C240
C240
C240
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the testing of cellular glass
insulation block for density, water absorption, compressive
strength, flexural strength at ambient temperature; preparation
for chemical analysis; and thermal conductivity measurements.
1.2 The values stated in SI are generally to be regarded as
the standard. The SI dimensions are to be used for material
supplied in metric sizes. The inch dimensions are to be used for
material supplied in inch sizes.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C 165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties
of Thermal Insulations2
C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulating Materials2
C 177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
the Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus2
C 203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation2
C 303 Test Method for Density of Preformed Block-Type
Thermal Insulation2
C 390 Criteria for Sampling and Acceptance of Preformed
Thermal Insulation Lots2
C 518 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus2
C 871 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Thermal
Insulation Materials for Leachable Chloride, Fluoride,
Silicate, and Sodium Ions2
D 226 Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt
Used in Roofing and Waterproofing3
5. Test Methods
5.1 General Sample PreparationAll tests have to be run
on dry specimens. In case of need, the sample must be
unpacked and stored in a dry place in such a way that all
surfaces are exposed to the ambient air for at least one day
before testing.
5.2 DensityDetermine the density in accordance with Test
Method C 303. Preferably, the density shall be measured on a
full block, 450 by 600 mm (18 by 24 in.) by full thickness.
5.2.1 It should be noted that density is interesting as such for
calculation of insulated equipment load and because it has
some influence on the other important properties of cellular
glass. But it should not be considered in itself as a criterion for
acceptance in the case of cellular glass.
5.3 Water Absorption:
5.3.1 ScopeThis test method covers the determination of
water absorption of cellular glass insulating blocks by measuring the amount of water retained as a result of complete
immersion for a prescribed time interval. Surface blotting is
used to correct for the water absorbed on the cut surface cells.
1
These methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-16 on
Thermal Insulation and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on
Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved September 10, 1997. Published June 1998. Originally
published as C 240-50 T. Last previous edition C 240-91.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.04.
4
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
Floor, New York, NY 10036.
5
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4, Section D,
700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.
6
Available from Director of Regulatory Standards, US Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, DC 20545.
C 240
abrasive surface to produce the required flat surface.
5.4.2 The test specimens shall preferably be one half block
300 by 450 mm (12 by 18 in.) by nominal received thickness.
Alternates include a quadrant 225 by 300 mm (9 by 12 in.) or
a full block 450 by 600 mm (18 by 24 in.) by nominal received
thickness. A quadrant specimen shall be taken from any one of
four equal area quadrants of the preformed block. The minimum acceptable specimen size is 200 by 200 mm (8 by 8 in.).
The report shall include the specimen size.
5.4.3 Cap both bearing surfaces of the specimens as follows:
Coat one surface with molten Type III or Type IV asphalt
(preheated to 177, + 28, 14C (350, + 50, 25F)), completely filling the surface cells with a small excess. Such a
coating application rate is approximately 1.0 kg/m2(0.20 lb/ft2)
6 25%. Immediately press the hot coated block onto a precut
piece of felt or paper laying on a flat surface. This is to prevent
the asphalt surface from sticking to the compression platten
during the test. A lightweight kraft paper is suitable, although
traditionally a Type 1 roofing felt paper, commonly called a
No. 15 asphalt felt, per Specification D 226 has been used.
5.5 Flexural StrengthDetermine flexural strength in accordance with Test Method C 203, Method I or Method II,
Procedure A, preferably with a test specimen 25 mm thick by
Supporting data from interlaboratory tests are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR: C16-1007.
C 240
from several pieces of cellular glass. Joints are prohibited in
the central measuring area and their number should be minimized in the guard area.
5.6.4 The number of specimens to be tested and the sampling plan shall conform to Criteria C 390 where applicable.
For the purpose of inspection by users representative or
independent third party, the number of specimens shall conform to ISO 3951 inspection level S-3, 10.0 % AQL using the
S method.
5.7 Specimen Preparation for Chemical AnalysisWhen
specified in the purchase order or contract, the following
chemical analysis results shall be furnished to the purchaser.
5.7.1 Chemical Analysis for Leachable Chloride, (Fluoride), Silicate, and Sodium IonsDetermine leachable chloride, (fluoride), silicate and sodium ions in accordance with
Test Methods C 871, MIL-I-24244, or NRC 1.36, with the
following exceptions or additions. The test specimen may be
prepared for leaching by either of the following equivalent
methods:
5.7.1.1 Method ABreak about 300 g of the sample into
small size pieces about 13 mm (12 in.) or less. Comminute in
a nominal 4-L (1-gal) mill one-third to one-half full of
appropriate media for about 10 min. Screen out
the 200 + 325 mesh fraction of about 50 g, wash on the finer
screen with 400 to 600 mL of cp methanol using a wash bottle,
and dry on the screen to constant weight at 100 to 110C (212
to 230F). An appropriate grinding media is flint pebbles or
alumina pebbles.
5.7.1.2 Method BBreak about 150 g of the sample into
small size pieces about 13 mm (12 in.) or less. Comminute
using either a manual or motorized mortar and pestle or a
blender, and concurrently screen out the 200 + 325 mesh
fraction until about 50 g is accumulated. Wash the fraction on
the finer screen with 400 to 600 mL of cp methanol, using a
wash bottle, and dry on the screen to constant weight at 100 to
110C (212 to 230F).
5.7.2 All of the other chemical requirements of Test Methods C 871, MIL-I-24244, and NRC 1.36 are to be followed.
6. Report
6.1 The report shall include the following information:
6.1.1 Density, flexural strength and thermal conductivity
shall be reported as designated in the appropriate method.
6.1.2 Water absorption, in g/cm2.
6.1.3 Compressive strength in accordance with Test Method
C 165, except that the dimensions of the test specimens shall
also be recorded.
6.1.4 Chemical analysis results, if required, as specified in
purchase order.
7. Keywords
7.1 breaking load; breaking strength; cellular materials;
compressive strength; flexural strength; thermal insulating
materials-glass; water absorption
C 240
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