ASTM C577-19 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Permeability of Refractories — ASTM C577-19. This test method defines procedures and apparatus for measuring the rate of flow of air or nitrogen through refractory brick and monolithic refractories to determine their permeability (expressed for example in centidarcies or equivalent units).

Abstract

ASTM C577-19 describes specimen preparation, drying, measurement apparatus, and calculation methods to determine room‑temperature gas permeability of refractory materials (brick and monoliths). The method is intended for comparative research, product evaluation, and establishing permeability criteria for specification acceptance.

General information

• Status: Superseded / revised (historical edition). ASTM C577-19 has been revised by ASTM C577-25; C577-19 is therefore a historical edition.
• Publication date: November 1, 2019 (designation C577-19).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee C08 — Refractories).
• ICS / categories: Refractories; ICS code commonly associated: 81.080 (refractories / refractory materials).
• Edition / version: C577-19 (2019 edition; later revised by C577-25).
• Number of pages: 5 pages (typical published length for this test method).

Scope

This test method covers determination of the permeability of refractory brick and monoliths from which suitable specimens can be cut, at room temperature, using a gas flow (air or nitrogen) through the specimen and measuring pressure and flow to calculate permeability. The standard notes unit conventions (inch‑pound with SI conversions) and that certain apparatus and calculations may require SI units. It does not address all safety concerns associated with use.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen selection and orientation — retain original surfaces when directional differences are important.
• Specimen drying and conditioning — specified drying procedures (e.g., controlled drying temperature and times) prior to testing to remove moisture that affects permeability.
• Apparatus and flow measurement — controlled gas supply (air or nitrogen), flowmeter, pressure transducers, and fixtures to ensure uniform flow through the specimen.
• Calculations — conversion of measured flow and pressure drop to permeability values (with attention to required unit systems and any SI‑only calculation steps).
• Reporting — specimen description, orientation, drying history, test gas, measured values, and computed permeability (units and any conversion factors).

These topics are drawn from the method’s required procedures and signification-of-use notes.

Typical use and users

Used by materials and process engineers, refractory product manufacturers, quality/control laboratories, research and development groups, and specifiers in industries that rely on refractories (metallurgy, foundry, cement, glass, petrochemical). Typical uses include comparative product evaluation, R&D, acceptance testing, and establishing permeability criteria for procurement specifications.

Related standards

ASTM C577 has earlier historical editions (for example C577‑07/C577‑07e2) and the C577‑19 edition has been revised by C577‑25. Other ASTM test methods and specifications addressing refractory properties, physical testing, or material recipes are commonly used alongside C577 (references and cross‑references appear in related standards databases).

Keywords

permeability; refractories; gas flow; centidarcy; brick; monolith; permeability test; C577; ASTM; pressure drop; flow measurement.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C577-19 is the 2019 edition of the ASTM Standard Test Method for Permeability of Refractories, a short (≈5‑page) procedure for determining gas permeability of refractory brick and monoliths at room temperature.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation and orientation, drying/conditioning, apparatus and measurement of gas flow and pressure, the calculations to convert measured values into permeability, and reporting requirements for test results. It is intended for comparative testing, R&D, and specification acceptance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials engineers, refractory manufacturers, test laboratories, procurement/specification writers, and researchers in industries using refractory linings (steel, glass, cement, petrochemical, etc.).

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: C577-19 is a historical edition: it has been revised by ASTM C577-25 (active as of November 1, 2025). Users who require the current, authoritative procedure should refer to the latest ASTM edition (C577-25).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: C577 is part of ASTM’s suite of standards for refractories (Committee C08) and has a series of historical revisions (examples: C577-07, C577-07e2, C577-19) culminating in later revisions; related ASTM test methods and specifications on refractory properties are often used together.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Permeability, refractories, gas flow, centidarcy, pressure drop, brick, monolith, flowmeter, ASTM C577.