ASTM E1109-86(1996)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: E 1109 – 86 (Reapproved 1996)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Bulk Density of Solid Waste Fractions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1109; 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 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method determines the bulk density of various 4.1 A sample of a solid waste stream is tamped in a cubical
fractions from the resource recovery processing of municipal container of known volume and then weighed. Bulk density is
solid waste. It is intended as a means of characterizing such calculated from the weight of the contents and volume of the
fractions and for providing data useful to designers of solid container.
waste processing plants.
5. Significance and Use
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5.1 This test method describes a physical property of solid
waste in processing facilities; a property that characterizes the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- solid waste streams and hence the operation of resource
recovery separators and processors.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
tionary information is given in Section 7. 5.2 The bulk density is an important property for the design
of materials handling equipment, separators, and processors.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Balance—A balance or scale accurate within 0.1% of
C 702 Practice for Reducing Field Samples of Aggregate to
Testing Size the test load at any point within the range of use. The range of
use shall be considered to extend from the weight of the
D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
E 689 Reference Radiographs for Ductile Iron Castings measure empty to the weight of the measure plus its contents.
6.2 Cubical Measure, with internal dimensions approxi-
E 1107 Test Method for Measuring the Throughput of
Resource-Recovery Unit Operations mately 60 by 60 by 60 cm (24 by 24 by 24 in.) provided with
handles. The interior surfaces of the measure shall be nonab-
3. Terminology
sorbent to moisture.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
NOTE 1—A satisfactory weigh box has been constructed of ⁄4 in. (1.9
3.1.1 bulk density—the mass per unit volume of particulate
cm) exterior grade plywood with the finished surface on the inside.
matter. Bulk density is not an absolute material property as is 1
Reinforcing strips, approximately 5 cm (2 in.) wide and 1.3 cm ( ⁄2 in.)
the density of individual particles of a material. The bulk
thick were fastened to the outside walls; two of them in a way to provide
handles.
density depends on the size of the container and how the
material is loaded into the container. For example, the bulk
6.3 Larger cubical weigh boxes shall be used as necessary to
density of material placed loosely in a container will be less
accommodate large particles of material. No particle larger
than that of material tamped into a container. Also, some
than two-thirds the length, height, or width of the weigh box
materials placed loosely in a container will settle with time due
shall be put into the weigh box in determining the bulk density.
to its own weight; thus, its bulk density will increase.
7. Precautions
7.1 This procedure calls for the handling of solid waste and
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-34 on Waste
its processed fractions. Because the origin of all the materials
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.06 on Recovery
is generally unknown, workers must use proper safety precau-
and Reuse.
Current edition approved April 25, 1986. Published June 1986.
tions when handling samples. Workers shall wear gloves and
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
safety glasses. When appropriate, dust masks shall be worn.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
Workers must be cautioned to wash their hands thoroughly
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.04. before eating or smoking.
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E 1109
8. Sampling 10.4 Weigh the filled box 60.1 % and calculate the bulk
density to three significant figures.
8.1 Sample shall be obtained from the processor streams or
10.5 Repeat the procedures of 10.3 and 10
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