ASTM D4893-20

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.
Designation: D4893 − 20
Standard Test Method for
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Determination of Pitch Volatility
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4893; 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* allowed to cool down in the desiccator. The pitch volatility is
determined by the sample weight loss and reported as percent
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the percent
weight loss.
of pitch volatility.
1.2 Since this test method is empirical, strict adherence to
4. Significance and Use
the procedure is necessary.
4.1 This test is useful in evaluating and characterizing pitch
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
physical properties in comparing the consistency of shipments
standard. The values in parentheses are given for information
and sources of supply.
only.
1.3.1 Exceptions—The diameter of a special aluminum
5. Apparatus
block is measured in inches.
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5.1 Aluminum Block, 4 ⁄2 in. outside diameter, composed of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
two sections (Figs. 1-4).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1.1 The top block is maintained at a chosen constant
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
temperature according to the signal from the thermocouple
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
inserted into the thermowell No. 1 near the center of the block.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
A proportional temperature controller regulates the heat input.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Two insulated handles are attached to this part for easy
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
handling.An additional thermowell No. 2, located in the center
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
of the block, accommodates another thermocouple used only
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
for the determination of the rate of temperature rise of the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
pitch. When the screw at the bottom of the No. 2 well is taken
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
out, the thermocouple can then be pushed down and inserted in
2. Referenced Documents pitch.
2
5.1.2 The bottom block has a cavity for the aluminum
2.1 ASTM Standards:
weighingdish.Aspiralchannelcutaroundtheperipheryofthis
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
part serves for preheating the nitrogen introduced at the
Sieves
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measured rate (10 cm /min) into the block for purging vola-
tiles.
3. Summary of Test Method
5.1.3 The test temperature, the same as that in the top block,
3.1 An aluminum weighing dish with about 15 g of speci-
is maintained by the second proportional temperature control-
men is introduced into the cavity of a metal block heated and
ler according to the signals of a thermocouple inserted in a
maintained at 350 °C (662 °F). After 30 min 6 10 s during
thermowell No. 3 of the bottom block. There is a hole in the
which the volatiles are swept away from the surface of the
center of the bottom cylinder to accommodate the sample
liquid pitch by preheated nitrogen, the sample is taken out and
platform, a rod with a stainless steel disk welded to its top.The
aluminum sample dish containing the sample rests on top of
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
SubcommitteeD02.05onPropertiesofFuels,PetroleumCokeandCarbonMaterial.
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Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally An aluminum block that may be obtained on special order from Koppers
ɛ1
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D4893 – 94 (2015) . Company, Inc., 1005 Wm. Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, has been found
DOI: 10.1520/D4893-20. satisfactory for this purpose; or drawings of block will be furnished by Koppers
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or upon request. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
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Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, whic
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