ASTM D4892-14(2019)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Density of Solid Pitch (Helium Pycnometer Method)
Standard Test Method for Density of Solid Pitch (Helium Pycnometer Method)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing pitches as one element in establishing uniformity of shipments and sources of supply. With this method, the density is determined to two decimal places, which is sufficient for most applications. If a more precise measurement is required (three decimal places), use Test Methods D2320 or D71.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of pitch density by helium pycnometer. It is applicable at a range of room temperatures of 15 °C to 35 °C.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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, health, and environmental 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2019
- Technical Committee
- D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
- Drafting Committee
- D02.05 - Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM D4892-14 - Standard Test Method for Density of Solid Pitch (Helium Pycnometer Method) - Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2024
- Refers
ASTM D2962-23 - Standard Practice for Calculating Volume-Temperature Correction For Coal-Tar Pitches - Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Refers
ASTM D2962-10 - Standard Practice for Calculating Volume-Temperature Correction For Coal-Tar Pitches - Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2008
Overview
ASTM D4892-14(2019)e1 – Standard Test Method for Density of Solid Pitch (Helium Pycnometer Method) defines the procedure for determining the density of solid pitch using a helium pycnometer. This test method is designed to provide a reliable, repeatable measurement that supports the characterization, quality control, and specification compliance of pitch products across the supply chain. The method is applicable at room temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 35 °C and uses only SI units. Developed under recognized international standardization principles, this guideline is widely referenced in the petroleum, carbon materials, and chemical processing industries.
Key Topics
- Helium Pycnometer Density Measurement: The method details procedures for crushing, sizing, and analyzing pitch samples using a helium pycnometer, ensuring results are comparable and precise.
- Sample Preparation: Proper crushing and screening are critical for obtaining accurate results, with specific sieve sizes outlined for preparation.
- Temperature Correction: Recognizes the temperature dependency of density measurements and provides correction factors to standardize results to 25 °C.
- Significance: The method establishes an effective means to verify uniformity and quality in shipments and sources of pitch, an essential step for maintaining product consistency.
- Precision and Bias: The standard provides clear guidelines on repeatability and reproducibility, essential for laboratory accuracy.
Applications
- Quality Control: Frequently used by manufacturers and suppliers to confirm pitch quality and uniformity in both production and delivery contexts.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps organizations meet the technical needs of ASTM standards for procurement and specification.
- Product Development: Used during the formulation and development of solid pitch materials to assess and compare density across batches.
- Research and Testing: Supports material characterization in laboratory research and can assist in identifying process improvements in pitch manufacturing.
- Industry Relevance: Important for sectors utilizing coal-tar, petroleum pitches, and related carbon materials, such as the aluminum, graphite, and refractory industries.
Related Standards
For applications requiring higher measurement precision or alternative methods, the following ASTM standards are referenced:
- ASTM D2320 – Density (Relative Density) of Solid Pitch (Pycnometer Method): Provides more precise density measurements (to three decimal places).
- ASTM D71 – Relative Density of Solid Pitch and Asphalt (Displacement Method): Alternative method for relative density using displacement.
- ASTM D4296 – Sampling Pitch: Outlines procedures for obtaining representative bulk samples.
- ASTM D2962 – Volume-Temperature Correction for Coal-Tar Pitches: Used for determining temperature correction factors.
- ASTM E11 – Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves: Requirements for sieves used in sample preparation.
These referenced methods offer further tools for manufacturers and analysts seeking to ensure consistent material properties in solid pitch.
Conclusion
ASTM D4892-14(2019)e1 remains a critical standard for determining the density of solid pitch by the helium pycnometer method. Its precise procedures and emphasis on quality assurance make it indispensable for industries relying on accurate material characterization and product uniformity. Incorporating this standard into quality systems helps maintain supply chain integrity and compliance with international guidelines, supporting the global trade and use of solid pitch products.
Keywords: ASTM D4892, pitch density, helium pycnometer, solid pitch, quality control, temperature correction, petroleum pitch standards, carbon materials testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D4892-14(2019)e1 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Density of Solid Pitch (Helium Pycnometer Method)". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing pitches as one element in establishing uniformity of shipments and sources of supply. With this method, the density is determined to two decimal places, which is sufficient for most applications. If a more precise measurement is required (three decimal places), use Test Methods D2320 or D71. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of pitch density by helium pycnometer. It is applicable at a range of room temperatures of 15 °C to 35 °C. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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, health, and environmental 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing pitches as one element in establishing uniformity of shipments and sources of supply. With this method, the density is determined to two decimal places, which is sufficient for most applications. If a more precise measurement is required (three decimal places), use Test Methods D2320 or D71. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of pitch density by helium pycnometer. It is applicable at a range of room temperatures of 15 °C to 35 °C. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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, health, and environmental 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.
ASTM D4892-14(2019)e1 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D4892-14(2019)e1 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D4892-14, ASTM D4296-24, ASTM D2962-23, ASTM D71-94(2019), ASTM D2962-10(2019), ASTM D4296-18, ASTM D4296-83(2015)e1, ASTM D71-94(2015)e1, ASTM E11-13, ASTM D2320-98(2012), ASTM D2962-10, ASTM D4296-83(2009), ASTM D71-94(2009), ASTM E11-09e1, ASTM D2320-98(2008). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D4892-14(2019)e1 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
´1
Designation: D4892 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Density of Solid Pitch (Helium Pycnometer Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4892; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
ε NOTE—SI units formatting was corrected editorially throughout in July 2019.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the determination of pitch 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
density by helium pycnometer. It is applicable at a range of 3.1.1 density, as determined by this test method— the mass
room temperatures of 15 °C to 35 °C. per unit volume and shall be reported as follows:
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as density, 25 °C, g/cm ~grams per cubic centimeter! (1)
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4. Summary of Test Method
standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 The sample is pulverized and screened to a given
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the fraction, then the volume of a weighed portion of the fraction
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
is determined using a helium pycnometer.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Significance and Use
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing pitches as
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
one element in establishing uniformity of shipments and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
sources of supply. With this method, the density is determined
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
totwodecimalplaces,whichissufficientformostapplications.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
If a more precise measurement is required (three decimal
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
places), use Test Methods D2320 or D71.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Helium Pycnometer.
D71 Test Method for Relative Density of Solid Pitch and
6.2 Balance, capable of weighing a 150 g specimen to
Asphalt (Displacement Method)
within 1 mg.
D2320 Test Method for Density (Relative Density) of Solid
Pitch (Pycnometer Method)
6.3 Sieves, U.S. Standard 2.36 mm (No. 8), 600 µm
D2962 Practice for Calculating Volume-Temperature Cor-
(No. 30), conforming to Specification E11.
rection For Coal-Tar Pitches
6.4 Thermometer, for measuring room temperature.
D4296 Practice for Sampling Pitch
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
7. Bulk Sampling
Sieves
7.1 Samples from shipments shall be taken in accordance
with Practice D4296 and shall be free of foreign substances.
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.
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2019.PublishedJuly2019.Originallyapproved Helium pycnometers available from the following suppliers have been found
in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D4892 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/ satisfactory for this purpose: (a) Beckman 2500 Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA, (b)
D4892-14R19E01. Micromeritics, 5680 Goshen Springs Rd., Norcross, GA, and (c) Quantachrome, 5
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Aerial Way, Syosset, NY. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which
the ASTM website. you may attend.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
D4892 − 14 (2019)
TABLE 1 Volume Correction Factors Versus Measurement
8. Dehydration
Temperature
8.1 All bulk samples suspected of having free moisture
Measurement Temperature, °C Correction Factor
should be air-dried or oven-dried at 50 °C in a convection or
15 1.005
forced-air oven before analyzing.
16 1.004
17 1.004
9. Preparation of Test Specimen 18 1.003
19 1.003
9.1 Crush a 50 g to 200 g representative portion of the dry
20 1.002
21 1.002
pitch until all of it passes the 2.36 mm (No. 8 sieve). Avoid
22 1.001
grinding the pitch. Remove the fines by screening through the
23 1.001
600 µm (No. 30 sieve
...




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