ASTM_C_386_-_93_2012.pdf

Designation:C38693(Reapproved 2012)Standard Practice forUse of Chemical-Resistant Sulfur Mortar1This standard is issued under the fixed designation C386;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 practice provides detailed information on thehandling,installation,and proper use of chemical-resistantsulfur mortar such as those covered in Specification C287.1.2 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.1.3 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 safetyprecautions,see Section 5.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2C267 Test Methods for Chemical Resistance of Mortars,Grouts,and Monolithic Surfacings and Polymer ConcretesC287 Specification for Chemical-Resistant Sulfur MortarC395 Specification for Chemical-Resistant Resin MortarsC399 Practice for Use of Chemical-Resistant Resin MortarsC904 Terminology Relating to Chemical-Resistant Nonme-tallic Materials3.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms used in thispractice,see Terminology C904.4.Storage4.1 The sulfur mortar shall be stored in unopened containersand in a clean,dry place to prevent contamination of theproduct.The mortar is not known to deteriorate in storage.5.Safety Precautions5.1 Sulfur mortar must be heated and molten in order to beused.5.2 Molten sulfur mortar fumes and vapors are irritating tothe eyes and mucuous membranes.Adequate ventilation shouldbe provided wherever sulfur mortars are used.5.3 If overheated,sulfur mortar ignites and burns with alow,blue flame that generates sulfur dioxide.If this shouldhappen,heating must be stopped and the vessel covered with atight-fitting lid to smother the flames.5.3.1 When using sulfur mortar in a confined area,each pailof molten material must be checked before entering the area toensure that the mortar is not burning.5.3.2 The areas where the melting and pouring are carriedout must be checked for flammable or explosive gases,and aflame permit issued,if required,before melting vessel fires arelit,or the molten sulfur mortar is carried into the area.5.3.3 Fire extinguishing equipment must be available inorder to prevent flame spread.5.3.4 Water should not be used to extinguish ignited sulfur.5.4 All workmen must be equipped with suitable eyeprotection and gloves to protect them from spills and splashesof the molten mortar.5.4.1 It is recommended that workmen wear flame-retardantclothing.If combustible clothing is worn,care should be takento ensure that it does not contact the flame used for melting thesulfur mortar.5.4.2 All surfaces which molten sulfur mortar will contactmust be dry to prevent splattering.6.Equipment6.1 Vessel,made of cast iron,steel,or aluminum,formelting the sulfur mortar.Suitable melting pots may beavailable from the sulfur mortar manufacturer.6.2 Long-Handled Steel Ladle,for dipping and stirring.6.3 Metal Pails,for transporting and pouring mortar.NOTE1All equipment must be clean and dry.7.Melting7.1 Sulfur mortar must be dry at the time of use in order toprevent foaming.1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C03 on Chemical-Resistant Nonmetallic Materialsand is the direct responsibility of SubcommitteeC03.02 on Monolithics,Grouts and Polymer Concretes.Current edition approved Aug.1,2012.Published September 2012.Originallyapproved in 1956.Last previous edition approved in 2008 as C386 93(2008).DOI:10.1520/C0386-93R12.2For 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 7.2 The ideal temperature range for melting and handlingmolten sulfur mortar is from 265 to 290F(130 to 145C).Within this range the mortar is a smooth,free-flowing liquidwith a mirror-bright surface appearance.7.2.1 If the mortar is maintained below 265F,some of theliquid will congeal over the top or around the sides of thevessel,or both.7.2.2 If the mortar is heated above 290F,the mortarthickens and loses its mirror-bright surface appearance.7.3 Fill the vessel not more than one-half full of sulfurmortar.7.3.1 Heat slowly until the mortar has melted and attainedthe appearance described in 7.2.7.3.2 If congealing occurs,increase the