Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D3038-93 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Apparatus Specifications and Setup
The drop shatter test apparatus includes a precisely dimensioned box, base plate, and support frame. The box has bottom doors hinged lengthwise with a trip latch for rapid opening.
| 🟦 Component | 📏 SI Dimensions | 📐 Imperial Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Box (internal) | 455 mm × 710 mm × 380 mm | 18 in × 28 in × 15 in |
| Box door thickness | 6 mm | 1/4 in |
| Box side thickness | 3 mm min. | 1/8 in min. |
| Base plate | 1.22 m × 965 mm × 13 mm | 48 in × 38 in × 1/2 in |
| Vertical containment plates | 200 mm height | 8 in height |
The base plate must be rigidly supported; mounting on concrete is recommended.
💡 Tip: Ensure the box doors swing open freely and the support frame does not impede the fall of the coke.
⚙️ Test Procedure and Significance
The test method offers two procedures based on the sample’s coke size distribution. Procedure A is used when the sample contains 50% or less of 100 mm (4 in) coke after removing material smaller than 50 mm (2 in). Procedure B applies when more than 50% is 100 mm coke.
| 🎯 Criterion | Procedure A | Procedure B |
|---|---|---|
| Content of 100 mm coke | 50% or less | More than 50% |
| Reference sections | 6–9 | 10–13 |
The test results indicate the property of coke to withstand breakage under standard drop conditions, providing insights into breakage during transit and handling.
⚠️ Important: Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices before conducting the test.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 How is the sample prepared?
The sample must be prepared following Practice D346, with all coke smaller than 50 mm (2 in) removed before testing.
💡 What is the difference between Procedure A and B?
Procedure A is for samples with 50% or less 100 mm coke, while Procedure B is for samples with more than 50% 100 mm coke.
⚡ What apparatus is needed?
The apparatus includes a box with trip-latch doors, a rigid base plate with containment walls, a support frame, sieves conforming to ASTM E11 or E323, and weighing scales.
📌 What does the test indicate?
The test indicates the extent of breakage expected during conventional transit and handling of coke.