ASTM D4179-22

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4179 − 11 (Reapproved 2017) D4179 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Single Pellet Crush Strength of Formed Catalysts and
Catalyst Carriers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4179; 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 determining the resistance of formed catalysts and catalyst carriers to compressive force and is
applicable to regular catalyst shapes such as tablets and spheres. Extrudates, Other formed catalysts and catalyst carriers extrudates,
granular materials, and other irregular shapes are specifically excluded.
1.2 This test method determines the average crush strength in the range from 0 to 50 lbf (0 to 220 N). Some materials may have
crush strengths above 50 lbf (220N); the test method is applicable to these materials, but the precision of the test is not known.
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 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.
1.5 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:
E105 Guide for Probability Sampling of Materials
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 pellets—pellets, n—any catalyst shape—tablets, spheres, or other similar configuration—that is not otherwise excluded from
the scope of this test method.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D32 on Catalysts and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D32.02 on Physical-Mechanical
Properties.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017Aug. 1, 2022. Published September 2017August 2022. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20112017
as D4179D4179 – 11–11.(2017). DOI: 10.1520/D4179-11R17.10.1520/D4179-22.
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
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4179 − 22
FIG. 1 Radial and Axial Crush
3.1.2 tablets—tablets, n—tableted cylindrical catalyst particles, either solid or hollow core, with lengths that do not vary from the
mean by more than 610 %.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Individual pellets taken from a representative sample are placed between two flat surfaces, subjected to a compressive load,
and the force required to crush the pellet is measured. The procedure is replicated and the average of all measurements taken is
determined.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended to provide information concerning the ability of a catalyst shape to retain physical integrity during
use.
6. Apparatus
6.1 A suitable compression testing device is required, consisting of the following:
6.1.1 Calibrated Gauge, marked for direct reading of the force in pounds (newtons). Additionally, a suitable system (mechanical,
hydraulic, or pneumatic) must be provided so that the rate of force application is both uniform and controllable within specified
limits.
6.1.2 Tool Steel Anvils, between which the sample will be crushed. The faces of the tool steel anvils shall be smooth and free from
recesses or ridges that would interfere with uniform contact along the major axis of the pellet. When testing tablets or spheres, the
anvils may be of any convenient size or shape as long as their length and width are greater than the corresponding dimensions of
the tablet or pellet being tested (see Fig. 1).
7. Sampling
7.1 A test sample of 50 to 200 individual pieces shall be obtained from larger composites by riffling or splitting in accordance with
subsection 5.12 of STP 447A, (paragraph 5.12) with the aim of obtaining a representative sample that represents shape and size
distribution of the larger composite. The size of the sample shall depend on the precision required and the homogeneity of the
material being tested. Guide E105 can provide guidance on constructing a sampling plan.
STP 447A, Manual on Test Sieving Methods, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.
D4179 − 22
7.2 Pretreat the test sample(s) at 400 6 15°C15 °C for not less than 3 h. Normally, this treatment can take place in air; however,
in the case of materials that might react with air at elevated temperatures (such as prereducedpre-reduced catalysts) the heat
treatment should take place in an inert atmosphere. Care should be taken to ensure that the pretreatment does not alter the inherent
strength or structure of the sample as evidenced by changes in surface area or phase. Any modifications to pretreatment conditions
should be noted in the report.
7.3 After heating, cool the test sample(s) in a desiccator or other suitable container to eliminate the possibility of moisture
adsorption prior to testing.
NOTE 1—Since many catalyst formulations are strong adsorbents, the use of 4A indicating (cobalt-treated) molecul
...