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D2854-09 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Significance
ASTM D2854-09 (Reapproved 2019) defines a standardized procedure for determining the apparent density (bulk density) of granular activated carbon. For the purposes of this test method, granular activated carbon is defined as material where a minimum of 90% of the particles are retained on an 80 mesh sieve.
The apparent density measured by this method provides a practical figure for the packed density of a carbon bed. This value is critical for designing containment vessels for adsorption systems and for ordering materials to fill existing vessels. All values are reported in SI units (g/mL) as the standard.
⚙️ Apparatus and Test Procedure
The test method relies on a specific apparatus setup to ensure reproducible packing of the carbon sample. The carbon is dried in accordance with Test Methods D2867, then fed from a reservoir funnel through a vibratory feeder into a graduated cylinder via free fall. Tapping or vibrating the receiving cylinder is explicitly avoided to maintain consistency with the standard test method.
⚠️ Critical Cylinder Selection: The inside diameter of the selected graduated cylinder must be at least ten (10) times the mean particle diameter (MPD) of the sample, as determined by Test Method D2862. This ratio is essential to prevent bridging and ensure uniform packing.
| 🟦 Apparatus Component | 📐 Specification / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Reservoir & Feed Funnels | Fabricated of glass or metal |
| Vibratory Feeder | Constant feed rate; allows free fall into cylinder |
| Graduated Cylinder | 100, 250, or 500 mL capacity; calibrated “to contain” (TC) |
| Balance |