Standard Test Methods for Apparent Porosity, Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk Density of Graphite Electrodes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The results of these test methods can be used as a quality control or quality assurance check of electrodes either during their manufacture or at the user's location. The results of these methods tend to be operator-sensitive; therefore, care must be taken in the execution of the test in order to obtain reproducible results.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of apparent porosity, apparent specific gravity, and bulk density of cores taken from graphite electrodes manufactured for use in electric arc furnaces. (See also C559 and C838.)  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
30-Nov-2020

Relations

Effective Date
01-Dec-2023
Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
01-Jan-2016
Effective Date
01-Jan-2016
Effective Date
01-Oct-2015
Effective Date
01-May-2010
Effective Date
01-May-2010
Effective Date
01-May-2010
Effective Date
01-Nov-2005
Effective Date
01-Jun-2005
Effective Date
01-Jun-2005
Effective Date
10-Nov-2001
Effective Date
10-Apr-2000
Effective Date
10-Apr-2000

Overview

ASTM C1039-85(2020)e1 specifies standard test methods for determining the apparent porosity, apparent specific gravity, and bulk density of graphite electrodes. These methods are essential for quality control and quality assurance of graphite electrodes, which are mainly used in electric arc furnaces. By providing consistent procedures for measurement, the standard helps manufacturers and users verify the physical properties of graphite electrodes, ensuring product reliability and performance.

These test methods are operator-sensitive, meaning skilled execution is required to achieve reproducible results. The values are reported in SI units, reinforcing the standard's international applicability in line with World Trade Organization principles.

Key Topics

  • Apparent Porosity

    • Evaluation of the open pores in graphite electrodes relative to their total volume.
    • Critical for assessing electrode permeability and performance in demanding applications.
  • Apparent Specific Gravity

    • Measurement of the density of the impervious portion of an electrode, excluding pores.
    • Used to determine the material quality and structural integrity.
  • Bulk Density

    • Calculation of mass per unit volume, inclusive of all internal pores.
    • Indicates overall electrode strength and suitability for electric arc furnace operations.
  • Sampling Procedures

    • Guidelines on extracting core samples from graphite electrodes for representative testing.
  • Equipment and Calibration

    • Specifications for necessary apparatus, such as drying ovens, analytical balances, autoclaves, vacuum pumps, and immersion tools.
    • Calibration instructions to ensure accuracy of the measured values.

Applications

  • Quality Control in Manufacturing

    • Used by manufacturers to verify the physical properties of graphite electrodes during production.
    • Supports ongoing process improvements and product consistency.
  • Quality Assurance at Point of Use

    • End-users, such as steelmakers, utilize the test methods to confirm delivered electrodes meet specified requirements.
    • Prevents downtime and quality issues in electric arc furnace operations by identifying substandard electrodes before use.
  • Comparative Evaluation

    • Enables benchmarking of various graphite electrode grades (e.g., premium, regular, connecting nipples) through standard metrics.
    • Facilitates procurement and material selection decisions in industrial environments.
  • Research and Development

    • Provides standardized data points for material scientists developing new graphite-based materials or optimizing manufacturing parameters.

Related Standards

These ASTM standards complement C1039-85(2020)e1 and are often referenced for procedures and definitions:

  • ASTM C559: Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles.
  • ASTM C783: Practice for Core Sampling of Graphite Electrodes.
  • ASTM C838: Test Method for Bulk Density of As-Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Shapes.

Practical Value

Using ASTM C1039-85(2020)e1 helps organizations ensure their graphite electrodes have the structural and physical properties necessary for safe, efficient furnace operation. Accurate measurement of apparent porosity, specific gravity, and bulk density underpins decisions in manufacturing, procurement, and operational phases, directly impacting product quality and lifecycle cost.

By adhering to these standardized test methods, both manufacturers and end-users can minimize product variability, detect quality issues early, and meet international trade and procurement requirements. This contributes to safer operations, improved product performance, and greater customer satisfaction in the industrial use of graphite electrodes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM C1039-85(2020)e1 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Methods for Apparent Porosity, Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk Density of Graphite Electrodes". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The results of these test methods can be used as a quality control or quality assurance check of electrodes either during their manufacture or at the user's location. The results of these methods tend to be operator-sensitive; therefore, care must be taken in the execution of the test in order to obtain reproducible results. SCOPE 1.1 These test methods cover the determination of apparent porosity, apparent specific gravity, and bulk density of cores taken from graphite electrodes manufactured for use in electric arc furnaces. (See also C559 and C838.) 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The results of these test methods can be used as a quality control or quality assurance check of electrodes either during their manufacture or at the user's location. The results of these methods tend to be operator-sensitive; therefore, care must be taken in the execution of the test in order to obtain reproducible results. SCOPE 1.1 These test methods cover the determination of apparent porosity, apparent specific gravity, and bulk density of cores taken from graphite electrodes manufactured for use in electric arc furnaces. (See also C559 and C838.) 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM C1039-85(2020)e1 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM C1039-85(2020)e1 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C838-16(2023), ASTM C783-85(2020), ASTM C559-16(2020), ASTM C559-16, ASTM C838-16, ASTM C783-85(2015), ASTM C559-90(2010), ASTM C838-96(2010)e1, ASTM C783-85(2010)e1, ASTM C838-96(2005), ASTM C783-85(2005), ASTM C559-90(2005), ASTM C838-96(2001), ASTM C559-90(2000), ASTM C783-85(2000). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM C1039-85(2020)e1 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
´1
Designation:C1039 −85 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Methods for
Apparent Porosity, Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk
Density of Graphite Electrodes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1039; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially updated 3.1, 4.3.1, Note 1, and 9.1 in December 2020.
1. Scope their manufacture or at the user’s location. The results of these
methods tend to be operator-sensitive; therefore, care must be
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of apparent
takenintheexecutionofthetestinordertoobtainreproducible
porosity, apparent specific gravity, and bulk density of cores
results.
taken from graphite electrodes manufactured for use in electric
arc furnaces. (See also C559 and C838.)
4. Apparatus
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4.1 Drying Oven.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
4.2 Analytical Balance, capable of weighing to 0.1 g.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety
4.3 Autoclave or Pressure Vessel, capable of withstanding
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
one atmosphere externally and designed to withstand at least
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
448 kPa to 483 kPa internal pressure.
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
4.3.1 Thepressurevesselshallbeprovidedwithanopen-top
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
container to hold the specimens and a means of introducing
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
water around the specimens while specimens are being held at
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
low pressure.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.4 Vacuum Pump.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.5 Wire Loop, Halter or Stirrup, fabricated with 22 AWG
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(9.643 mm) copper wire shall be provided for determining
suspended weight.
2. Referenced Documents
4.6 Smooth Linen or Cotton Cloth.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C559 Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measure-
5. Test Specimens and Sampling
ments of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
C783 Practice for Core Sampling of Graphite Electrodes 5.1 Electrodes can be sampled using Practice C783 that
C838 Test Method for Bulk Density of As-Manufactured result in a specimen with approximately 50 mm diameter and
Carbon and Graphite Shapes 191 mm long or a specimen of equivalent volume.
5.2 If sizes and shapes which are different from those
3. Significance and Use
described in 5.1, these shall be included in the report.
3.1 Theresultsofthesetestmethodscanbeusedasaquality
5.3 For each test, select at least five electrodes, at random,
control or quality assurance check of electrodes either during
to represent a lot.The lot size will be determined by agreement
of the parties desiring the tests.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.F0 on Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Products.
6. Calibration
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
6.1 Prior to obtaining the suspended weights of the
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C1039 – 85 (2015).
DOI: 10.1520/C1039-85R20E01.
specimens, the balance shall be adjusted to zero with the wire
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
stirrup suspended from the balance and immersed into a
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
container of the liquid to the same depth in the liquid as occurs
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. when a specimen is in place.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
C1039−85 (2020)
7. Procedure where:
V = exterior volume, cm ,
7.1 Determinations of Dry Weight, D:
W = saturated weight, g, and
7.1.1 Dry the test specimens to constant weight by heating
S = suspended weight, g.
to 100 °C to 110 °C. Cool and determine the dry weight, D,in
NOTE 2—This assumes that one cubic centimetre of water weighs 1 g.
grams to the nearest 0.1 g. If the time between drying and
This is true within about 3 parts in 1000 for water at 20 °C to 25 °C.
weighing exceeds 8 h, the specimens must be stored in a
8.2 Volume of Open Pores—Obtain the volume of open
desiccator.
pores by subtracting the dry weight, D, from the saturated
7.1.2 The determination of dry weight may be done either
weight, W.
before or after the saturation operation. If the specimen is
friable or there is evidence that particles have broken loose Volume of open pores, cm 5 W 2 D (2)
during the saturation operation, the dry weight shall be
8.3 Volume of Impervious Portion—Obtain the volume of
obtained after the suspended and saturated weights have been
impervious portion by subtracting the suspended weight, S,
determined. Drying as described in 7.1.1 must be carried out.
from the dry weight, D.
7.2 Saturation:
Volume of impervious portion, cm 5 D 2 S (3)
7.2.1 Using the pressure vessel describ
...

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