ASTM C871-18 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C871-18 (reapproved 2023) — Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Thermal Insulation Materials for Leachable Chloride, Fluoride, Silicate, and Sodium Ions. This document specifies laboratory procedures for measuring water‑leachable chloride, fluoride, silicate and sodium ions from thermal insulation materials (reported in parts per million) and provides recommended sample preparation, extraction (leaching) and analytical techniques for those determinations.

Abstract

These test methods describe how to extract and quantify water‑soluble (leachable) chloride, fluoride, silicate and sodium from thermal insulation materials. Typical procedure elements include specimen preparation, leaching in boiling water, filtration of the leachate and analysis by suitable analytical techniques (ion‑selective electrodes, colorimetric methods, coulometric titration, atomic absorption, flame photometry, etc.). The standard is intended to support assessment of corrosion risk (notably external stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steels) and quality control of insulation products.

General information

• Status: Active (C871-18 reapproved / current edition designation C0871-18R23).
• Publication date: Original designation C871-18 (2018); current reapproval/active update recorded in 2023 (document shown last updated June 7, 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: ICS 91.100.60 (Thermal and sound insulating materials).
• Edition / version: ASTM C871-18 (reapproved 2023) — shown as C0871-18R23.
• Number of pages: 6 pages (concise test methods format).

Scope

The standard covers laboratory procedures for determining water‑leachable chloride, fluoride, silicate and sodium ions from thermal insulation materials in the ppm range. It describes specimen selection and preparation, an extraction (leaching) procedure (commonly boiling water for a specified period), filtration and quantitative analysis options. Selection among the listed analytical procedures is left to the laboratory based on equipment, expected concentration ranges and potential interferences. The methods are intended for use in research, product evaluation and quality control where leachable ionic contaminants affect corrosion performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: determine water‑leachable chloride, fluoride, silicate and sodium ions in insulation materials (reported in parts per million).
• Extraction (leaching): prepared specimens are commonly leached in boiling water for a defined interval (examples in the standard show a 30‑minute boiling extraction for many materials).
• Analytical methods: chloride by amperometric‑coulometric titration or ion‑selective electrode; fluoride by ion‑selective electrode or SPADNS colorimetric; silicate by atomic absorption or colorimetric AWWA methods; sodium by flame photometry, atomic absorption, or ion‑selective electrode as appropriate.
• Sample handling and contamination control: use of low‑halide gloves, distilled or deionized water of specified purity, and clean apparatus to avoid introduction of halides/fluorides that would bias results.
• Interpretation: results are used to evaluate corrosion risk (for example, external stress corrosion cracking potential of austenitic stainless steel) and to support product specifications such as ASTM C795 where chemical requirements are confirmed by C871 testing.
• Method selection: laboratories choose the specific analytical technique based on detection limits, interferences and available instrumentation; methods are presented as alternatives rather than a single mandated analytical technique.

Typical use and users

Primary users are testing and quality control laboratories, insulation manufacturers, materials engineers, plant asset/maintenance engineers, and specifiers (especially for applications where insulation contacts austenitic stainless steel such as petrochemical, power generation and some industrial piping systems). The methods are commonly used to screen insulation products and to support specifications that limit corrosive ions in materials installed on stainless steel.

Related standards

Closely related ASTM documents and specifications include: ASTM C692 (test method for the influence of insulation on external stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steel) and ASTM C795 (specification for thermal insulation for use in contact with austenitic stainless steel), which reference and use C871 chemical analyses for confirming chemical requirements. Practice/terminology documents such as ASTM C168 (Terminology relating to thermal insulation) are also referenced. The standard is maintained by Committee C16 (Subcommittee C16.31) and a revision work item (WK92507) to clarify certain specimen types and test guidance was initiated in 2024.

Keywords

thermal insulation; leachable chloride; fluoride; silicate; sodium; chemical analysis; external stress corrosion cracking; ESCC; insulation testing; ASTM C871; C871-18; C0871-18R23.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C871-18(2023) is a concise set of laboratory test methods for determining water‑leachable chloride, fluoride, silicate and sodium ions from thermal insulation materials (reported in ppm). It provides specimen preparation, leaching and analytical options to quantify these ions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample selection and preparation, a boiling‑water leach (extraction) procedure, filtration of leachates and several analytical techniques for quantifying chloride, fluoride, silicate and sodium. The standard also gives handling precautions to prevent contamination and guidance on selecting analysis methods based on laboratory capability.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical and QA/QC laboratories, insulation manufacturers and product developers, plant and maintenance engineers, corrosion specialists, and specifiers who need to evaluate or limit corrosive ions in insulation materials—especially when insulation will contact austenitic stainless steel.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation in common use is ASTM C871-18, reapproved/reconfirmed in 2023 (document shown as C0871-18R23) and is active. A committee work item to revise/clarify the standard was initiated in October 2024, so users should check for any approved revisions after 2024 if they require the very latest wording.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM C16 committee portfolio on thermal insulation and is commonly referenced together with test methods and specifications such as ASTM C692 and ASTM C795 which address corrosion testing and acceptance criteria for insulation in contact with stainless steel.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Thermal insulation, leachable chloride, fluoride, silicate, sodium, chemical analysis, ESCC, insulation testing, ASTM C871, C795, C692.