ASTM D4781-03(2018)e1

Standard Test Method for Mechanically Tapped Packing Density of Fine Catalyst Particles and Catalyst Carrier Particles

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is for measuring the mechanically tapped packing density of powders that are smaller than 0.8 mm in diameter, such as Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Catalysts (FCC).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the mechanically tapped packing density of fine catalyst and catalyst carrier particles smaller than 0.8 mm in diameter.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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-Apr-2018
• ICS: 71.040.30 - Chemical reagents
• Technical Committee: D32 - Catalysts
• Drafting Committee: D32.02 - Physical-Mechanical Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4781-03(2013) - Standard Test Method for Mechanically Tapped Packing Density of Fine Catalyst Particles and Catalyst Carrier Particles
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3766-24a - Standard Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D3766-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM D3766-08(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2013
• 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 E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013

Overview

ASTM D4781-03(2018)e1 is the internationally recognized standard test method for measuring the mechanically tapped packing density of fine catalyst particles and catalyst carrier particles with diameters less than 0.8 mm. Developed by ASTM International, this standard plays a vital role in the quality assessment of catalyst powders, particularly in industries where particle packing influences process efficiency and material performance. The method is applicable to powders including, but not limited to, Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts.

The test involves drying and conditioning catalyst or carrier particle samples before quantifying their mechanically tapped packing density using a standardized apparatus comprising a graduated cylinder, tapping device, and precise balance. The results are expressed in SI units and provide critical quality attributes for product development, quality control, and regulatory compliance in catalyst manufacturing.

Key Topics

• Mechanically Tapped Packing Density: Defined as the mass of dried fine catalyst particles per unit tapped volume, a crucial parameter for assessing flowability, storage, and handling properties.
• Particle Size Scope: Applicable to powders smaller than 0.8 mm, including fine catalyst and catalyst carrier materials.
• Test Procedure:
  • Preparation of a dry sample by heating and cooling in a desiccator to eliminate moisture.
  • Accurate transfer of the sample to a graduated cylinder.
  • Application of a controlled number of mechanical taps to consolidate the powder.
  • Measurement of mass and final tapped volume to calculate density.
• Precision and Reproducibility: The method includes guidance for repeatable and reproducible results, supporting quality management and comparative studies.
• Safety and Compliance: Responsibility for safety, health, and environmental practices lies with the user, ensuring alignment with regulatory limitations and best industrial practices.

Applications

This ASTM standard is widely used across various industries where catalysts play a central role, specifically:

• Catalyst Manufacturing: To ensure product consistency and meet quality benchmarks for fine catalyst powders and carrier particles.
• Process Engineering: For precise determination of packing densities, which affects the design and operation of reactors, especially in fluidized bed and packed bed systems.
• Quality Control Laboratories: As a routine analytical tool for incoming and outgoing quality assessment of catalyst materials.
• Research and Development: Supporting innovation in catalyst formulation and performance testing, particularly when comparing different powder characteristics or evaluating the effects of processing changes.
• Regulatory and Certification Requirements: Compliance with ASTM D4781-03(2018)e1 demonstrates adherence to globally recognized measurement protocols, facilitating trade and acceptance in key markets.

Typical users include catalyst producers, chemical processing plants, academic research laboratories, and third-party testing agencies.

Related Standards

• ASTM D3766 - Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis: Standardizes key terms for catalyst composition and testing.
• ASTM E177 - Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods: Guides interpretation of test accuracy and reliability.
• ASTM E456 - Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics: Provides essential vocabulary for quality control and statistical analysis.
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method: Offers methodologies for validating precision across laboratories.

Implementing ASTM D4781-03(2018)e1 ensures precise, repeatable assessment of catalyst packing density, underpinning product excellence and process optimization in catalyst technology. For more detailed and authoritative information, consult the full standard available through ASTM International.

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.
´1
Designation: D4781 − 03 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Mechanically Tapped Packing Density of Fine Catalyst
Particles and Catalyst Carrier Particles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4781; 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.
ε NOTE—Section 6.2 updated editorially in May 2018.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the me- 4.1 A preconditioned sample of dried fine catalyst or cata-
chanically tapped packing density of fine catalyst and catalyst lyst carrier particles is tapped in a graduated cylinder. The
carrier particles smaller than 0.8 mm in diameter. mechanically tapped packing density is determined from the
known mass and tapped volume.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5. Significance and Use
standard.
5.1 This test method is for measuring the mechanically
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tapped packing density of powders that are smaller than 0.8
safety concerns, if any associated with its use. It is the
mmindiameter,suchasFluidizedCatalyticCrackingCatalysts
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
(FCC).
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Apparatus
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6.1 Graduated Cylinder, capacity 100 mL.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6.2 Holder, a cylinder holder weighing 454 g.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6.3 Tapping Device, consisting of a baseplate with worm
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
drive, with specifications of 250 r/min camshaft speed, tapping
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
stroke travel of 3.2 mm.
2. Referenced Documents
6.4 Counter, a four-digit adjustable counter, which can be
preset to deliver number of taps between 1 and 9999.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3766 Terminology Relating to Catalysts and Catalysis
6.5 Desiccator, with a desiccant grade molecular sieve such
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
as 4A.
ASTM Test Methods
6.6 Balance, having a sensitivity of 0.1 g.
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to 6.7 Drying Oven.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
7. Procedure
3. Terminology
7.1 Heatanadequatesampleat400 615°Cfornotlessthan
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology D3766.
3 h. Normally, this treatment can take place in air. However, in
the case of materials that might react with air at elevated
temperature (such as prereduced catalysts) the heat treatment
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D32 on
should take place in an inert atmosphere. After heating, cool
Catalysts and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D32.02 on Physical-
the test sample in a desiccator or other suitable container to
Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published June 2018. Originally eliminate the possibility of moisture adsorption prior to testing.
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D4781–03(2013).
NOTE 1—These conditions may not be appropriate for all materials.
DOI: 10.1520/D4781-03R18.
NOTE 2—Since many catalyst formulations are strong adsorbents, the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
use of 4A indicating (cobalt-treated) mole
...