ASTM B29-19

Standard Specification for Refined Lead

ABSTRACT
This specification covers refined lead in pig, block, or hog forms. Lead shall be supplied in commercial standard forms or shapes requested by the purchaser in the following grades: low-bismuth low-silver pure lead, refined pure lead, pure lead, and chemical copper lead. All grades shall be manufactured by any smelting and refining process from ore or recycled materials to meet the specified chemical composition requirements. Chemical analysis samples shall be cleaned thoroughly to rid the surface of dirt or adhering foreign material either by sawing, drilling, or melting prior to sampling, and shall be selected either from the lot during casting, or from the final solidified cast product.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers refined lead in pig, block, or hog form.  
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 become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, 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: 31-Jul-2019
• ICS: 77.150.60 - Lead, zinc and tin products
• Technical Committee: B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B02.02 - Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E88-11(2017) - Standard Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM E88-11 - Standard Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E37-05(2011) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead (Withdrawn 2020)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2011
• Refers: ASTM E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E29-06b - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06a - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM E37-05 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM E88-91(2005) - Standard Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM E29-04 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM E29-02e1 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-2002
• Refers: ASTM E88-91(1996) - Standard Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM E88-91(2001) - Standard Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM E37-00 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2000
• Refers: ASTM E29-93a(1999) - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM B29-19: Standard Specification for Refined Lead establishes comprehensive requirements for refined lead supplied in pig, block, or hog forms. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports quality assurance throughout the supply chain by specifying chemical composition, manufacturing practices, and sampling methods. The document covers several grades of refined lead, addressing both primary and recycled sources, and is recognized for use by key industries and governmental agencies.

Key Topics

• Scope of Standard: Covers refined lead in commercial forms, defining applicable inch-pound units as standard with SI equivalents for reference.
• Grades of Refined Lead: Includes low-bismuth low-silver pure lead, extra refined pure lead, refined pure lead, pure lead, and chemical copper lead.
• Chemical Composition: Requires lead to meet stringent compositional criteria for purity and maximum allowable trace elements and impurities. Refer to the standard for detailed chemical requirements.
• Manufacturing Methods: Allows for smelting and refining from ore or recycled materials, provided finished products conform to the specified compositional limits.
• Sampling and Testing: Details standardized procedures for sampling lead from production lots, including cleaning, sawing, drilling, and melting techniques to ensure representative samples for chemical analysis.
• Identification and Traceability: Mandates clear marking of each pig, block, or hog with manufacturer and lot identifiers, supporting traceability.

Applications

ASTM B29-19 refined lead is widely used in multiple industries due to its reliable quality and documented purity levels. Typical applications include:

• Battery Manufacturing: Certain grades are intended specifically for lead-acid batteries, supporting consistent performance requirements.
• Chemical Industry: High-purity grades are suited for applications demanding low bismuth and silver content to avoid contamination in chemical processes.
• Radiation Shielding: Blocks or pigs may be used as radiation shields in medical or nuclear environments.
• Construction and Industrial Products: Refined lead forms the basis for alloys and specialized construction materials where strict chemical composition is essential.
• Metal Fabrication: Used as feedstock for further alloying or manufacturing of components requiring lead of guaranteed purity.

Compliance with ASTM B29-19 ensures materials meet established benchmarks for chemical content and quality, reducing risks of defects and enhancing end-product reliability.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality management and testing of refined lead in accordance with ASTM B29-19, reference may also be made to the following ASTM standards:

• ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• ASTM E37: Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead
• ASTM E88: Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition

These standards govern best practices for sampling, analysis, and data reporting, thereby supporting the accurate implementation of ASTM B29-19 requirements.

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Keywords: refined lead, ASTM B29-19, chemical-copper lead, pure lead, lead metal, smelting, refining, chemical composition, block lead, pig lead, lead sampling, lead industry standards.

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:B29 −19
Standard Specification for
Refined Lead
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B29; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
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. Ordering Information
1.1 This specification covers refined lead in pig, block, or 3.1 Orders for refined lead under this specification shall
hog form. include the following information:
3.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.2 Quantity (weight),
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.3 Name of material (for example, pure lead),
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.4 Size and shape (see Section 6),
and are not considered standard.
3.1.5 Grade (see Table 1 and accompanying notes), and
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.6 Certification or test report if specified (Section 13).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
4. Materials and Manufacture
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
4.1 Lead shall be supplied in commercial standard forms or
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
shapes requested by the purchaser in the following grades:
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
4.1.1 Low bismuth low silver pure lead,
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
4.1.2 Extra refined pure lead,
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.3 Refined pure lead,
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.4 Pure lead, and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.5 Chemical copper lead.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 The grades of lead listed in 4.1.1 – 4.1.5 shall be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
produced by any smelting and refining process from ore or
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. recycled materials to meet the chemical requirements of this
specification.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Composition
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the
date of material purchase form a part of this specification to the 5.1 Theleadshallconformtotherequirementsprescribedin
extent referenced herein. Table 1 and accompanying notes.
2.2 ASTM Standards:
6. Sizes and Shapes
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
6.1 Pigs shall weigh up to a nominal 110 lb (50 kg).
Determine Conformance with Specifications
E37 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead
6.2 Blocks or hogs shall be square or oblong and weigh up
E88 Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in
to 2530 lb (1150 kg).
Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
7. Appearance
7.1 The lead shall be reasonably free from surface corrosion
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
and adhering foreign material.
B02.02 on Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally
8. Lot
approved in 1919. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as B29 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/B0029-19.
8.1 All lead of the same type produced and cast at one time
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
shallconstitutealotforchemicalanalysis.Eachpigorblockof
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
thelotshallbearasingleidentifyingnumberthatcanberelated
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. to the manufacturing lot.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B29−19
A,B
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition (Weight Percent)
Low Bismuth
Extra Refined
Grade
Low Silver Refined Pure Pure Lead, Chemical-
Pure Lead,
E F
Pure Lead, Lead, max max Copper Lead
D
max
C
max
Sb 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
As 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sn 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sb As and Sn . . . 0.002 0.002 max
Cu 0.0010 0.0005 0.0010 0.0015 0.040–0.080
Ag 0.0010 0.0015 0.0075 0.010 0.020 max
Bi 0.0015 0.0075 0.025 0.05 0.025 max
Zn 0.0005 0.0002 0.001 0.001 0.001 max
Te 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 . .
Ni 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.002 max
Fe 0.0002 0.0005 0.001 0.001 0.002 max
Se . 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
S . 0.0005 0.001 0.002 0.001 max
Al . 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 max
Cd . 0.0002 0.0005 0.0005 0.0003 max
Lead (min) by 99.995 99.990 99.97 99.94 99.90
difference
UNS Number L50006 L50008 L50021 L50049 L51121
A
The following applies to all specified limits in Table 1: For the purpose of determining conformance with this specification, an observed value obtained from the analysis
shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice
E29.
B
By agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, analyses may be required and limits established for elements or compounds not specified in Table 1.
C
This grade is intended for chemical applications where low silver and low bismuth contents are required. This is a common primary standard.
D
This grade is intended for use where a 99.990 refined lead purity is required. It meets the requirements of BS/EN PB990R.
E
This grade is intended for lead acid battery applications.
F
This grade is intended for applications requiring corrosion protection and formability.
9. Sampling for Chemical Analysis one pig shall be taken from every 20 000 lb (9080 kg). For
smaller lots, a total of five pigs shall be taken.
9.1 The sample for chemical analysis shall be selected by
9.3.3 Sample Preparation—Each pig shall be cleaned thor-
one of the following methods:
oughly to rid the surface of dirt or adhering foreign material
9.1.1 Test samples taken from the lot during casting, or
prior to sampling by one of the following methods: sawing,
9.1.2 Test samples taken from the final solidified cast
drilling, or melting.
product.
9.3.3.1 Sawing—The pigs selected shall be sawed com-
9.2 Sampling for Lot Analysis—The supplier may obtain
pletely through as illustrated in Fig. 1. The sawings from the
samples from the lot of molten metal during casting.All or part
pigs shall be mixed thoroughly and quartered, and the samples
of these samples may be cast into shapes suitable for use in
for analysis taken from the mixed material. The sawings must
spectrographic analytical methods. This is the preferred
be free of extraneous material introduced from the saw blade.
method for determining l
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B29 − 14 B29 − 19
Standard Specification for
Refined Lead
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B29; 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
1.1 This specification covers refined lead in pig, block, or hog form.
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 become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS)(SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and
healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the date of material purchase form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced herein.
2.2 ASTM Standards:
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E37 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead
E88 Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for refined lead under this specification shall include the following information:
3.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,
3.1.2 Quantity (weight),
3.1.3 Name of material (for example, pure lead),
3.1.4 Size and shape (see Section 6),
3.1.5 Grade (see Table 1 and accompanying notes), and
3.1.6 Certification or test report if specified (Section 13).
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 Lead shall be supplied in commercial standard forms or shapes requested by the purchaser in the following grades:
4.1.1 Low bismuth low silver pure lead,
4.1.2 Extra refined pure lead,
4.1.3 Refined pure lead,
4.1.4 Pure lead, and
4.1.5 Chemical copper lead.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B02.02 on Refined
Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2014Aug. 1, 2019. Published December 2014August 2019. Originally approved in 1919. Last previous edition approved in 20092014
as B29B29 – 14. – 03 (2009). DOI: 10.1520/B0029-14.DOI: 10.1520/B0029-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B29 − 19
A,B
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition (Weight Percent)
Low Bismuth
Refined Pure Pure Chemical-
Grade
Low Silver
Lead, Lead, Copper
Pure Lead,
D E
max max Lead
C
max
Sb 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
As 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sn 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sb As and Sn . . 0.002 0.002 max
Cu 0.0010 0.0010 0.0015 0.040–0.080
Ag 0.0010 0.0075 0.010 0.020 max
Bi 0.0015 0.025 0.05 0.025 max
Zn 0.0005 0.001 0.001 0.001 max
Te 0.0001 0.0002 . .
Ni 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.002 max
Fe 0.0002 0.001 0.001 0.002 max
Se . 0.0005 .001 .001 max
S . 0.001 .002 .001 max
Al . 0.0005 .0005 .0005 max
Cd . 0.0005 .0005 .0003 max
Lead (min) by 99.995 99.97 99.94 99.90
difference
UNS Number L50006 L50021 L50049 L51121
A,B
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition (Weight Percent)
Low Bismuth
Extra Refined Refined Pure
Grade
Low Silver Pure Lead, Chemical-
Pure Lead, Lead,
F
Pure Lead, max Copper Lead
D E
max max
C
max
Sb 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
As 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sn 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sb As and Sn . . . 0.002 0.002 max
Cu 0.0010 0.0005 0.0010 0.0015 0.040–0.080
Ag 0.0010 0.0015 0.0075 0.010 0.020 max
Bi 0.0015 0.0075 0.025 0.05 0.025 max
Zn 0.0005 0.0002 0.001 0.001 0.001 max
Te 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 . .
Ni 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.002 max
Fe 0.0002 0.0005 0.001 0.001 0.002 max
Se . 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
S . 0.0005 0.001 0.002 0.001 max
Al . 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 max
Cd . 0.0002 0.0005 0.0005 0.0003 max
Lead (min) by 99.995 99.990 99.97 99.94 99.90
difference
UNS Number L50006 L50008 L50021 L50049 L51121
A
The following applies to all specified limits in Table 1: For the purpose of determining conformance with this specification, an observed value obtained from the analysis
shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice
E29.
B
By agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, analyses may be required and limits established for elements or compounds not specified in Table 1.
C
This grade is intended for chemical applications where low silver and low bismuth contents are required. This is a common primary standard.
D
This grade is intended for use where a 99.990 refined lead purity is required. It meets the requirements of BS/EN PB990R.
E
This grade is intended for lead acid battery applications.
F
This grade is intended for applications requiring corrosion protection and formability.
4.2 The grades of lead listed in 4.1.1 – 4.1.44.1.5 shall be produced by any smelting and refining process from ore or recycled
materials to meet the chemical requirements of this specification.
5. Composition
5.1 The lead shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Table 1 and accompanying notes.
6. Sizes and Shapes
6.1 Pigs shall weigh up to a nominal 110 lb (50 kg).
6.2 Blocks or hogs shall be square or oblong and weigh up to 2530 lb (1150 kg).
7. Appearance
7.1 The lead shall be reasonably free from surface corrosion and adhering foreign material.
B29 − 19
8. Lot
8.1 All lead of the same type produced and cast at one time shall constitute a lot for chemical analysis. Each pig or block of
the lot shall bear a single identifying number that can be related to the manufacturing lot.
9. Sampling for Chemical Analysis
9.1 The sample for chemical analysis shall be selected by one of the following methods:
9.1.1 Test samples taken from the lot during casting, or
9.1.2 Test samples taken from the final solidified cast product.
9.2 Sampling for Lot Analysis—The supplier may obtain samples from the lot of molten metal during casting. All or part of these
samples may be cast into shapes suitable for use in spectrographic analytical methods. This is the preferred method for determining
lot chemistry. The samples should be taken in such a way that they are representative of the material cas
...