Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D2251-10 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D2251-10 (Reapproved 2020) covers evaluating the corrosiveness of halogenated organic solvents and their admixtures to metals for cold cleaning applications. This standard exposes polished metal specimens to the solvent under strictly controlled conditions to directly assess corrosive potential.
🔬 Test Method Overview and Apparatus
The test method exposes polished metal strips under two distinct conditions: immersion in a boiling sample under reflux for 60 minutes, and immersion in a closed container at room temperature for 10 days. The apparatus for the reflux setup includes a 125 mL borosilicate glass Erlenmeyer flask (24/40 standard-taper joint) fitted with a 650 mm reflux condenser. Temperature is monitored by an ASTM thermometer conforming to Specification E2251 (Thermometer 8C or 8F). Room temperature tests are conducted in 150 mm by 19 mm test tubes with standard-taper, ground-glass stoppers.
| 🟦 Component | 📏 Specification | 🎯 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Erlenmeyer Flask | 125 mL capacity | Borosilicate glass, 24/40 joint |
| Reflux Condenser | 650 mm in length | 24/40 standard-taper joint |
| Test Tubes | 150 mm x 19 mm | Standard-taper, ground-glass stopper |
| Thermometer | ASTM 8F or 8C | Range: -2°C to 400°C / 30°F to 760°F |
⚙️ Specimen Preparation and Test Procedure
Specimens are metal strips measuring 12 mm in width and 76 mm in length. A suggested selection of metals includes copper, brass, aluminum, steel, and galvanized iron. Strips must be polished uniformly using 240-grit silicon carbide or alumina-grit paper. In the reflux procedure, the solvent and specimen are heated to the sample’s initial boiling point for 60 minutes. For the long-term evaluation, strips are immersed in the solvent within sealed test tubes and stored at room temperature for 10 days. After exposure, strips are removed and examined for corrosion, pitting, etching, or discoloration.
⚠️ Safety Advisory: Halogenated organic solvents can be hazardous. Establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices per Section 1.3. Compliance with regulatory limitations is strictly required.
💡 Technical Note: This test method is an adaptation of Test Method D130 (Copper Strip Test), specifically modified for halogenated solvents on a wider range of metals for cold cleaning (Section 1.1, Note 1).
| 📐 Parameter | ⚡ Reflux Test Condition | 🌡️ Room Temperature Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Specimen Size | 12 mm x 76 mm | 12 mm x 76 mm |
| Container | 125 mL Flask + Reflux Condenser | Closed Test Tube |
| Temperature | Reflux (boiling point) | Room temperature |
| Duration | 60 minutes | 10 days |
| Suggested Metals | Copper, brass, aluminum, steel, galvanized iron | |
📊 Significance and Interpretation
Results serve as a guide for selecting or eliminating certain solvents or solvent