ISO 5017:2025
(Main)Dense shaped refractory products — Determination of bulk density, apparent porosity and true porosity
Dense shaped refractory products — Determination of bulk density, apparent porosity and true porosity
This document specifies a method for the determination of the bulk density, apparent porosity and true porosity of dense shaped refractory products. Shaped refractories are those which have fixed geometry and dimensions when delivered to the user. This document is accordingly applicable to standard shape refractory bricks, but also special shapes refractory products and pre-cast products. This document is also applicable to unshaped refractories (see ISO 1927-6) after preparation of test specimens according to ISO 1927-5. NOTE For shaped insulating refractory products, the bulk density and true porosity are determined in accordance with ISO 5016.
Produits réfractaires façonnés denses — Détermination de la masse volumique apparente, de la porosité ouverte et de la porosité totale
L'ISO 5017:2013 spécifie une méthode de détermination de la masse volumique apparente, de la porosité ouverte et de la porosité totale des produits réfractaires façonnés denses.
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International
Standard
ISO 5017
Fourth edition
Dense shaped refractory
2025-09
products — Determination of bulk
density, apparent porosity and true
porosity
Produits réfractaires façonnés denses — Détermination de la
masse volumique apparente, de la porosité ouverte et de la
porosité totale
Reference number
© ISO 2025
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 3
5 Apparatus . 3
6 Test pieces . 4
6.1 Number of test pieces .4
6.2 Preparation .4
7 Procedure . 4
7.1 Determination of mass of dry test piece (m ) .4
7.2 Soaking of test piece .5
7.3 Determination of apparent mass of immersed test piece (m ) .6
7.4 Determination of mass of soaked test piece (m ) .7
7.5 Determination of density of immersion liquid .7
8 Expression of results . 7
9 Test report . 8
Annex A (informative) Precision and bias . 10
Bibliography .12
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 33, Refractories.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 5017:2013), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— revised definition of sample, item and test piece;
— addition of an informative annex on precision and bias.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
International Standard ISO 5017:2025(en)
Dense shaped refractory products — Determination of bulk
density, apparent porosity and true porosity
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the determination of the bulk density, apparent porosity and true
porosity of dense shaped refractory products.
Shaped refractories are those which have fixed geometry and dimensions when delivered to the user. This
document is accordingly applicable to standard shape refractory bricks, but also special shapes refractory
products and pre-cast products.
This document is also applicable to unshaped refractories (see ISO 1927-6) after preparation of test
specimens according to ISO 1927-5.
NOTE For shaped insulating refractory products, the bulk density and true porosity are determined in accordance
with ISO 5016.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5018, Refractory materials — Determination of true density
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
bulk density
ρ
b
ratio of the mass of the dry material of a porous body to its bulk volume, expressed in grams per cubic
centimetre or in kilograms per cubic metre
3.2
bulk volume
V
b
sum of the volumes of the solid material, open pores (3.5) and closed pores (3.6) in a porous body
Note 1 to entry: The roughness of the surface limits the accuracy of definition of the bulk volume and consequently,
that of the bulk density. Also, the concept of bulk density (3.1) becomes less precise when the volume of the sample
diminishes below certain limits or when its texture (size of pores and grains) is too coarse.
3.3
true density
ρ
t
ratio of the mass of the dry material of a porous body to its true volume (3.4), expressed in grams per cubic
centimetre or in kilograms per cubic metre
Note 1 to entry: ISO 5018 gives the method for determination of the true density applicable for refractory products.
3.4
true volume
volume of the solid material in a porous body
3.5
open pores
pores that are penetrated by the immersion liquid in the current test
Note 1 to entry: Open pores are, in principle, all those that are connected with the atmosphere, either directly or via
one another. Here, also the roughness of the surface imposes a limit to the accuracy of the definition of the volume of
the open pores.
3.6
closed pores
pores that are not penetrated by the immersion liquid in the current test
3.7
apparent porosity
π
a
ratio of the total volume of the open pores in a porous body to its bulk volume, expressed as a percentage of
the bulk volume
3.8
closed porosity
π
f
ratio of the total volume of the closed pores (3.6) in a porous body to its bulk volume, expressed as a
percentage of the bulk volume
3.9
true porosity
π
t
ratio of the total volume of the open and closed pores to the bulk volume (3.2) of the material, expressed as a
percentage
Note 1 to entry: Consequently, the true porosity is the sum of the apparent porosity (3.7) and the closed porosity (3.8).
3.10
dense shaped refractory product
product with specific dimensions, having a true porosity (3.9) of less than 45 % by volume, when measured
in accordance with this document
3.11
sample
representative collection of items that can be obtained by sampling according to a sampling plan agreed
upon by the interested parties
Note 1 to entry: An example of applicable sampling plan is given in ISO 5022.
3.12
item
refractory brick or shape
3.13
test piece
test specimen
piece of material extracted from an item (3.12) and suitably shaped and prepared for the test
4 Principle
4.1 The following are determined by weighing: the mass of a dry test piece, its apparent mass when
immersed in a liquid with which it has been impregnated under vacuum, and then its mass in air while still
soaked with the liquid.
From these values and from the true density of the material, which shall be determined by the method
specified in ISO 5018, the bulk density, apparent porosity and true porosity are determined by calculation.
4.2 The precision of the results does not require any correction to be made for the fact that weighing is
carried out in air, not in a vacuum.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Drying oven, capable of being controlled at 150 °C ± 5 °C.
NOTE A fan-assisted oven with ventilation would assist in attaining an even temperature distribution and
efficient drying of the test pieces.
5.2 Balance, with an accuracy of ±0,01 g, that can be arranged so that test pieces can be suspended in the
immersion liquid (see Figure 1).
5.3 Bridge, to be placed over the load-bearing scale pan of the balance (see 7.3), if a two-pan balance is used.
5.4 Beakers, of a suitable size for containing the test pieces during soaking (see 7.2) and when determining
their apparent immersed mass (see 7.3).
5.5 Evacuating equipment, capable of reducing the absolute pressure to a value no greater than 2 500 Pa
and a means of measuring the pressure used (see Figure 1).
5.6 Thermometer, accurate to ±1 °C.
5.7 Immersion liquid. For materials that do not react with water, the immersion liquid may be cold
distilled water or deionized water. For materials that are sensitive to contact with water, a suitable organic
liquid shall be used. The immersion liquid shall not fractionate at a pressure above the absolute pressure
attained in the test. The liquid shall be exchanged when staining or haze appears.
NOTE 1 For example, distilled paraffin can be used for hydratable materials.
NOTE 2 The use of paraffin as immersion liquid is often uncomfortable and more expensive. Furthermore,
commercial paraffins can show variations in viscosity and density, leading to different degrees of infiltration of the
material when tested in different laboratories, which can lead to a higher standard deviation of the testing results
between laboratories.
5.8 Desiccator
5.9 Sponging material.
The use of linen cloth or sponging towel is recommended.
NOTE 1 Consistent results have been obtained by keep
...
International
Standard
ISO 5017
Fourth edition
Dense shaped refractory
products — Determination of bulk
density, apparent porosity and true
porosity
Produits réfractaires façonnés denses — Détermination de la
masse volumique apparente, de la porosité ouverte et de la
porosité totale
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
© ISO 2025
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 3
5 Apparatus . 3
6 Test pieces . 4
6.1 Number of test pieces .4
6.2 Preparation .4
7 Procedure . 4
7.1 Determination of mass of dry test piece (m ) .4
7.2 Soaking of test piece .5
7.3 Determination of apparent mass of immersed test piece (m ) .6
7.4 Determination of mass of soaked test piece (m ) .7
7.5 Determination of density of immersion liquid .7
8 Expression of results . 7
9 Test report . 8
Annex A (informative) Precision and bias . 10
Bibliography .12
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 33, Refractories.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 5017:2013), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— revised definition of sample, item and test piece;
— addition of an informative annex on precision and bias.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iv
International Standard ISO 5017:2025(en)
Dense shaped refractory products — Determination of bulk
density, apparent porosity and true porosity
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the determination of the bulk density, apparent porosity and true
porosity of dense shaped refractory products.
Shaped refractories are those which have fixed geometry and dimensions when delivered to the user. This
document is accordingly applicable to standard shape refractory bricks, but also special shapes refractory
products and pre-cast products.
This document is also applicable to unshaped refractories (see ISO 1927-6) after preparation of test
specimens according to ISO 1927-5.
NOTE For shaped insulating refractory products, the bulk density and true porosity are determined in accordance
with ISO 5016.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5018, Refractory materials — Determination of true density
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
bulk density
ρ
b
ratio of the mass of the dry material of a porous body to its bulk volume, expressed in grams per cubic
centimetre or in kilograms per cubic metre
3.2
bulk volume
V
b
sum of the volumes of the solid material, open pores (3.5) and closed pores (3.6) in a porous body
Note 1 to entry: The roughness of the surface limits the accuracy of definition of the bulk volume and consequently,
that of the bulk density. Also, the concept of bulk density (3.1) becomes less precise when the volume of the sample
diminishes below certain limits or when its texture (size of pores and grains) is too coarse.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.3
true density
ρ
t
ratio of the mass of the dry material of a porous body to its true volume (3.4), expressed in grams per cubic
centimetre or in kilograms per cubic metre
Note 1 to entry: ISO 5018 gives the method for determination of the true density applicable for refractory products.
3.4
true volume
volume of the solid material in a porous body
3.5
open pores
pores that are penetrated by the immersion liquid in the current test
Note 1 to entry: Open pores are, in principle, all those that are connected with the atmosphere, either directly or via
one another. Here, also the roughness of the surface imposes a limit to the accuracy of the definition of the volume of
the open pores.
3.6
closed pores
pores that are not penetrated by the immersion liquid in the current test
3.7
apparent porosity
π
a
ratio of the total volume of the open pores in a porous body to its bulk volume, expressed as a percentage of
the bulk volume
3.8
closed porosity
π
f
ratio of the total volume of the closed pores (3.6) in a porous body to its bulk volume, expressed as a
percentage of the bulk volume
3.9
true porosity
π
t
ratio of the total volume of the open and closed pores to the bulk volume (3.2) of the material, expressed as a
percentage
Note 1 to entry: Consequently, the true porosity is the sum of the apparent porosity (3.7) and the closed porosity (3.8).
3.10
dense shaped refractory product
product with specific dimensions, having a true porosity (3.9) of less than 45 % by volume, when measured
in accordance with this document
3.11
sample
representative collection of items that can be obtained by sampling according to a sampling plan agreed
upon by the interested parties
Note 1 to entry: An example of applicable sampling plan is given in ISO 5022.
3.12
item
refractory brick or shape
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.13
test piece
test specimen
piece of material extracted from an item (3.12) and suitably shaped and prepared for the test
4 Principle
4.1 The following are determined by weighing: the mass of a dry test piece, its apparent mass when
immersed in a liquid with which it has been impregnated under vacuum, and then its mass in air while still
soaked with the liquid.
From these values and from the true density of the material, which shall be determined by the method
specified in ISO 5018, the bulk density, apparent porosity and true porosity are determined by calculation.
4.2 The precision of the results does not require any correction to be made for the fact that weighing is
carried out in air, not in a vacuum.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Drying oven, capable of being controlled at 150 °C ± 5 °C.
NOTE A fan-assisted oven with ventilation would assist in attaining an even temperature distribution and
efficient drying of the test pieces.
5.2 Balance, with an accuracy of ±0,01 g, that can be arranged so that test pieces can be suspended in the
immersion liquid (see Figure 1).
5.3 Bridge, to be placed over the load-bearing scale pan of the balance (see 7.3), if a two-pan balance is used.
5.4 Beakers, of a suitable size for containing the test pieces during soaking (see 7.2) and when determining
their apparent immersed mass (see 7.3).
5.5 Evacuating equipment, capable of reducing the absolute pressure to a value no greater than 2 500 Pa
and a means of measuring the pressure used (see Figure 1).
5.6 Thermometer, accurate to ±1 °C.
5.7 Immersion liquid. For materials that do not react with water, the immersion liquid may be cold
distilled water or deionized water. For materials that are sensitive to contact with water, a suitable organic
liquid shall be used. The immersion liquid shall not fractionate at a pressure above the absolute pressure
attained in the test. The liquid shall be exchanged when staining or haze appears.
NOTE 1 For example, distilled paraffin can be used for hydratable materials.
NOTE 2 The use of paraffin as immersion liquid is often uncomfortable and more expensive. Furthermore,
commercial paraffins can show variations in viscosity and density, leading to different degrees of infiltration of the
material when tested in different laboratories, which can lead to a higher standard deviation of the testing results
between laboratories.
5.8 Desiccator
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
5.9 Sponging material.
The use of linen cloth or spong
...
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