ASTM D1997-91(2008)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:D1997–91(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Laboratory Determination of the Fiber Content of Peat
Samples by Dry Mass
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1997; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber 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. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of 4.1 Aknown mass of undisturbed, undried peat is soaked in
thefibercontentofsamplesofpeat(asdefinedinClassification a dispersing agent (5% sodium hexametaphosphate) for ap-
D4427) by dry mass. It also may be used for non-peat organic proximately 15 h. The material is then washed through a
soil materials. 100-mesh (150 µm) sieve (see SpecificationE11) by applica-
1.2 Because this test method is simple and requires no tion of a gentle flow of tap water. The fibrous material left on
sophisticated equipment to perform, it is especially recom- the sieve is oven-dried (at 105°C) until a constant mass is
mended for routine reconnaissance work, where large numbers achieved.The mass of fiber is expressed as a percentage of the
of samples need to be tested and mineral contents are low. oven-dried mass of the original sample.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
5. Significance and Use
standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 5.1 The purpose of this test method is to standardize the
procedure for determining fiber content of peat samples by dry
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- mass.
5.2 A standard test method for determining the quantity of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. fibers in a peat sample is necessary not only for classifying
samples (as in Classification D4427), but is also a significant
2. Referenced Documents
parameter in predicting or defining the many end uses of peat.
2.1 ASTM Standards: In this regard, fiber content has been related to agricultural and
D2974 Test Methods for Moisture,Ash, and Organic Mat- horticulturalenduses(suchasmulching,soilenrichment,etc.),
ter of Peat and Other Organic Soils geotechnical measurements (such as strength, compressibility,
D4427 Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Test- permeability, etc.), industrial chemical uses (such as produc-
ing tion of waxes, activated carbon, medicinals, etc.), and even
E11 Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing energy uses (such as direct combustion, methanol production,
Purposes gas yields, etc.).
3. Terminology 6. Apparatus
3.1 Definition of Term Specific to This Standard: 6.1 Sieve, standard ASTM 100 mesh (150 µm) (see Speci-
3.1.1 fiber—a fragment or piece of plant tissue that retains ficationE11).
a recognizable cellular structure and is large enough to be 6.2 Drying Oven, capable of being set at 105°C 6 5°C.
retained on a 100-mesh sieve (openings 150 µm). Plant 6.3 Balance, capable of measuring at least to the nearest
materials larger than 20 mm in smallest dimension are not milligram.
considered fibers. 6.4 Standard Laboratory Stirrer,capableofbeingsetto240
r/min.
6.5 Beaker, 1000-mL capacity.
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Soil as a Medium
6.6 Large Funnel.
for Plant Growth.
6.7 Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Tank or Pan.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2008. Published February 2008. Originally
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D1997–91 (2001).
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 This test method is a modified version of one described in: Riley, J. L.,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on “LaboratoryMethodsforTestingPeat,”OntarioPeatlandInventoryProject,Ontario
the ASTM website. Geological Survey Open File Report 5572, 1986, p. 21–22.
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