ASTM D2862-97

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D 2862 – 97
Standard Test Method for
Particle Size Distribution of Granular Activated Carbon
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2862; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle 4.1 It is necessary to know the distribution of particle sizes
size distribution of granular activated carbon. For the purposes of granular activated carbon in order to provide proper contact
of this test, granular activated carbon is defined as a minimum of gases or liquid in a packed bed of the material. Changes in
of 90 % of the sample weight being retained on a 180-μm particle size distribution can affect the pressure drop across the
Standard sieve. A U.S. mesh 80 sieve is equivalent to a 180–μm bed and the rate of adsorption in a bed of a given size.
Standard sieve. 4.2 Mean particle diameter is a property of activated car-
bons that influences pressure drop.
NOTE 1—For extruded carbons, as the length/diameter ratio of the
4.3 Effective size and uniformity coefficient are two prop-
particles increases, the validity of the test results might be affected.
erties of activated carbons often of interest in municipal water
1.2 The data obtained may also be used to calculate mean
treatment applications where control of particle size is of
particle diameter (MPD), effective size, and uniformity coef-
interest.
ficient.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Apparatus
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5
5.1 Mechanical Sieve Shaker —This is a mechanically
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
operated sieve shaker that imparts a uniform rotating and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
tapping motion to a stack of 8-in. (203-mm or equivalent)
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sieves as described in 5.2. The sieve shaker should be adjusted
to accommodate the desired number of sieves, receiver pan,
2. Referenced Documents
and sieve cover. The bottom stops should be adjusted to give a
2.1 ASTM Standards:
clearance of approximately ⁄16 in. (1.5 mm) between the upper
D 2652 Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
carrying plate stops and the sieve cover plate, so that the sieves
D 2854 Test Method for Apparent Density of Activated
will be free to rotate. The sieve shaker shall be powered with
Carbon
⁄4-hp (186-W) electric motor producing 1725 to 1750 rpm. The
E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
sieve shaker should produce 140 to 160 raps per minute with
poses
the striker arm and 280 to 320 rotating motions per minute of
E 300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
the sieve stack. The cover plate shall be fitted with a cork
1 1
stopper that shall extend ⁄4 6 ⁄8 in. (6.35 6 3.18 mm) above
3. Summary of Test Method
the metal recess. At no time shall any material other than cork
3.1 A known weight of granular activated carbon is placed
be permitted.
on the top sieve of a stacked set of U.S. Standard sieves and
5.2 Sieves—U.S. Standard sieves or equivalent conforming
shaken under standard conditions for a specific time period,
to Specification E 11. The sieves shall be either 2 in. (51 mm)
after which the weight percent of the total retained on each
(full height) or 1 in. (25 mm.) (half height) in height, and 8 in.
sieve and bottom pan is determined.
(203 mm or equivalent) in diameter.
5.3 Bottom Receiver Pan and Top Sieve Cover.
5.4 Interval Timer, adjustable, with an accuracy of 610 s.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-28 on
5.5 Sample Splitter, single-stage riffle type.
Activated Carbon and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D28.04 on Gas
Phase Evaluation Tests.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1997. Published December 1998. Originally
published as D 2862 – 70. Last previous edition D 2862 – 92. The Tyler Ro-Tap Model RX-19-1 has been used in developing this test. Newer
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.01. models may not produce the same separations (Model RX-19-2 is equivalent to
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. Model RX-19-1). This model is available from Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, PA
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05. 15238.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 2862 – 97
FIG. 1 Cumulative Particle Size Distribution Curve
5.6 Balance, with a sensitivity of 0.1 g. 7.2 Prepare a sample of activated carbon as follows:
5.7 Soft Brass Wire Brush.
7.2.1 Mix the gross sample, obtained by Practice E 300, by
5.8 Cylinder, glass, graduated, 250-mL capacity.
passing it through a single-stage riffle type sample splitter and
5.9 Equivalent Apparatus—Newer technology may produce
recombining twice. Then pass the mixed sample through the
devices that can perform an equivalent function to the me-
riffle so as to obtain an approximate 250-mL of sample.
chanical sieve shaker described in 5.1, for which this method
7.2.2 Using the apparent density apparatus described in Test
was originally developed (Tyler model RX-19–1 or –2). In the
Method D 2854, obtain a test sample of 200 mL from each
case of newer devices being used, the tester should validate the
sample. If the apparent density is less than 0.35 g/cc, a 50 g
equivalency of the newer device to that of the ASTM standard
sample will be adequate, greater than 0.35 g/cc, use a sample
tester (or its successors, for example, Tyler model RX-29) and
not to exceed 100 g. In all cases, volume of the sample should
retain the capability to cross check the results of particle size
not exceed 200 ml.
distribution analysis between the mechanical device described
NOTE 2—If the apparent density of the sample has been determined, a
above and any newer sieving system.
calculated weight of sample equivalent to 200 6 10 mL may be used for
each of the riffled samples.
6. Sampling
6.1 Collect and prepare the granular activated carbon 7.2.3 Weigh each sample to the nearest 0.1 g.
samples in accordance with Practice E 300.
7.3 . Transfer the weighed sample to the top sieve.
7.4 Install the sieve cover and transfer the assembly to the
7. Procedure
sieve shaker.
7.1 Stack the sieves to be used on the bottom receiver pan in
7.5 Allow the sieve assembly to shake for 10 min 6 10 s
order of increasing sieve opening from bottom to top.
with the hammer operating.
7.6 Remove the sieve assembly from the sieve shaker and
W. S. Tyler Model 1778-S.B. or equivalent has been found satisfactory. quantitatively transfer, using the sieve brush, the activ
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