ASTM B39-79 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM B39-79(2023) — Standard Specification for Nickel. This specification defines chemical, physical and dimensional requirements, sampling and test procedures, and commercial forms (cathodes, briquettes, pellets) for refined nickel produced from ore, matte, or similar raw material.

Abstract

This specification covers refined nickel primarily produced from ore or matte or similar raw material. It requires chemical analysis to verify limits for nickel and trace elements (including cobalt, copper, carbon, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, manganese, silicon, arsenic, lead, antimony, bismuth, tin, and zinc) and describes principal commercial forms and sampling procedures (for example, template drilling of cathodes).

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 31 March 2023 (Current edition approved April 1, 2023; designation shown as B39 − 79, reapproved 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.120.40 — Nickel, chromium and their alloys; Committee B02 (Nonferrous Metals and Alloys), Subcommittee B02.07 (Refined Nickel and Cobalt and Their Alloys).
• Edition / version: B39 − 79 (Reapproved 2023), designation shown as ASTM B39-79(2023), DOI 10.1520/B0039-79R23.
• Number of pages: 3 pages (concise specification sheet).

Key bibliographic and edition details as published by ASTM and standard distributors.

Scope

Applies to refined nickel produced primarily from ore or matte or similar raw material and covers the principal commercial forms — cathodes, briquettes, and pellets. The standard specifies chemical composition limits, permissible dimensional variations for common commercial sizes, sampling and sample-preparation methods, and referenced test practices needed to demonstrate conformity. Values are given in inch‑pound units as standard, with SI conversions for information.

Key topics and requirements

• Chemical composition limits (example: nickel minimum 99.80%; specified maximums for cobalt, copper, carbon, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, etc.).
• Principal commercial forms and dimensional descriptions: cathodes, pillow-shaped briquettes, and roughly spherical pellets with typical sizes defined.
• Sampling procedures for form types — e.g., template drilling of cathodes (template drilling and alternative shearing procedures are specified).
• Referenced ASTM practices and test methods required for analysis (for example ASTM E29 practice for significant digits and ASTM E39 methods for nickel analysis are referenced).
• Ordering information and purchaser-supplier responsibilities, including when more restrictive compositions or sizes are required by agreement.

Typical use and users

Used by nickel producers (refineries and smelters), metal traders, commodity exchanges and warehouses, end-users requiring certified feedstock for refining or industrial processing, and procurement/specification engineers. The specification is referenced by commercial markets and delivery specifications (for example, exchange/market product grades that accept ASTM B39-79(2023) nickel as a delivery grade).

Related standards

References and cross‑references within the specification include ASTM practices and methods for chemical analysis and test data handling (for example ASTM E29 and historical/related ASTM methods for nickel analysis). The standard is published within ASTM Book of Standards, volume covering nonferrous metals and alloys and sits alongside other B02 series nickel and nickel‑alloy specifications.

Keywords

Nickel, refined nickel, cathodes, briquettes, pellets, chemical composition, sampling, template drilling, ASTM B39, B39-79, specification, nonferrous metals.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B39-79(2023) is the ASTM International specification that defines requirements for refined nickel — covering composition, forms, sizes, sampling, and referenced test practices for demonstrating conformance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers refined nickel produced from ore or matte (or similar feedstocks), specifying chemical limits for nickel and trace elements, standard commercial forms (cathodes, briquettes, pellets), dimensional tolerances, and sampling/test procedures (including template drilling of cathodes).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Producers, refiners, metal traders, commodity exchange participants, warehouses, quality/control laboratories, and purchasing/specification engineers who need a concise, widely recognized material specification for commercial nickel.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard is shown as B39 − 79 (Reapproved 2023) and is published in its current active form (ASTM B39-79(2023)). Users should check the official ASTM catalog for any future amendments or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee B02’s portfolio addressing nonferrous metals and alloys; Subcommittee B02.07 covers refined nickel and cobalt and their alloys. It is published alongside other B‑series nickel and nickel‑alloy standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Nickel, refined nickel, cathodes, briquettes, pellets, chemical composition, sampling, ASTM, B39, nonferrous metals.