ASTM F2087-13(2019)

Standard Specification for Packing, Fiberglass, Braided, Rope, and Wick

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the general requirements and testing procedures for wick (Type I), rope (Type II), and braided (Type III) fiberglass packing used for boiler, furnace, and other high-temperature equipment seals. The material used for construction shall be a continuous, high-density-type ETG fiberglass material. Asbestos and other asbestos-containing components are disallowed. Each type of packing shall be manufactured according to the manufacturer's design, as follows: Type I shall be composed of twisted plied strands made into braids; Type II shall be laid up into the general form of a wick; and Type III shall be a loosely twisted rope. Unless otherwise specified, packing shall adhere to the dimensional values provided herein.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the general requirements and tests for braided, rope, and wick fiberglass packing used for boiler, furnace, and other high-temperature equipment seals for service temperatures up to 1000°F (538°C).  
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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2019
• ICS: 27.060.01 - Burners and boilers in general
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.02 - Insulation/Processes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2087-13 - Standard Specification for Packing, Fiberglass, Braided, Rope, and Wick
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18(2023) - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3951-15 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3951-10 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM D578-05 - Standard Specification for Glass Fiber Strands
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM D578-00 - Standard Specification for Glass Fiber Strands
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-2000
• Refers: ASTM D3951-98 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1998
• Refers: ASTM D3951-98(2004) - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1998

Overview

ASTM F2087-13(2019): Standard Specification for Packing, Fiberglass, Braided, Rope, and Wick outlines the general requirements, test procedures, and classifications for fiberglass packing materials, such as wick, rope, and braided types. Specifically developed for applications in boiler, furnace, and other high-temperature equipment seals, this international standard is essential for ensuring product consistency, safety, and performance in demanding thermal environments up to 1000°F (538°C). The specification mandates the use of continuous, high-density ETG-type fiberglass and strictly prohibits asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, ensuring safe and environmentally conscious material selection for industrial applications.

Key Topics

• Material Types and Construction:
  • Type I (Wick): Composed of twisted, plied strands formed into braids.
  • Type II (Rope): Loosely twisted rope for flexible sealing applications.
  • Type III (Braided): Constructed using continuous fiberglass strands in a braided format.
• Dimensional Standards: Clear specifications for standard sizes, tolerances, and unit weights for each type of packing.
• Quality and Certification: Suppliers must maintain documented quality systems, such as compliance with ISO 9000, to ensure consistent product performance and documentation.
• Testing and Inspection: Procedures for sampling, specimen preparation, and testing ensure each batch meets specified quality and dimensional properties.
• Packaging and Marking Requirements: Guidelines for commercial shipment, marking, and use of standardized part numbers for traceability.

Applications

ASTM F2087-13(2019) is a critical standard for industries that require reliable high-temperature sealing solutions. Applications include:

• Boiler Seals: Used in power plants, industrial heating systems, and steam generation facilities to maintain safe and leak-free operation under extreme temperatures.
• Furnace and Kiln Packing: Provides durable thermal seals in industrial furnaces, kilns, and incinerators.
• General High-Temperature Equipment: Suitable for use in any high-temperature process equipment requiring effective thermal management and sealing.
• Replacement for Asbestos Products: Offers a safe alternative to asbestos, supporting regulatory compliance and workplace safety.

By defining the types, dimensions, and performance criteria, ASTM F2087 supports manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users in specifying the right product for high-temperature packing needs, improving safety and reliability in operations.

Related Standards

ASTM F2087-13(2019) references and aligns with several key standards to ensure comprehensive coverage and interoperability:

• ASTM D578: Specification for glass fiber strands, providing requirements for the raw fiberglass material used in packing construction.
• ASTM D3951: Practice for commercial packaging, ensuring packaging standards are met for safety during transport and storage.
• ISO 9000 Series: International standards on quality management systems, referenced for supplier quality assurance.
• Former ASTM D4268: Test methods for fiber ropes, which guide the measurement and testing procedures for rope-style packing.

This standard was also developed in accordance with WTO TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) principles, ensuring global relevance and facilitating international trade.

Practical Value

ASTM F2087-13(2019) provides:

• Clear selection criteria for fiberglass-based high-temperature packing, reducing the risk of product failure.
• Documented testing and certification frameworks to satisfy procurement requirements and end-user expectations.
• Guidance for non-asbestos packing solutions, aligning with regulatory bans and environmental objectives.
• Standardized specifications that promote interoperability, efficiency in sourcing, and predictable performance in critical industrial environments.

By adhering to ASTM F2087, organizations ensure safety, durability, and compliance in high-temperature sealing applications using fiberglass packing.

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: F2087 −13 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Packing, Fiberglass, Braided, Rope, and Wick
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2087; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification covers the general requirements and
3.1 Definitions:
tests for braided, rope, and wick fiberglass packing used for
3.1.1 braided fiberglass, n—a braid constructed of continu-
boiler, furnace, and other high-temperature equipment seals for
ous fiberglass strands.
service temperatures up to 1000°F (538°C).
3.1.2 lot, n—unless otherwise specified herein, a lot shall
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
consist of all finished packing of one type and size produced in
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
a continuous run or at the same time under essentially the same
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
conditions. The sampling unit shall be one spool, reel, or coil
and are not considered standard.
of packing as necessary to enable performance of the required
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
examinations or tests.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3 plied, n—a yar product produced by twisting together
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
two or more ends of single fiberglass yarns.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.4 strand, n—an ordered assemblage of textile fibers
having a high ratio of length to diameter and normally used as
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- a unit, including slivers, rovings, single yarns, plied yarns,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the cords, braids, ropes, and so forth.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5 yarn, n—portion of fiberglass reduced to thread to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
obtain a fine and thin strand.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Classification
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 Classification—The material shall be of the following
D578 Specification for Glass Fiber Strands types as specified (see 5.1):
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
4.1.1 Type I—Wick.
D4268 Test Methods for Testing Fiber Ropes (Withdrawn
4.1.2 Type II—Rope.
2002)
4 4.1.3 Type III—Braided.
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 9000 Series of Standards
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Acquisition Requirements—Acquisition documents shall
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.02 on
specify the following:
Insulation/Processes.
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification;
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published July 2019. Originally approved
in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2087 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/
5.1.2 Type, size, and weight of spool, reel, or coil required
F2087-13R19.
(see Section 7);
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 5.1.3 Marking requirements (see Section 15);
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
5.1.4 Packaging requirements (see Section 16);
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on 5.1.5 Performance requirements; and
www.astm.org.
5.1.6 Inspection, testing, and certification of the material
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier as
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. part of the purchase contract (see Sections 12 and 14).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2087 − 13 (2019)
TABLE 1 Dimensions for Type I Wick Packing
10. Specimen Preparation
Size Diameter, in. (mm) ft/lb (m/kg)
10.1 Specimen Preparation—Purchaser and supplier shall
001W 0.250 ± 0.025 (6.3 ± 0.6) 54.00 ± 5.40 (80.36 ± 8.04)
agree on specimen preparation.
002W 0.375 ± 0.038 (9.5 ± 0.9) 29.00 ± 2.90 (43.16 ± 4.32)
11. Test Methods
TABLE 2 Dimensions for Type II Rope Packing
11.1 Material—Material shall be tested in accordance with
Size Diameter, in. (mm) ft/lb (m/kg)
Specification D578.
001R 0.250 ± 0.025 (6.3 ± 0.6) 55.00 ± 5.50 (81.85 ± 8.19)
11.2 Size—Material shall be measured using a flexible
002R 0.375 ± 0.038 (9.5 ± 0.9) 23.50 ± 2.35 (34.97 ± 3.50)
003R 0.500 ± 0.050 (12.7 ± 1.3) 14.00 ± 1.40 (20.83 ± 2.08)
measuring tape such as the one described in Test Methods
004R 0.625 ± 0.063 (15.8 ± 1.6) 9.00 ± 0.90 (13.39 ± 1.34)
D4268 and shall be in accordance with the size specified in
005R 0.750 ± 0.075 (19.1 ± 1.9) 6.50 ± 0.65 (9.67 ± 0.97)
006R 0.875 ± 0.088 (22.2 ± 2.2) 4.50 ± 0.45 (6.70 ± 0.67) Table 1, Table 2,or Table 3.
007R 1.000 ± 0.100 (25.4 ± 2.5) 3.50 ± 0.35 (5.21 ± 0.52)
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