end of 2 h there is still free liquid on top of the swollen
At the end of 2 h (or sooner) if the total weight approaches the
absorbent or underneath if the fluid has a density greater than
tare weight of the unit, record the time and use as a basis for
the absorbent, place a piece of 200-mesh screen (just slightly
comparison where containme
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