ASTM D1997-91(1996)

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Designation:D1997–91(Reapproved 1996)
Standard Test Method for
Laboratory Determination of the Fiber Content of Peat
Samples by Dry Mass
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1997; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of 4.1 Aknown mass of undisturbed, undried peat is soaked in
thefibercontentofsamplesofpeat(asdefinedinClassification a dispersing agent (5% sodium hexametaphosphate) for ap-
D4427) by dry mass. It also may be used for non-peat organic proximately 15 h. The material is then washed through a
soil materials. 100-mesh (150 µm) sieve (see Specification E11) by applica-
1.2 Because this test method is simple and requires no tion of a gentle flow of tap water. The fibrous material left on
sophisticated equipment to perform, it is especially recom- the sieve is oven-dried (at 105°C) until a constant mass is
mended for routine reconnaissance work, where large numbers achieved.The mass of fiber is expressed as a percentage of the
of samples need to be tested and mineral contents are low. oven-dried mass of the original sample.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
5. Significance and Use
standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 5.1 The purpose of this test method is to standardize the
procedure for determining fiber content of peat samples by dry
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- mass.
5.2 A standard test method for determining the quantity of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. fibers in a peat sample is necessary not only for classifying
samples (as in Classification D4427), but is also a significant
2. Referenced Documents
parameter in predicting or defining the many end uses of peat.
2.1 ASTM Standards: In this regard, fiber content has been related to agricultural and
D2974 Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Mat- horticulturalenduses(suchasmulching,soilenrichment,etc.),
ter of Peat and Other Organic Soils geotechnical measurements (such as strength, compressibility,
D4427 Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Test- permeability, etc.), industrial chemical uses (such as produc-
ing tion of waxes, activated carbon, medicinals, etc.), and even
E11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur- energy uses (such as direct combustion, methanol production,
poses gas yields, etc.).
3. Terminology 6. Apparatus
3.1 Definition of Term Specific to This Standard: 6.1 Sieve, standard ASTM 100 mesh (150 µm) (see Speci-
3.1.1 fiber—a fragment or piece of plant tissue that retains fication E11).
a recognizable cellular structure and is large enough to be 6.2 Drying Oven, capable of being set at 105°C 6 5°C.
retained on a 100-mesh sieve (openings 150 µm). Plant 6.3 Balance, capable of measuring at least to the nearest
materials larger than 20 mm in smallest dimension are not milligram.
considered fibers. 6.4 Standard Laboratory Stirrer,capableofbeingsetto240
r/min.
6.5 Beaker, 1000-mL capacity.
6.6 Large Funnel.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
6.7 Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Tank or Pan.
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.06 on Physical-
Chemical Interactions of Soil and Rock.
Current edition approved April 15, 1991. Published June 1991.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
This test method is a modified version of one described in: Riley, J. L.,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
“LaboratoryMethodsforTestingPeat,”OntarioPeatlandInventoryProject,Ontario
Geological Survey Open File Report 5572, 1986, p. 21–22.
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