ASTM F363-99

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Designation: F 363 – 99
Standard Test Method for
Corrosion Testing of Gaskets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 363; 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
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of gaskets under
corrosive conditions at varying temperature and pressure
levels. The test unit may be glass lined if the flanges are
sufficiently plane (industry accepted), thus providing resistance
to all chemicals, except hydrofluoric acid, from cryogenic
temperatures to 260°C (500°F) at pressures from full vacuum
to the allowable pressure rating of the unit, or made of other
suitable material. The test unit described (Fig. 1) has an
internal design pressure rating of 1034 kPa (150 psi) at 260°C
(500°F).
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
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 appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
precautionary statements, see Section 5.
FIG. 1 Test Unit
2. Referenced Documents
4. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 Corrosion Test Unit—The unit shall contain a suitable
F 112 Test Method for Sealability of Enveloped Gaskets
thermowell, strategically placed near the center so that correct
2.2 Other Documents
temperature readings may be made. The gasket seating size
B16.21 Nonmetallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges
shall be such as to accommodate a standard 102-mm (4-in.)
3. Significance and Use size gasket.
4.2 Heat Source—A 3-A (660-W, 220-V) electric heater has
3.1 This test method is designed to compare all types of
been found to be satisfactory to heat the unit in the vertical
gaskets under simulated field operating conditions. Perfor-
position to 232°C (450°F). If the unit is to be tested horizon-
mance of a gasket can thus be measured prior to the start-up of
4 tally, the fixture should be in a suitable environmental chamber
chemical processes. The design of the test unit provides
or oven capable of attaining the desired temperatures.
maximum range of corrosion resistance so that meaningful
4.3 Necessary Control Equipment—A suitable ther-
results are possible. This test method may be used as a routine
moswitch with damping capacitor and indicator light to pro-
test when agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
vide means of adjusting as well as control of temperature. The
circuitry shown in Fig. 2 will control the unit within 63°C
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-3 on Gaskets
(65°F).
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F03.40 on Chemical Test Methods.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1999. Published November 1999. Originally
published as F 363 – 73. Last previous edition F 363 – 89 (1994).
2 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.02. Detailed drawings of the test unit are available at a nominal cost from ASTM
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd St., NY, Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, Conshohocken, PA 19428. Request
NY 10036. ADJF0363. A suitable test unit can be obtained from The Pfaudler Co., P.O. Box
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM Headquarters as RR: F03-1002. 1600, Rochester, NY 14692.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 363
Fig. 3. Progression of the tightening on each bolt should be in
approximately 20N · m (15 lbf · ft) increments.
7.8 If both vapor and liquid phase test results are desired,
place the bolted and assembled test unit on its side in an oven
or environmental chamber.
7.9 If only vapor phase results are required, place the test
unit in an upright position. Use the electric heater to bring the
unit to the desired temperature and adjust the thermoswitch as
shown by the indicator light.
FIG. 2 Control Circuit
7.10 Retighten the bolts to the final torque previously used
after2hatthe regulated temperature.
4.4 Thermometer, having 0.5°C graduations.
7.11 Continue the test for approximately 24 h; turn off the
heat supply for an 8 h period during each of the next three days.
5. Safety Precautions
Continue the test at the desired temperature without cycling for
5.1 Since the test unit is not vented, corrosive liquids that
the remainder of the prescribed test period.
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