Overview
ISO 14422:1999 specifies standardized methods and conditions for sampling cold-ramming pastes - carbonaceous mixtures used in aluminium production that contain graded aggregate and bonding materials. The standard ensures representative, reproducible sampling of cold-ramming pastes for quality control, testing and contractual verification in aluminium manufacture.
Keywords: ISO 14422:1999, cold-ramming pastes, sampling methods, aluminium manufacture, carbonaceous materials
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Defines terms such as cold-ramming paste, increment, sample unit and test portion (references ISO 6257 for related sampling terms).
- Apparatus requirements:
- Sampling scoop internal width at least six times the largest particle size.
- Sampling spear internal diameter at least six times the largest particle and length ≈ 10% greater than product depth.
- Quartering cross and suitable sample containers that do not alter the sample.
- Increment and final sample masses:
- Minimum increment mass set by maximum grain size (e.g., larger particles → larger increments).
- Minimum final sample mass depends on consignment size (examples from the standard: up to ~1 t → 8 kg; 1–5 t → 12 kg; 5–10 t → 16 kg; 10–50 t → 24 kg; 50–100 t → 32 kg).
- Sampling techniques:
- Coning and quartering for smaller, manageable items.
- Flattened-heap technique for mixed or larger items.
- Sampling-spear technique for inaccessible or bulk containers.
- In-process sampling guidance (e.g., mixer must be switched off and isolated).
- Sample subdivision and test portions:
- Laboratory and reference samples each at least three times the combined mass required for tests.
- Subdivision by repeated coning and quartering and rules for obtaining test portions and adjusting minor mass differences.
- Documentation: Required sampling report items (manufacturer/product ID, date, container counts/marks, sampling method and reference to ISO 14422:1999, number of increments, sample IDs, unusual observations).
Applications and users
- Quality control and laboratory personnel in aluminium smelters and refractory/consumable suppliers
- Procurement, inspection and conformity assessment teams verifying delivered cold-ramming pastes
- Contracting parties requiring traceable, standardized sampling for dispute resolution or certification
- Test laboratories preparing representative test portions for physical and chemical analysis
Related standards
- ISO 6257 - Carbonaceous materials used in the production of aluminium - Pitch for electrodes - Sampling (normative reference cited in ISO 14422:1999)
Using ISO 14422:1999 helps organizations obtain representative samples, reduce sampling bias, and support reliable test results and contractual transparency in aluminium production workflows.