ASTM C1171-16(2022)

Standard Test Method for Quantitatively Measuring the Effect of Thermal Shock and Thermal Cycling on Refractories

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method indicates the ability of a refractory product to withstand the stress generated by sudden changes in temperature.  
3.2 Because the recommended furnace temperature of this cycling test is 1200 °C (2190 °F), this test method may not indicate the ability of a refractory product to withstand cycling at higher or lower temperatures, especially if the existing morphology of the refractory product changes.  
3.3 This test method is useful for research and development, as well as for comparing refractory products. The precision should be considered when using this test for specification purposes.  
3.4 Ruggedness tests found the following variables to be rugged:    
Temperature  
+5 °C    
Hot spacing  
1/2 to 3/4 in. (12.77 to 19 mm)    
Cold spacing  
1/2 to 3/4 in. (12.77 to 19 mm)    
Center versus end gripping of the bars    
Hot hold time  
10 to 15 min    
Cold hold time  
10 to 15 min    
Operator air speed  
0 to 2 mi/h (0 to 3.2 km/h)    
Initially cold or heated samples    
Last in, first out (LIFO); or first in, first out (FIFO)
removal from the furnace  
Sawed or original surface as tensile face during MOR testing    
Bar thickness  
0.96 to 1.04 in. (24.5 to 26.4 mm)
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used for determining the strength loss or reduction in continuity, or both, of prism-shaped specimens which are cut from refractory brick or shapes and subjected to thermal cycling.  
1.2 The strength loss is measured by the difference in modulus of rupture (MOR) between uncycled specimens and the specimens subjected to thermal cycling.  
1.3 The reduction in structural continuity is estimated by the difference in sonic velocity before and after thermal cycling.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 31-Jan-2022
• ICS: 17.200.10 - Heat. Calorimetry
• ICS: 81.080 - Refractories
• Technical Committee: C08 - Refractories
• Drafting Committee: C08.02 - Thermal Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C133-24 - Standard Test Methods for Cold Crushing Strength and Modulus of Rupture of Refractories
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1419-14(2020) - Standard Test Method for Sonic Velocity in Refractory Materials at Room Temperature and Its Use in Obtaining an Approximate Young's Modulus
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2020
• Refers: ASTM C607-88(2016) - Standard Practice for Coking Large Shapes of Carbon-Bearing Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM C1419-14 - Standard Test Method for Sonic Velocity in Refractory Materials at Room Temperature and Its Use in Obtaining an Approximate Young’s Modulus
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2014
• Refers: ASTM E4-14 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E4-10 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM C607-88(2010)e1 - Standard Practice for Coking Large Shapes of Carbon-Bearing Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM E4-09a - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM C1419-99a(2009) - Standard Test Method for Sonic Velocity in Refractory Materials at Room Temperature and Its Use in Obtaining an Approximate Young's Modulus
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Refers: ASTM E4-09 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E4-08 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM C133-97(2008) - Standard Test Methods for Cold Crushing Strength and Modulus of Rupture of Refractories
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008

Overview

ASTM C1171-16(2022): Standard Test Method for Quantitatively Measuring the Effect of Thermal Shock and Thermal Cycling on Refractories offers a standardized approach to assess the durability of refractory materials exposed to sudden temperature changes. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is key for manufacturers, researchers, and quality control professionals in the refractories industry, enabling the quantitative evaluation of strength loss and structural changes due to thermal shock and thermal cycling at elevated temperatures.

Key Topics

• Thermal Shock and Thermal Cycling: This standard specifically addresses the ability of refractories to withstand repeated rapid temperature fluctuations, simulating harsh service conditions.
• Test Specimens: Specimens are prism-shaped samples cut from refractory bricks or shapes. The method measures:
  • Modulus of Rupture (MOR): Comparing uncycled and thermally cycled samples to quantify strength loss.
  • Sonic Velocity: Assessing reduction in structural continuity before and after thermal cycling.
• Recommended Conditions: The primary standard test involves cycling specimens at 1200 °C (2190 °F), with attention given to maintaining controlled hot and cold durations, spacing, and cooling practices.
• Ruggedness: Variables such as temperature, specimen spacing, bar thickness, handling, and hold times are robustly defined for method repeatability.
• Reporting and Precision: Detailed procedures provide guidance for reporting results, identifying all test variables and deviations, and evaluating statistical precision through repeatability and reproducibility measures.

Applications

This ASTM test method delivers practical value in several key areas:

• Material Development and Research: Researchers utilize ASTM C1171 to compare new refractory compositions under controlled thermal cycling conditions, identifying superior materials for demanding applications.
• Quality Control: Manufacturers apply this method to test production batches, ensuring refractories maintain necessary durability and thermal performance before deployment in high-temperature environments.
• Product Comparison: The test facilitates side-by-side evaluation of different refractory products, aiding selection for furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and reactors where thermal shock resistance is critical.
• Specification and Compliance: Although primarily used for research and comparison, the results support material specifications when their precision and test conditions align with application requirements.
• Performance Prediction: By quantifying the modulus of rupture and sonic velocity loss, users gain insights into potential in-service degradation, informing maintenance and replacement schedules.

Related Standards

ASTM C1171-16(2022) is closely linked to several other important ASTM standards that support comprehensive refractory testing and quality assurance:

• ASTM C133 - Test Methods for Cold Crushing Strength and Modulus of Rupture of Refractories
• ASTM C1419 - Test Method for Sonic Velocity in Refractory Materials at Room Temperature
• ASTM E4 - Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• ASTM C607 - Practice for Coking Large Shapes of Carbon-Bearing Materials

Summary

For industries relying on high-temperature processes, ASTM C1171-16(2022) establishes a critical method for quantitatively evaluating the thermal shock resistance of refractory materials. By standardizing testing for strength and structural integrity loss after thermal cycling, this test supports material innovation, quality assurance, and informed material selection, promoting reliability and safety in extreme thermal environments.

Keywords: thermal shock, thermal cycling, refractories, modulus of rupture, sonic velocity, ASTM C1171, refractory test, high temperature durability, material strength testing.

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: C1171 − 16 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Quantitatively Measuring the Effect of Thermal Shock and
Thermal Cycling on Refractories
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1171; 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 C1419 Test Method for Sonic Velocity in Refractory Mate-
rials at Room Temperature and Its Use in Obtaining an
1.1 This test method is used for determining the strength
Approximate Young’s Modulus
loss or reduction in continuity, or both, of prism-shaped
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Test-
specimens which are cut from refractory brick or shapes and
ing Machines
subjected to thermal cycling.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.2 The strength loss is measured by the difference in
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
modulus of rupture (MOR) between uncycled specimens and
the specimens subjected to thermal cycling.
3. Significance and Use
1.3 Thereductioninstructuralcontinuityisestimatedbythe
3.1 This test method indicates the ability of a refractory
difference in sonic velocity before and after thermal cycling.
product to withstand the stress generated by sudden changes in
temperature.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.2 Because the recommended furnace temperature of this
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
cycling test is 1200 °C (2190 °F), this test method may not
and are not considered standard.
indicate the ability of a refractory product to withstand cycling
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the at higher or lower temperatures, especially if the existing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the morphology of the refractory product changes.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.3 This test method is useful for research and development,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
as well as for comparing refractory products. The precision
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
should be considered when using this test for specification
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
purposes.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.4 Ruggedness tests found the following variables to be
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
rugged:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Temperature +5 °C
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1 3
Hot spacing ⁄2 to ⁄4 in. (12.77 to 19 mm)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 3
Cold spacing ⁄2 to ⁄4 in. (12.77 to 19 mm)
Center versus end gripping of the bars
2. Referenced Documents
Hot holdtime 10to15min
Coldholdtime 10to15min
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Operator air speed 0 to 2 mi/h (0 to 3.2 km/h)
C133 Test Methods for Cold Crushing Strength and Modu-
Initially cold or heated samples
Last in, first out (LIFO); or first in, first out (FIFO)
lus of Rupture of Refractories
removal from the furnace
C607 Practice for Coking Large Shapes of Carbon-Bearing
Sawed or original surface as tensile face during MOR testing
Materials
Bar thickness 0.96 to 1.04 in. (24.5 to 26.4 mm)
4. Apparatus
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 on
Refractories and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.02 on Thermal
4.1 Furnace, capable of maintaining 1200 °C (2190 °F)
Properties.
with recovery rate of less than 5 min to temperature.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published February 2022. Originally
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C1171 – 16. DOI:
4.2 Abrasive Saw, to cut the test specimens.
10.1520/C1171-16R22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4.3 Dryer, capable of operating at 105 °C to 110 °C (220 °F
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
to 230 °F).
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 4.4 Tongs or Fork, for handling hot specimens.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1171 − 16 (2022)
4.5 Safety Equipment, such as gloves, face shields, and 7. Procedure
tinted safety glasses.
7.1 Measure the sonic velocity along the length of each test
4.6 AluminaSetterBrick, 90 %, placed 5 in. (127 mm) apart specimen according to Test Method C1419 and divide the
in and outside the furnace. specimens into two equal groups on the basis of similar
distributions of velocity measurements.
4.7 Strength Testing Machine—Any form of standard me-
chanical or hydraulic compression testing machine that con- 7.2 Determine the cold modulus of rupture (using Test
forms to the requirements of Practices E4 may be used. Methods C133) on one group, using three-point loading with a
5-in. (127-mm) span and a loading rate of 175 lbf/min
4.8 Sonic Velocity Machine—Test apparatus conforming to
(778 N⁄mm).
the section on Test Apparatus of Test Method C1419.
7.3 Preheat the test furnace to the test temperature of 1200
5. Sampling
6 15 °C (2190 6 25 °F); preheating is usually done the night
5.1 The sampling shall consist of at least two bricks or prior to testing. Use of other test temperatures is allowed and
must be included as a deviation in the report.
shapes, or test samples made from monolithic refractories. At
least ten test specimens shall be used. An equal number of
7.4 Place the test specimens from the remaining group into
specimens shall be taken from each of the bricks or shapes.
the furnace spanning the setter brick and allow them to remain
there for 10 to 15 min. Then, remove the specimens from the
5.2 Samples should be prefired to a temperature at least as
furnaceandallowthemtocoolfor10to15minwhilespanning
high as the test temperatures.
the setter brick in ambient air.This is considered one full cycle.
6. Test Sp
...