ASTM D61-75(1999)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of pitches below 176°F (80°C) by this method. Pitches of higher softening point should be tested by Test Method D2319 or Test Method D3104.
1.2 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.
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An American National Standard
Designation:D61–75 (Reapproved 1999)
Standard Test Method for
Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationD61;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 5. Apparatus
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the soft- 5.1 Mold—A mold suitable for forming two ⁄2in. (12.7-
ening point of pitches below 176°F (80°C) by this method. mm) cubes of pitch, having cylindrical core pins 12 gage (2.05
Pitches of higher softening point should be tested by Test mm) in diameter located in the base plate of the assembly to
Method D2319 or Test Method D 3104. produce accurately centered suspension holes in the cubes.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the (See Fig. 1.)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5.2 Hooks—Two L-shaped hooks, made of 12-gage (2.05-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- mm) copper wire.The foot of the hook shall be 1 in. (25- mm)
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- longandatarightangletotheuprightportionforinsertioninto
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. the center hole of the pitch cube.
5.3 Container—A glass vessel that can be heated, not less
2. Referenced Documents
than 85 mm in diameter and 105 mm deep. (A standard
2.1 ASTM Standards:
600-mL low-form beaker meets these requirements).
D140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials 5.4 Thermometer—An ASTM Low Softening Point Ther-
D2319 Test Method for Softening Point of Pitch (Cube-in-
mometer having a range from 30 to 180°F (−2 to 80°C) and
Air Method) conforming to the requirements forThermometer 15F (15C) as
D3104 Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Mettler
described in Specification E1.
Softening Point Method) 5.5 Heat Source:
E1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
5.5.1 Electric Heater—A hot plate or immersion heater
provided with a variable transformer or other device suitable
3. Summary of Test Method
for regulating the temperature of the heating element.
3.1 Twocubesofpitch,supportedonwirehooks,areheated
5.5.2 Gas Heater—A bunsen-type burner, fitted with a
at a controlled rate in water in a glass container. The softening
chimney.
point is defined as the mean of the temperatures at which the
6. Sampling
cubes sag downwards a distance of 25 mm.
6.1 Samples from shipments shall be taken in accordance
4. Significance and Use
with Practice D140 and shall be free of foreign substances.
4.1 Pitch does not go through a solid-liquid phase change
Thoroughly mix the sample before removing a representative
when heated, and therefore does not have a true melting point.
portion for the determination or for dehydration.
As the temperature rises, pitch softens and becomes less
6.2 If the presence of water is indicated by surface foam on
viscous. The softening point is arbitrarily defined and must be
heating, maintain the sample at a temperature of about 260°F
established by a closely controlled method which must be
(125°C) in an open container until the surface is free of foam.
carefully followed if test results are to be reproducible.
Take care not to overheat, and remove from the heat source as
4.2 This test is useful in determining the consistency of
soon as the foam has subsided.
pitch as one element in establishing the uniformity of ship-
7. Test Specimens
ments or sources of supply.
7.1 Coat the inner surfaces and core pins of the mold very
lightly with silicone oil or silicone grease. Form the pitch into
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on
truly shaped cubes either by pressing (7.2) or by pouring (7.4),
Petroleum Products and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
thelatterbeingprecededbymelting(7.3)ifthesampleissolid.
D02.05.OFon Industrial Pitches.
Current edition approved June 30, 1975. Published August 1975. Originally
Use an excess of pitch in either case. Cool until firm and
published as D61–19T. Last previous edition D 61 – 70.
remove the surplus material by drawing the heated blade of a
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
3 putty knife or spatula across the surface of the mold so that the
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
cubes are pressed into the cavities. Then open the mold and
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D61
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Cube-in-Water Method
remove the cubes carefully to avoid distortion. Inspect each expected softening point by more than 90°F (50°C).Any foam
specimen for possible cracks or bubbles and reject any which
...
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