ASTM C860-00(2005)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Determining the Consistency of Refractory Castable Using the Ball-In-Hand Test
Standard Practice for Determining the Consistency of Refractory Castable Using the Ball-In-Hand Test
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice is used primarily to determine if a freshly mixed refractory castable is of the proper consistency and therefore would most likely provide optimum performance. It can also be used to estimate the correct water addition rate of a castable when either the manufacturer’specified water content is not available or when unique circumstances have rendered that recommendation unusable.
The correct water content is an important factor that must be controlled to obtain optimum castable performance. Excess water can reduce strength, increase volume shrinkage, and promote segregation of the castable ingredients. Insufficient water can produce “honeycombs” (air voids) in the castable because of the insufficient mobility during placement and in extreme cases can prevent the complete hydration of the cement (if used).
The Ball-in-Hand test is subjective and somewhat depends on the skill of the operator. However, it is a universally accessible method due to the simplicity of the equipment required, and it is readily used in the field.
The total wet mixing time of a castable influences the rheological and final properties and therefore should be monitored.
This practice can be performed in a laboratory or on a job site.
This practice is not intended to determine the proper consistency for gunning applications, although it may provide information of value for interpretation by a skilled operator.
SCOPE
1.1 The amount of water used in a castable has a significant influence on its performance. This practice covers the procedures for determining the consistency of a castable using the Ball-in-Hand Test.
1.2 This practice applies to regular weight castable refractories and insulating castable refractories which are described in Classification C 401. It also applies to such castables containing metal fibers.
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 this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (See 6.2.3 for a specific safety warning.)
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Designation:C860–00 (Reapproved 2005)
Standard Practice for
Determining the Consistency of Refractory Castable Using
the Ball-In-Hand Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C860; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope Excess water can reduce strength, increase volume shrinkage,
and promote segregation of the castable ingredients. Insuffi-
1.1 The amount of water used in a castable has a significant
cient water can produce “honeycombs” (air voids) in the
influence on its performance. This practice covers the proce-
castable because of the insufficient mobility during placement
dures for determining the consistency of a castable using the
and in extreme cases can prevent the complete hydration of the
Ball-in-Hand Test.
cement (if used).
1.2 This practice applies to regular weight castable refrac-
3.3 The Ball-in-Hand test is subjective and somewhat de-
tories and insulating castable refractories which are described
pends on the skill of the operator. However, it is a universally
in Classification C401. It also applies to such castables
accessible method due to the simplicity of the equipment
containing metal fibers.
required, and it is readily used in the field.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.4 The total wet mixing time of a castable influences the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
rheological and final properties and therefore should be moni-
responsibility of this standard to establish appropriate safety
tored.
and health practices and determine the applicability of regu-
3.5 This practice can be performed in a laboratory or on a
latory limitations prior to use. (See 6.2.3 for a specific safety
job site.
warning.)
3.6 This practice is not intended to determine the proper
2. Referenced Documents
consistency for gunning applications, although it may provide
information of value for interpretation by a skilled operator.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C401 Classification of Alumina and Alumina-Silicate
4. Apparatus
Castable Refractories
4.1 Castable Mixer—Either a manually or electrically op-
3. Significance and Use erated (see Fig. 1) mechanical mixer may be used to prepare
batches for consistency determination in a laboratory. Wet
3.1 This practice is used primarily to determine if a freshly
castable may also be obtained while in the field from the mixer
mixed refractory castable is of the proper consistency and
being used for installation.
therefore would most likely provide optimum performance. It
4.2 Heavy Rubber Gloves, for castables containing metal
can also be used to estimate the correct water addition rate of
fibers.
a castable when either the manufacturer’s specified water
4.3 Clock or Watch, with second hand.
content is not available or when unique circumstances have
rendered that recommendation unusable.
5. Sampling
3.2 The correct water content is an important factor that
5.1 A representative handful of freshly mixed castable
must be controlled to obtain optimum castable performance.
should be drawn from the center of the mixer while the mixer
is not running.
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC08onRefractories
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.09 on Monolithics.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2005. Published January 2006. Originally
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as C860 – 00. DOI:
10.1520/C0860-00R05. The sole source of supply of mechanical mixers known to the committee at this
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