ASTM D3802-23 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Ball‑Pan Hardness of Activated Carbon — ASTM D3802‑23. This standard specifies a laboratory procedure for determining the ball‑pan hardness number of granular activated carbons (granular carbons for which 90 % of particles are larger than 80 mesh / 180 µm).

Abstract

ASTM D3802‑23 provides a repeatable ball‑pan test method used to produce a ball‑pan hardness number that characterizes the tendency of granular activated carbon to resist particle breakage under simulated tumbling/agitation. The result is commonly used for lot comparison, quality control, and specification of granular carbons, with established procedure, apparatus description, and reported precision from interlaboratory studies.

General information

• Status: Active standard (current revision D3802‑23).
• Publication date: 1 June 2023 (designated D3802‑23 / June 1, 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: ICS code commonly cited for this document is 75.160.10 (Solid fuels / related testing); committee responsibility: ASTM Committee D28 (Activated Carbon).
• Edition / version: D3802‑23 (current revision).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (short test method).

Scope

The test covers a procedure for determining the ball‑pan hardness number of granular activated carbons with particle size defined so that 90 % of particles are larger than 80 mesh (180 µm), using a standardized pan, balls, and tumbling procedure to produce a hardness index. The standard emphasizes SI units and notes that the test is intended to provide a measurable comparative characteristic rather than a direct prediction of in‑service attrition under all field conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of sample type and particle size acceptance for granular activated carbon (90 % > 80 mesh / 180 µm).
• Detailed apparatus description (ball‑pan assembly, ball media, pan dimensions) and sample preparation requirements.
• Stepwise test procedure: tumbling cycles, cleaning, sieving, and mass loss / hardness number calculation.
• Reporting conventions (units, significant figures) and guidance on interpretation for lot comparison and quality control.
• Precision information derived from interlaboratory studies and related research report (RR:D28‑1006).

Typical use and users

Used by activated carbon manufacturers, quality control and testing laboratories, material suppliers, filtration system designers, and researchers who need a standardized comparative measurement of the mechanical robustness (hardness) of granular activated carbons. Regulators and purchasers may reference the number when specifying product acceptance criteria.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related ASTM methods include: Test Method D2862 (particle size analysis for activated carbon), and several D28 series methods for porosity, adsorption, and related physical properties (examples: D5199, D5200 series). Historical editions of D3802 (e.g., D3802‑16, D3802‑10) document prior revisions. An interlaboratory research report RR:D28‑1006 documents precision work for D3802.

Keywords

ball‑pan hardness, activated carbon, granular activated carbon, hardness number, ASTM D3802, D28 committee, abrasion resistance, QC test method, ball‑pan test.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3802‑23 is the Standard Test Method for Ball‑Pan Hardness of Activated Carbon, a short laboratory procedure that produces a ball‑pan hardness number for granular activated carbons.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the apparatus, sample preparation, tumbling procedure, calculations, and reporting needed to determine a comparative ball‑pan hardness number for granular activated carbons (90 % > 80 mesh / 180 µm). It is intended for comparative and QC use rather than as an absolute predictor of in‑service attrition.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Activated carbon manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, purchasers and specifiers of granular carbon products, filtration system designers, and researchers performing materials characterization or quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current revision is D3802‑23 (published June 1, 2023). Previous revisions include D3802‑16, D3802‑10, and earlier editions; users should reference D3802‑23 for the latest text.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is maintained by ASTM Committee D28 on Activated Carbon and is part of a family of D28 test methods covering particle size, adsorption, porosity, and other physical properties of activated carbons. Related D28 test methods and research reports provide complementary measurements and precision data.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: ball‑pan hardness, activated carbon, granular carbon, hardness number, abrasion/attrition test, ASTM D3802, quality control.