ASTM C838-16 (2023) PDF
Name in English:
St ASTM C838-16 (2023)
Name in Russian:
Ст ASTM C838-16 (2023)
Original standard ASTM C838-16 (2023) in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM C838-16(2023) — Standard Test Method for Bulk Density of As-Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Shapes. This short test method describes procedures for determining the bulk density of manufactured carbon and graphite logs, blocks, and shaped articles by gravimetric measurement of mass and geometric dimensions at ambient (room) temperature.
Abstract
This standard provides a simple, rapid means to determine the bulk density of as-manufactured carbon and graphite shapes for production control and acceptance. It applies to plain and boronated carbon and graphite articles that are thermally stable at room temperature and up to about 200 °C, and it defines measurement, calculation, and reporting conventions using SI units. For applications requiring higher accuracy, the standard indicates alternative test methods (for example, Test Method C559).
General information
- Status: Active (reapproved).
- Publication date: December 1, 2023 (reapproval of designation C838‑16).
- Publisher: ASTM International.
- ICS / categories: 81.080 (Refractories; carbon and graphite materials).
- Edition / version: C838‑16 (Reapproved 2023).
- Number of pages: 2.
Scope
The test method covers determination of bulk density for as‑manufactured carbon and graphite shapes by measuring mass and external dimensions at room temperature. It is applicable to boronated carbon and graphite shapes and intended for manufacturing control and acceptance testing. It is not intended for materials that are thermally unstable at or below about 200 °C. Results are reported using SI units.
Key topics and requirements
- Definition of bulk density for logs, blocks, and shaped carbon/graphite articles.
- Procedures for measuring mass (gravimetric) and external dimensions at ambient temperature.
- Calculation method to convert measured mass and volume into bulk density (SI units).
- Applicability to boronated carbon and graphite; exclusion for thermally unstable materials ≤200 °C.
- Intended use: manufacturing control and acceptance; note referencing of more precise methods (e.g., Test Method C559) when higher accuracy is required.
Typical use and users
Used by manufacturers of carbon and graphite shapes, quality control and materials testing laboratories, purchasers and suppliers specifying acceptance criteria, and R&D groups evaluating production consistency. Typical applications include refractory components, graphite electrodes and shapes, and other industrial carbon/graphite products where bulk density is a production or acceptance parameter.
Related standards
Commonly referenced or complementary ASTM methods include Test Method C559 (alternative density procedures where higher accuracy is required), Test Methods such as C1039 (apparent porosity, specific gravity, bulk density of graphite electrodes), and other ASTM standards for electrical, mechanical, or porosity properties of carbon/graphite articles (for example, C611 and related graphite test methods).
Keywords
bulk density, carbon, graphite, as-manufactured, boronated, gravimetric, manufacturing control, acceptance, SI units, density test
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM C838‑16(2023) is a short test method that specifies how to determine the bulk density of as‑manufactured carbon and graphite shapes by measuring mass and external dimensions at room temperature.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers measurement and calculation of bulk density for logs, blocks, and shaped carbon/graphite articles (including boronated grades) for production control and acceptance, and it identifies materials for which the method is not applicable (thermally unstable ≤200 °C).
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Manufacturers, QC/QA laboratories, specifiers and purchasers of carbon and graphite shapes, and research labs involved in production or evaluation of refractory and graphite products.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The designation is C838‑16 reapproved in 2023; the standard is shown as active (reapproved December 1, 2023).
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It is one of several ASTM test methods for carbon and graphite materials and is commonly used alongside other methods (for porosity, specific gravity, electrical resistivity, etc.), such as Test Method C559 and C1039.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Bulk density, carbon, graphite, as‑manufactured, boronated, gravimetric, manufacturing control, acceptance testing.