ISO 12987:2004

Carbonaceous materials for the production of aluminium — Anodes, cathodes blocks, sidewall blocks and baked ramming pastes — Determination of the thermal conductivity using a comparative method

ISO 12987:2004 specifies a method for the determination of thermal conductivity of carbonaceous material in the temperature range of 20 °C to 60 °C. The typical range of thermal conductivity for these materials is 2 W/(K·m) to 100 W/(K·m). This method can be used for other carbon materials, such as graphitized electrodes for other applications.

Produits carbonés utilisés pour la production de l'aluminium — Anodes, cathodes blocs, blocs de façade et pâtes de brasquage cuites — Détermination de la conductivité thermique à température ambiante par une méthode comparative

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Jul-2004
• ICS: 71.100.10 - Materials for aluminium production
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 226 - Materials for the production of primary aluminium
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 226 - Materials for the production of primary aluminium
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 25-Sep-2024
• Completion Date: 14-Feb-2026

Overview

ISO 12987:2004 provides a standardized comparative method for determining the thermal conductivity of carbonaceous materials used in aluminium production. The standard is relevant to anodes, cathode blocks, sidewall blocks, and baked ramming pastes, specifying measurements within the 20 °C to 60 °C temperature range and covering a thermal conductivity span from 2 W/(K·m) to 100 W/(K·m). Understanding thermal conductivity is crucial for optimizing heat transfer and minimizing energy losses in aluminium electrolysis cells. The method can also be applied to other carbon-based materials such as graphitized electrodes used across various industries.

Key Topics

• Thermal Conductivity Measurement: Standardizes the comparative method for determining how efficiently carbonaceous materials conduct heat.
• Applicability: Primarily covers materials in aluminium production, but suitable for other carbon products, e.g., various grades of graphite.
• Temperature and Conductivity Range:
  • Temperature: 20 °C to 60 °C
  • Thermal conductivity: 2 W/(K·m) to 100 W/(K·m)
• Instrumentation:
  • Calibrated measuring devices
  • Contact agents to improve measurement accuracy
  • Use of calibrated reference specimens
  • Equipment includes thermostatically controlled heads, differential thermocouples, and precise measuring tools
• Specimen Preparation:
  • Cylinder size and geometry recommendations to ensure accurate, repeatable results
  • Emphasis on consistent drying and measurement of test specimens
• Quality and Reporting:
  • Specifies precision, repeatability, and reproducibility expectations
  • Clearly outlines test reporting requirements for traceability and comparability

Applications

ISO 12987:2004 is critical for industries and laboratories involved in quality control and research on carbonaceous materials for the aluminium sector. Its adoption ensures:

• Consistent Quality Assessment: Enables reliable evaluation of material thermal properties, supporting improved product design and performance in electrolysis cells.
• Energy Optimization: Knowing the precise thermal conductivity aids in managing heat flow, reducing energy losses, and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Material Selection and Development: Assists manufacturers and engineers in choosing suitable carbon materials, optimizing furnace linings, and developing new electrode types.
• Benchmarking and Compliance: Fulfills international quality assurance requirements, facilitating trade and benchmarking against recognized standards.
• Adaptability: Suitable for broader industrial applications, including carbon-based components in metallurgy, chemical processing, and electrical engineering.

Related Standards

Organizations utilizing ISO 12987:2004 often reference related standards to ensure comprehensive quality and testing protocols:

• ISO 8007-1: Sampling plans-Cathode blocks for aluminium production
• ISO 8007-2: Sampling plans-Prebaked anodes for aluminium production
• ISO 3611: Micrometer callipers for external measurement
• ISO 6906: Vernier callipers
• ISO 5725-2: Determination of repeatability and reproducibility in measurement methods
• ASTM E691: Precision of standard measurement methods
• DIN 51908: Comparative methods for thermal conductivity at room temperature

By following ISO 12987:2004 and related standards, industries achieve accurate thermal conductivity measurements, underpinning efficient aluminium production, product standardization, and international market access.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12987
First edition
2004-07-01
Carbonaceous materials for the
production of aluminium — Anodes,
cathodes blocks, sidewall blocks and
baked ramming pastes — Determination
of the thermal conductivity using a
comparative method
Produits carbonés utilisés pour la production de l'aluminium — Anodes,
cathodes blocs, blocs de façade et pâtes de brasquage cuites —
Détermination de la conductivité thermique à température ambiante par
une méthode comparative
Reference number
©
ISO 2004
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©
ii ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
1 Scope . 1
2 Terms and definitions . 1
3 Reagents and materials . 2
4 Apparatus . 2
5 Sampling . 2
6 Procedure . 4
7 Calculation . 4
8 Precision . 4
9 Test report . 5
Bibliography . 6
©
ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 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.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 12987 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 47, Chemistry, Subcommittee SC 7, Aluminium
oxide, cryolite, aluminium fluoride, sodium fluoride, carbonaceous products for the aluminium industry.
©
iv ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Knowledge of the thermal conductivity of carbonaceous materials allows calculations of the heat transfer and
losses in electrolysis cells.
©
ISO 2004 – All rights reserved v

.
vi
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12987:2004(E)
Carbonaceous materials for the production of aluminium —
Anodes, cathodes blocks, sidewall blocks and baked ramming
pastes — Determination of the thermal conductivity using a
comparative method
1Scope
This International Standard specifies a method for the determination of thermal conductivity of carbonaceous
◦ ◦
material in the temperature range of 20C6 to 0 C. The typical range of thermal conductivity for these
materials is 2 W/(K·m) to 100 W/(K·m).
This method can be used for other carbon materials, such as graphitized electrodes for other applications.
2 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
thermal conductivity
λ
dQ
material property, expressed in W/(K·m), obtained by determining the heat flow at a given temperature
dt
difference ∆ϑh through a body with height and cross-sectional area A as follows:
dQ 1 h
× × (1)
λ=
dt ∆ϑ A
where
dQ
is the heat flow, expressed in watts;
dt
∆ϑ is the temperature difference, expressed in kelvins;
h is the height, expressed in metres, of the body;
A is the cross-sectional area, expressed in square metres
NOTE 1 For cylindrical test specimens:
d
A =π× (2)
where d is the diameter of the test specimens, expressed in metres
NOTE 2 This temperature difference is compared to those obtained with reference specimens thereby allowing the
determination of the thermal conductivity of the test specimen.
©
ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 1

3 Reagents and materials
3.1 Contact agent, for testing, consisting of Vaseline, glycerol or contact pas
...