ASTM D502-89(2003)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation:D502–89(Reapproved 2003)
Standard Test Method for
Particle Size of Soaps and Other Detergents
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D502; 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.
1. Scope 6. Procedure Using Hand-Sieving Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle 6.1 Use a nest of clean, dry sieves consisting of a No. 12
size of soaps and other detergents by hand sieving and machine (1700-µm), No. 40 (425-µm), and a No. 100 (150-µm) sieve.
sieving methods. Other size sieves may be used when required by the individual
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the specifications. Transfer a 100 6 0.1 g well-mixed sample
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the without previous drying to the top sieve. Simultaneously shake
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- the sieves by hand with occasional tapping of the edge of the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- bottom sieve on a large rubber stopper or a flat, thick piece of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Material Safety rubber. When the portion of the soap passing through the
Data Sheets are available for reagents and materials. Review bottom sieve (No. 100) is less than 0.1 g/min of shaking (this
them for hazards prior to usage. can be well judged by sifting into a large, dark colored pan)
remove the top sieve and shake separately over a clean, dark
2. Referenced Documents
pan to be certain that no more of the residue will pass through.
2.1 ASTM Standards: Place any material passing through the largest sieve on the next
D460 Test Methods for Sampling and ChemicalAnalysis of
size sieve, using a small camel’s hair brush to remove the
Soaps and Soap Products material from the catch pan. Repeat the same procedure of
D501 Test Methods of Sampling and Chemical Analysis of
sifting successively with each sieve used. Carefully weigh the
Alkaline Detergents portions retained on each sieve and the portion passing the
E11 Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest
smallest sieve.
Sieves 6.2 Duplicate particle size determinations shall be made and
the average of the two tests used in the calculations.
3. Significance and Use
7. Procedure Using Machine-Sieving Method
3.1 This test method assures that the particle size of soaps
and detergents conforms to specifications having to do with 7.1 Use a nest of clean dry sieves consisting of a No. 12
density and packaging, among others. It also offers a means of
(1700-µm), No. 40 (425-µm), and a No. 100 (150-µm) sieve.
controlling the amount of potentially hazardous very low Other size sieves may be used when required by the individual
particle size material.
specifications. Transfer a 100 6 0.1-g well-mixed sample,
without previous drying, to the top sieve. Place the nest of
4. Sieves
sieves in a mechanically operated sieve shaker and allow the
4.1 The sieves shall conform to Speci
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