ASTM E715-80(2022)

• Abstract:

  ABSTRACT; This specification covers the performance requirements for four types (Types IA, IB, IIA, and IIB) of unloaded and covered general-purpose gravity-convection and forced-circulation water baths ordinarily used in testing operations. The temperature within the bath chamber shall be controllable by an automatic device and, when examined by appropriate test methods, shall be uniform within the tolerances as to uniformity and time constant specified for the particular type of bath.; SCOPE; 1.1 This specification covers the performance requirements for general-purpose water baths ordinarily used in testing operations. It is applicable to gravity-convection and forced-circulation water baths operating in the range from 5 °C above ambient to 100 °C and having a water volume up to 100 L. ; 1.2 This specification covers unloaded, covered water baths. ; 1.3 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.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2021
• ICS: 71.040.20 - Laboratory ware and related apparatus
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.06 - Laboratory Instruments and Equipment

Overview

ASTM E715-80(2022), Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Circulation Water Baths, sets forth key performance requirements for general-purpose water baths commonly used in laboratory and testing operations. The standard, developed by ASTM International, covers both gravity-convection and forced-circulation water baths with water volumes up to 100 liters and temperature ranges from 5 °C above ambient to 100 °C. Focused on unloaded and covered water baths, it defines four specific types, ensuring temperature uniformity and control by automatic devices. Compliance with this specification helps laboratories maintain reliable and reproducible testing conditions.

Key Topics

• Types of Water Baths

  • Type IA: Gravity-convection with specified temperature uniformity.
  • Type IB: Gravity-convection with slightly different uniformity parameters.
  • Type IIA: Forced-circulation with enhanced temperature uniformity.
  • Type IIB: Forced-circulation with different performance criteria.

• Performance Criteria

  • Automatic temperature control within precise tolerances.
  • Measurement and limits for temperature uniformity across the bath chamber.
  • Definition and evaluation of the time constant as a measure of heating rate.

• Testing Procedures

  • Placement of calibrated temperature sensors to assess temperature distribution.
  • Standardized methods for determining time constant and stability.
  • Conditions for ambient temperature and voltage control during testing.

• International Harmonization

  • Aligns with World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards, promoting global compatibility.

Applications

ASTM E715-80(2022) is vital for laboratories, research institutions, and quality control environments needing standardized conditions for sample incubation and testing. Typical uses include:

• Biological and Chemical Testing: Providing consistent thermal environments for reagent reactions, incubations, and other sensitive laboratory operations.
• Industrial Quality Control: Ensuring repeatable testing conditions for manufactured products that must meet precise temperature specifications.
• Educational Laboratories: Supporting reliable experimentation in teaching labs.
• Calibration and Metrology: The standard guides facilities in calibrating temperature sensors and validating water bath performance.

Its performance benchmarks facilitate the selection and maintenance of water baths, helping laboratories ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with best practices in temperature-dependent tests.

Related Standards

Organizations implementing ASTM E715-80(2022) may also benefit from reviewing these related standards:

• ASTM E287: Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Graduated Burets, relevant for volumetric measurement tools often used with water baths.
• ASTM E563: Standard Specification for Volumetric Ware, supporting accuracy in volumetric laboratory glassware.
• ISO 9001: Quality management systems standard, applicable for laboratory process control and documentation.
• ASTM E925: Standard Practice for Monitoring the Performance of Temperature-Controlled Water Baths.

By referencing ASTM E715-80(2022) alongside these documents, laboratories can further enhance process consistency, compliance, and data integrity in temperature-controlled testing environments.

Keywords: ASTM E715, water baths, gravity-convection, forced-circulation, laboratory equipment, temperature uniformity, performance specification, time constant, laboratory standards.

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:E715 −80 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Gravity-Convection and Forced-Circulation Water Baths
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E715; 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 3.2 The “time constant” is an arbitrary measure of the rate at
which a standard specimen is heated following the procedure
1.1 This specification covers the performance requirements
of 4.2. The value of the time constant shall not exceed the
for general-purpose water baths ordinarily used in testing
maximum value given in Table 1 for the particular type of bath.
operations. It is applicable to gravity-convection and forced-
circulation water baths operating in the range from 5 °C above
4. Test Methods
ambient to 100 °C and having a water volume up to 100 L.
4.1 Temperature Uniformity:
1.2 This specification covers unloaded, covered water baths.
4.1.1 Place five calibrated temperature sensors in the un-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
loaded water bath with diffuser plate in place and at lowest
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
position and water level approximately 38 mm (1.5 in.) from
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the top. Temperature sensors may be platinum resistance
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
elements or thermistors having a time constant of 2.5 s or less,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
or thermocouples made of iron or copper-constantan wire
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
approximately 0.5 mm (24-gauge) in diameter and having a
junction size not larger than 2 mm (0.08 in.). Locate one sensor
2. Classification
in each of the four corners of the bath approximately 50 mm (2
2.1 This specification covers the following four types of
in.) from each wall and midway between the diffuser plate and
water baths:
the water surface. Locate the fifth sensor within 25 mm (1 in.)
2.1.1 Type IA—A gravity-convection bath having a unifor-
of the geometric center of the bath. Cover the bath either with
mity of temperature not greater than 62 % of the differential
the standard cover used with the bath or a flat sheet of stainless
between ambient and operating temperature.
steel. If necessary, holes may be made in the cover, in the
2.1.2 Type IB—A gravity-convection bath having a unifor-
proper locations to accommodate the sensors. Rubber stoppers
mity of temperature not greater than 64 % of the differential
shall be used to plug the holes in order to minimize vapor loss.
between ambient and operating temperature.
2.1.3 Type IIA—A forced-circulation bath having a unifor- NOTE 2—If calibrated thermocouples are not available, five thermo-
couples made from the same spool of wire may be used, provided they
mity of temperature not greater than 61 % of the differential
give the same value for temperature when placed adjacent to one another
between ambient and operating temperature.
in the bath at test temperature.
2.1.4 Type IIB—A forced-circulation bath having a unifor-
4.1.2 Bring the bath to the desired temperature and allow it
mity of temperature not greater than 62 % of the differential
to reach a steady sta
...