ASTM D2862-10 Standard Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Granular Activated Carbon

The standard “ASTM D2862-10 Standard Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Granular Activated Carbon” developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) describes a test method for determining the particle size distribution of granular activated carbon. For the purposes of this test, granular activated carbon is defined as having a minimum of 90 percent of the sample weight retained on a 180 µm standard sieve. A US mesh 80 sieve is equivalent to a 180 µm standard sieve.

For extruded carbons, the validity of test results may be affected as the length/diameter ratio of the particles increases.

The obtained data can also be used to calculate the mean particle diameter, effective size and uniformity coefficient.

In performing the test, a known weight of granular activated carbon is placed on the top sieve of a stacked US carbon set. The standard sieves are taken and shaken for a specified time under standard conditions, then the percentage by weight of the total remaining on each sieve and in the bottom pan is determined.

To ensure proper contact of gases or liquids in a packed bed of material, it is necessary to know the particle size distribution of granular activated carbon. Changes in particle size distribution can affect the pressure drop across the bed and the rate of adsorption in a bed of a given size.

Mean particle diameter is a property of activated carbons that affects pressure drop. Effective size and uniformity coefficient are two properties of activated carbons that are often of interest in municipal water treatment applications where control of particle size is important.

The apparatus used in these tests includes:

• Mechanical sieve shaker: This is a mechanically operated sieve shaker that provides a smooth rotational and impacting motion to a stack of approximately 20 cm. The sieve shaker should be adjusted to accommodate the desired number of sieves, receiver pans and sieve covers. The lower stops should be adjusted to provide a clearance of approximately 1,5 mm. A distance of 1,5 mm is provided between the upper carriage plate stops and the sieve cover plate so that the sieves can rotate freely. The sieve shaker is driven by a 1725 W electric motor producing 1750 to 186 rpm. The sieve shaker should produce 140 to 160 strokes per minute with the striker arm and 280 to 320 rotational movements of the sieve stack per minute. The cover plate is fitted with a cork stopper that extends 6,35 mm plus/minus 3,18 mm above the metal recess. No material other than cork is permitted at any time.
• Sieves: Standard sieves conforming to “ASTM E11-24 Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves” or equivalent. These sieves shall be 51 mm full height or 25 mm half height and 203 mm or equivalent in diameter.
• Lower receiver pan and upper strainer cover.
• Interval timer: adjustable with 610 sec precision.
• Sample separator: Single stage rifle type.
• Balance: with 0,1 g accuracy.
• Soft brass wire brush.
• Cylinder: Glass, graduated, 250 mL capacity.
• Equivalent apparatus: Newer technology can produce devices that perform the equivalent function to the mechanical sieve shaker described above for which this method was originally developed. If newer devices are used, the tester must verify the equivalence of the new device to the ASTM standard tester and maintain the ability to cross-check the results of particle size distribution analysis between the mechanical device described above and a newer sieving device.

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