ASTM_D_3838_-_05_2011.pdf

Designation:D383805(Reapproved 2011)Standard Test Method forpH of Activated Carbon1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3838;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers determination of the pH of awater extract of activated carbon.1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded asstandard.No other units of measurement are included in thisstandard.1.3 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.For specific hazardstatements,see Section 6.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D1193 Specification for Reagent WaterD1293 Test Methods for pH of WaterD2867 Test Methods for Moisture in Activated CarbonD6851 Test Method for Determination of Contact pH withActivated CarbonE300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals3.Summary of Test Method3.1 An activated carbon sample is boiled in reagent waterusing a reflux condenser to recycle water vapor.The particlesof carbon are filtered out,the filtrate cooled to 50C and the pHof the filtrate determined by electrometic measurement.4.Significance and Use4.1 When a fluid containing an adsorbate is passed througha bed of activated carbon,chemical reactions may take placebetween the activated carbon,its other noncarbonaceousconstituents,and the adsorbate containing fluid.The pH of thecarbon may be a significant parameter of such a reaction andtherefore may be an important characteristic of the carbon.5.Apparatus and Materials5.1 Analytical Balance,capacity 100 g,precision 6 0.01 g.5.2 Hot Plate.5.3 Glassware for Boiler-Reflux Condenser Apparatus(Fig.1)Items shown are for guidance only,providing a convenientset of equipment available off-the-shelf from many laboratorysupply houses.The“all-glass”elements,with standard-taperand ball joints,provide freedom from contamination andmaintenance.A check valve in the position shown is essentialto relieve pressure buildup while minimizing loss of vapor.5.4 Thermometer,glass,approximately 0 to 120C,longenough to be read at 100C when inserted to bottom ofErlenmeyer flask in Fig.1.5.5 Thermometer,glass,approximately 20 to 55C.5.6 Graduated Cylinder,100-mL.5.7 Beaker,200-mL.5.8 Filter Funnel.5.9 Filter Paper,qualitative,medium flow rate,12.5 cm orlarger in diameter.5.10 Timer.5.11 pH Meter,in accordance with Test Methods D1293,Type II(automatic thermal compensation preferred).5.12 Reagent Water,in accordance with SpecificationD1193,Type II.6.Hazards6.1 The test method involves transfer of boiling waterbetween containers;appropriate tongs or gloves should beused.In addition,the use of an electric hot plate and pH meter(if line-powered)poses a shock hazard.This equipment mustbe grounded and insulated in accordance with UL standardsand electrical codes.7.Sampling7.1 Guidance in sampling activated carbon is given inPractice E300.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D28 onActivated Carbon and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D28.02 on LiquidPhase Evaluation.Current edition approved March 1,2011.Published May 2011.Originallyapproved in 1980.Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D3838 05.DOI:10.1520/D3838-05R11.2For 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.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 8.Calibration and Standardization8.1 Use the procedure of Test Methods D1293 to standard-ize the pH meter.9.Procedure9.1 Determine the moisture content of the carbon in accor-dance with Test Method D2867.Calculate the weight of moistcarbon equivalent to 10 g on a dry basis.9.2 Weigh out a sample of carbon equivalent to 10.00 60.01 g on a dry basis.Remove boiler flask from apparatus andadd carbon sample.9.3 Bring approximately 110 mL of reagent water to agentle boil.Measure 100.0 6 0.1 mL in graduated cylinderwhile water is hot.Immediately add this water to the carbon inthe flask.Reconnect joints to flask seated on hot plate.9.4 Bring water in flask to a boil,using thermometer readingto assure that no false boiling,due to gases trapped in carbon,occurs.9.5 Boil gently for 900 6 10 s.9.6 Remove the flask from the hot plate and filter itscontents immediately through the filter paper premoistenedwith the distilled water used for the test.Catch the filtrate in a500-mL vacuum filter flask,being careful to prevent carbon-fines from overrunn