ASTM_C_1445_-_13.pdf

Designation:C144513Standard Test Method forMeasuring Consistency of Castable Refractory Using a FlowTable1This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1445;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 the procedure for determiningthe consistency of castable refractory mixes by the flow tablemethod.1.2 This test method applies to regular weight castablerefractories,insulating castable refractories,and castable re-fractories that require heavy vibration for forming,which aredescribed in Classification C401.They also apply to suchcastables containing metal fibers.1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.4 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:2C71 Terminology Relating to RefractoriesC230/C230M Specification for Flow Table for Use in Testsof Hydraulic CementC401 Classification of Alumina and Alumina-SilicateCastable RefractoriesC860 Test Method for Determining the Consistency ofRefractory Castable Using the Ball-In-Hand TestD346 Practice for Collection and Preparation of CokeSamples for Laboratory Analysis3.Significance and Use3.1 The amount of water used in a castable mix forpreparing test specimens has a significant influence on subse-quent test results.This test method is used primarily todetermine and reproduce the consistency required for theoptimum casting of refractory castables in the preparation oftest specimens and to express that consistency quantitatively.The correct water content is one of the major factors that mustbe controlled to obtain uniform test specimens.Excess watercan reduce strength,increase volume shrinkage,and promotesegregation of the castable ingredients.Insufficient water canproduce“honeycombs”(air voids)in the castable because ofpoor consolidation during placement and prevent completehydration of cement.3.2 The flow table(see sketches in Specification C230/C230M)has been found to be an excellent tool for measuringthe consistency of a castable and should be used in cases wherea numerical result is required.Since castables differ somewhatin their“body”or plasticity,it has been found that a goodcasting range,expressed numerically,might vary from castableto castable.While one material may cast well between 40 and60%flow,another material may need to be in the 60 to 80%flow range to properly flow.Because of this,it has been foundthat no arbitrary optimum range can be stated for all castables.The flow table then becomes a tool for measuring the flow andnot determining it.It can allow the operator to follow themanufacturers recommendations or to reproduce the consis-tency of a particular castable between laboratories.3.3 Total time of wet mixing must be closely controlled toobtain reproducible results.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 onRefractories and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.09 on Monolith-ics.Current edition approved Sept.1,2013.Published October 2013.Originallyapproved in 1999.Last previous edition approved in 2007 as C1445 07.DOI:10.1520/C1445-13.2For 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 FIG.1 Plibrico Ruggedness Test ResultsC1445 132 3.4 This test method is not intended to be used to determinethe proper water content for gunning applications,although itmay provide information of value for interpretation by a skilledoperator.4.Interferences(Factors Known to Affect Results)4.1 A ruggedness test(Fig.1)was performed using“C230Calibration Mixture”3.All factors were found not to causestatistically significant effects on measured results.See ASTMResearch Report No.RR:C08-1016.4.2 Factors which were found to be rugged during the testmethod evaluation were(1)tamper cross section roundversus rectangular,(2)tamper surface polyurethane sealedversus unsealed,(3)mold filling procedure,(4)number oftamps 36 versus 44,(5)table drop time 7 s versus 11 s,and(6)operator.5.Apparatus5.1 Balance,15-lb(6.8-kg)capacity,with sensitivity of0.002 lb(1 g).5.2 Flow Table,Mold,and Calipers,conforming to therequirements of Specifi