ASTM E389-21

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Designation: E389 − 13 E389 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Particle Size or Screen Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) 4.75 mm
(No.4) Sieve and Coarser for Metal-Bearing Ores and
Related Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E389; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution by screen analysis of metal-bearing ores and related
materials at No. 4 (4.75-mm)4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve and coarser.
1.2 The values stated in inch-poundSI units are to be regarded as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are provided for
information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E276 Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) Sieve and Finer for Metal-Bearing Ores and Related
Materials
E882 Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms in this test method, refer to Terminology E135.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E01.02 on Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metallurgical Materials.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2013Oct. 1, 2021. Published November 2013October 2021. Originally approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 20082013
ε1
as E389 – 03 (2008)E389 – 13. . DOI: 10.1520/E0389-13.10.1520/E0389-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
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E389 − 21
3.1.2 nominal topsize—topsize, n—the sieve designating the upper limit or topsize shall be that sieve of the series with the smallest
openings upon which is cumulatively retained a total of less than 5 % of the sample. This defined topsize is not to be confused
with the size of the largest particle in the lot.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sample is passed through a bank of standard sieves by agitation. The screening technique described in this procedure may
be used on any solid particles that can be dried so that sieve blinding does not occur.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended to be used for compliance with compositional specifications for particle size distribution. It is
assumed that all who use this procedure will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory practices skillfully and
safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper waste disposal procedures will
be followed. Follow appropriate quality control practices such as those described in Guide E882.
6. Apparatus and Materials
6.1 U.S. Standard Sieves, Brushes, conforming to the requirements of Specification for cleaning sieves and pans.E11.
6.2 Sieve Shaker, mechanical or manual.
6.2 Drying Oven, of approximate size and capable of maintaining a uniform temperature at 110 °C 6 5 °C.
6.3 Pans, for holding samples.
6.4 Sample Splitter or Riffle, with openings not less than three times the size of the nominal topsize.
6.5 Scales and Weights, of adequate accuracy.
6.6 Pans, Sieve Shaker, for holding samples.mechanical or manual.
6.7 Brushes, U.S. Standard Sieves, for cleaning sieves and pans. conforming to the requirements of Specification E11.
7. Sample Preparation
7.1 If necessary, reduce the sample by means of a sample splitter or riffle, or by the alternate-shovel method. Dry at 110 °C 6
5 °C to constant mass. Constant mass is obtained when an additional hour drying at 110 °C 6 5 °C does not cause a change greater
than 0.05 % mass. Record mass.
NOTE 1—The size of the sample is very important in sieve analysis because the number of particles on a sieve surface affects the probability of any one
particle passing through the sieve at a given time. The more particles there are on a sieve, the greater probability that any one particle is hindered from
getting into a position to pass through the opening. Avoid overloading the sieves.
7.2 Screen the test sample from 7.1 on a No. 4 (4.75-mm) 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve. Weigh the material passing the sieve and, if
desired, screen in accordance with Test Method E276.
8. Procedure
8.1 Clean the sieves and apparatus by brushing.
8.2 Nest the selected sieves and fit a pan to the bottom sieve. Place the material which was retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm)4.75
mm (No.4) sieve from 7.
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