ASTM D5502-21

Standard Test Method for Apparent Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Anode and Cathode Carbon Used by the Aluminum Industry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Apparent density as determined by this test method is a basic material property of importance in manufacturing and application of anode and cathode carbon.  
4.2 This test method can be used for quality and process control, material characterization and description, and other purposes.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the apparent density of core samples from manufactured articles of anode and cathode carbon used by the aluminum industry in the production of aluminum.  
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-Sep-2021
• ICS: 71.100.10 - Materials for aluminium production
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.05 - Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C559-16(2020) - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C559-16 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM C559-90(2010) - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM C559-90(2005) - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM C559-90(2000) - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2000

Overview

ASTM D5502-21 is the Standard Test Method for Apparent Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Anode and Cathode Carbon Used by the Aluminum Industry. Developed by ASTM International, this standard details procedures for determining the apparent density of core samples from manufactured articles of anode and cathode carbon. Apparent density is a fundamental property in the production and application of carbon materials, directly influencing the quality and efficiency of aluminum manufacturing processes. The test method uses SI units and is intended for use in the aluminum industry's quality control, process monitoring, and material characterization efforts.

Key Topics

• Scope: Applicable to manufactured anode and cathode carbon articles used in aluminum production
• Test Method: Involves physical measurement of core samples (right circular cylinder shapes) cut from product articles, with strict controls on sample preparation, measurement, and conditions
• Definition of Apparent Density: The mass per unit volume of a substance, including the inherent voids within the tested material
• Precision and Repeatability: Provides statistical data on repeatability and reproducibility across laboratories to ensure reliable results
• Reporting Requirements: Specifies the documentation of sample origin, type, and measured apparent density values to three decimal places

Applications

The ASTM D5502-21 standard is widely used by organizations in the aluminum sector for a variety of quality-related and operational purposes:

• Quality and Process Control: Monitoring consistency in the density of anode and cathode carbon materials as a critical step in ensuring the reliable production of aluminum
• Material Characterization: Assessing the physical properties of carbon products to determine suitability for use in electrochemical processes
• Research and Development: Providing engineers, scientists, and quality assurance professionals with a standardized approach for evaluating new carbon materials or refining manufacturing processes
• Supplier and Customer Specification: Serving as a reference point in procurement and acceptance testing, ensuring materials meet key industry standards

Consistent application of this test method enables aluminum producers and their suppliers to achieve desired material performance, minimizing defects and optimizing process efficiency.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality assurance in the measurement of carbon and graphite materials' properties, users of ASTM D5502-21 may also refer to:

• ASTM C559: Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles - focuses on bulk density rather than apparent density, serving as a complementary test method.
• IEEE/ASTM SI 10: American National Standard for Metric Practice - provides guidance on the use of SI units in physical measurements, which is required by ASTM D5502-21.

Additionally, users are encouraged to maintain safety, health, and environmental practices as outlined in organizational and regulatory guidelines when employing this standard.

Practical Value

By following the procedures defined in ASTM D5502-21, aluminum industry professionals benefit from:

• Improved Product Quality: Consistent and reliable measurement of apparent density supports the production of high-quality aluminum products
• Data Comparability: Standardized methods enable meaningful comparisons across batches, suppliers, and laboratories
• International Compliance: Developed according to internationally recognized standardization principles, facilitating global trade and quality assurance

Keywords: ASTM D5502-21, apparent density, anode carbon, cathode carbon, aluminum industry, quality control, material characterization, physical measurements, carbon testing, SI units.

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: D5502 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Apparent Density by Physical Measurements of
Manufactured Anode and Cathode Carbon Used by the
Aluminum Industry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5502; 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* 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the appar-
4.1 Apparent density as determined by this test method is a
ent density of core samples from manufactured articles of basic material property of importance in manufacturing and
anode and cathode carbon used by the aluminum industry in
application of anode and cathode carbon.
the production of aluminum.
4.2 This test method can be used for quality and process
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
control, material characterization and description, and other
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this purposes.
standard.
5. Apparatus
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 Drying Oven, capable of being controlled to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
110 °C 6 5 °C (230 °F 6 9 °F).
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.2 Desiccator, charged with indicating desiccant.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.3 Balance, capable of weighing to 6 0.01 g.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.4 Core Drill, drill equipped with a diamond core bit
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
capable of producing a core with true surface qualities and a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
minimum diameter of 50 mm.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.5 Cut-Off Saw, a saw capable of cutting the cored sample
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
resulting in a surface free of chips or gouges.
2. Referenced Documents
5.6 Micrometer, a micrometer or other measuring device
capable of measuring the diameter and length of the prepared
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C559 Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measure- sample to an accuracy of 0.001 cm.
ments of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 American National Standard for Metric 6. Preparation of Test Specimens
Practice
6.1 Core drill samples with a minimum diameter of 50 mm
from the manufactured article in the form of a right circular
3. Terminology
cylinder.
3.1 Definitions:
6.2 Cut samples from the core to a minimum length of
3.1.1 apparent density, n—the mass per unit volume of a
50 mm.Itisrecommendedthattriplicatesamplesfromthecore
substance, including voids inherent in the material tested.
be prepared, analyzed, and averaged to attain a result repre-
sentative of the core apparent density.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
6.3 It is the responsibility of the user of this test method to
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.05 on Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material.
establish the quantity and location of core samples from the
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally
manufactured article for testing.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D5502 – 00 (2015).
DOI: 10.1520/D5502-21.
6.4 No particle contained within the sample can be larger
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
than 19 mm. If particles are larger, the sample size or quantity,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
or both, shall be increased accordingly to give comparable
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. accuracy in the results.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5502 − 21
6.5 During the coring operation, use no lubricant having a
boiling point above 100 °C. All edges and faces of the
specimen should be free of chips or gouges. Ensure that the
specimen is free of any residue from the coring operation. Dry
the specimen for a minimum of 2 h at 110 °C, and then allow
it to cool to 25 °C 6 5 °C in a
...

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: D5502 − 00 (Reapproved 2015) D5502 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Apparent Density by Physical Measurements of
Manufactured Anode and Cathode Carbon Used by the
Aluminum Industry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5502; 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 Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the apparent density of core samples from manufactured articles of anode and
cathode carbon used by the aluminum industry in the production of aluminum.
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 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 ASTM Standards:
C559 Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 American National Standard for Metric Practice
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 apparent density—density, n—the mass per unit volume of a substance, including voids inherent in the material tested.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Apparent density as determined by this test method is a basic material property of importance in manufacturing and application
of anode and cathode carbon.
4.2 This test method can be used for quality and process control, material characterization and description, and other purposes.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.05 on Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2021. Published December 2015October 2021. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20102015
as D5502 – 00 (2010).(2015). DOI: 10.1520/D5502-00R15. 10.1520/D5502-21.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5502 − 21
5. Apparatus
5.1 Drying Oven, capable of being controlled to 110 °C 6 5 °C (230 °F 6 9 °F).
5.2 Desiccator, charged with indicating desiccant.
5.3 Balance, capable of weighing to 6 0.01 g.
5.4 Core Drill, drill equipped with a diamond core bit capable of producing a core with true surface qualities and a minimum
diameter of 50 mm.
5.5 Cut-Off Saw, a saw capable of cutting the cored sample resulting in a surface free of chips or gouges.
5.6 Micrometer, a micrometer or other measuring device capable of measuring the diameter and length of the prepared sample to
an accuracy of 0.001 cm.
6. Preparation of Test Specimens
6.1 Core drill samples with a minimum diameter of 50 mm from the manufactured article in the form of a right circular cylinder.
6.2 Cut samples from the core to a minimum length of 50 mm. It is recommended that triplicate samples from the core be
prepared, analyzed, and averaged to attain a result representative of the core apparent density.
6.3 It is the responsibility of the user of this test method to establish the quantity and location of core samples from the
manufactured article for testing.
6.4 No particle contained within the sample can be larger than 19 mm. If particles are larger, the sample size or quantity, or both,
shall be increased accordingly to give comparable accuracy in the results.
6.5 During the coring operation, use no lubricant having a boiling point above 100 °C. All edges and faces of the specimen should
be free of chips or gouges. Ensure that the specimen is free of any residue from the coring operation. Dry the specimen for a
minimum of 2 h at 110 °C, and then allow it to cool to 25 °C 6 5 °C in a desiccator. The specimen shall not be removed from the
desiccator until immediately prior to weighing.
7. Procedure
7.1 Weigh the prepared specimen to an accuracy of 0.01 g
...