Designation: C454 − 10 (Reapproved 2017)Standard Test Method forDisintegration of Carbon Refractories by Alkali 1This standard is issued under the f i xed designation C454; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This test method covers the behavior of carbon refrac-tories when subjected to the action of an alkali at an elevatedtemperature. This destructive condition as encountered inservice is accelerated in the test to show in a short time theprobable behavior of the carbon refractory during use.1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-ization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards, Guides and Recom-mendations issued by the World Trade Organization TechnicalBarriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.2. Signif i cance and Use2.1 The disintegration of carbon refractories by alkali attackat elevated temperatures is an important consideration in usingthese materials for certain applications. Disruption of carbonrefractories in the test is sensitive to a number of variables,including alkali concentration, temperature, and the presenceof water vapor. The procedure is suitable for guidance inproduct development and for relative comparisons in applica-tion work such as in blast furnace service.3. Apparatus and Materials3.1 Sagger—A sagger, and coke breeze passing a No. 4(4.75-mm) sieve.3.2 Kiln—The kiln shall be capable of maintaining thespecif i ed rate of heating. During the temperature holdingperiod, the temperature distribution over the hearth shall notvary more than 615 °F (8 °C).3.3 Potassium Carbonate (K 2 CO 3 )—Anhydrous granular.4. Test Specimens4.1 Ten specimens constitute a specimen set and not morethan one specimen is taken from a given carbon shape.4.2 Two-inch (51-mm) cube specimens are cut from theshapes to a manner so as to maintain as many of the originalsurfaces as possible.4.3 A hole7 ⁄ 8 in. (22 mm) in diameter and 1 in. (25 mm)deep is drilled into the center of one face of each specimen.4.4 Cut a lid from a carbon shape measuring approximately2 by 2 by1 ⁄ 4 in. (50 by 50 by 6 mm) for each specimen.5. Procedure5.1 Dry the specimens and lids at 220 to 230 °F (105 to110 °C) for at least 1 h. Place 8 g of K 2 CO 3 in the hole of eachspecimen, and then place a lid over each hole.5.2 Place the prepared specimens in the sagger, using cokebreeze as a packing material to prevent oxidation. Maintain adistance of not less than 1 in. (25 mm) between the inner wallof the sagger and any specimen, and not less than1 ⁄ 4 in. (6 mm)between specimens. Cover the uppermost specimen with alayer of coke breeze at least 1 in. in thickness and place aclose-f i tting cover on the sagger. The lid may be sealed in placearound the outside of the sagger by the use of air-settingrefractory mortar.5.3 Heat the sagger assembly in the kiln at a rate notexceeding 360 °F (200 °C) ⁄h until 1750 °F (955 °C) isreached; maintain that temperature within 615 °F (8.5 °C) for5 h.5.4 During the cooling period, remove the specimens fromthe sagger before they reach 210 °F (100 °C) and store, untilexamined and photographed, in a desiccator or drying ovenoperating at 220 to 230 °F (105 to 110 °C).N OTE 1—If there is a delay between preparing (5.1) and heating (5.3)the specimens, store them or the sagger-specimen assemblage in adesiccator or in an oven maintained at 220 to 230 °F (105 to 110 °C) untilthe procedure is continued.1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 onRefractories and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.04 on ChemicalBehaviors.Current edition approved May 1, 2017. Published May 2017. Originallyapproved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C454 – 10. DOI:10.1520/C0454-10R17.Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United StatesThis international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.1 Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Oct 6 10:39:33 EDT 2017Downloaded/printed byUniversity of Edinburgh (University of Edinburgh) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
