ASTM_D_6910_-_D_6910M_-_09.pdf

Designation:D6910/D6910M09Standard Test Method forMarsh Funnel Viscosity of Clay Construction Slurries1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6910/D6910M;the number immediately following the designation indicates theyear of original adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of lastreapproval.A superscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method provides an indirect measurement ofthe viscosity of clay slurries using a funnel(Marsh Funnel)anda graduated cup of specific dimensions.This test methodprovides a practical indicator of the viscosity on a routinebasis.This test method has been modified from the APIRecommended Practice 13B-2.1.2 The result determined using the method is referred to asthe Marsh Funnel Viscosity.1.3 This test can be performed in the laboratory,or used inthe field to assess the apparent viscosity of a clay slurry forquality control purposes.The most commonly used slurry is abentonite clay slurry.1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound unitsgiven in brackets are to be regarded separately as standard.The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;therefore,each system shall be used independently of the other.Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D653 Terminology Relating to Soil,Rock,and ContainedFluidsD3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for AgenciesEngaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock asUsed in Engineering Design and Construction2.2 API Document:API Recommended Practice,Standard Procedure for TestingDrilling Fluids,Sixth Edition33.Terminology3.1 Definitions:For common definitions of technical termsin this standard,refer to Terminology D653.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 marsh funnel viscosity(MFV)also known as funnelviscosity.The time required(in seconds)for 946 mL 1 qt ofa slurry to flow into a graduated cup from a funnel(known asa Marsh Funnel)with specific dimensions.The Marsh FunnelViscosity is not a true viscosity,it is only an apparent value andgood in a relative sense.High MFV values are obtained forslurries with high viscosity and low MFV values are obtainedfor slurries with low viscosity.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 In this method,a slurry is poured into a funnel withspecific dimensions(Marsh Funnel).The slurry is then allowedto flow into a graduated cup.The time for the slurry to fill avolume of 946 mL1 qt is measured and reported as the MarshFunnel Viscosity.The test temperature is also reported forcomparison purposes.5.Significance and Use5.1 This test method allows for the assessment of anapparent viscosity of clay slurries in the laboratory and in thefield.Viscosity is a fundamental characteristic for slurries inconstruction applications.The Marsh Funnel Viscosity test canbe used for field quality control of slurries.Relative changes inslurry viscosity can be identified using Marsh Funnel measure-ments and modifications can be made to mixing and handlingprocedures.5.2 In this test,it is assumed that the apparent viscosity of aslurry is directly related to the flow duration through a speciallyshaped funnel(the Marsh Funnel).NOTE1The development of the Marsh Funnel is credited to Hallan N.Marsh of Los Angeles who published the design and use of his funnelviscometer in 1931.1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil andRock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.04 on HydrologicProperties and Hydraulic Barriers.Current edition approved Oct.1,2009.Published October 2009.Originallyapproved in 2004.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D6910 04.DOI:10.1520/D6910_D6910M-09.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Available from American Petroleum Institute(API),1220 L.St.,NW,Washington,DC 20005-4070,http:/www.api.org.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 5.3 In slurry wall construction and other applications,theviscosity of a slurry must be maintained at a level high enoughto assist in stabilizing the trench walls.Slurry viscosity is alsodirectly related to filter cake permeability.5.4 The Marsh Funnel Viscosity has been widely used indrilling soil and rock for water wells,oil,gas,soil stabilization,and the application of hydraulic barriers.5.5 Inert suspended solids such as fine sands and addit