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D3879-91 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Application of D3879-91
ASTM D3879-91 (Reapproved 2004) establishes the procedure for obtaining composite and master composite samples from commercial milled amphibole asbestos fibers. The standard outlines a rigorous methodology for taking a sample at the mine, factory, or from a consignment. Through prescribed conditioning and reduction steps, the bulk fiber lot is transformed into small, representative test specimens of loose fiber. As stated in Section 1.1, each of these specimens may be regarded as fully representative of the lot.
This test method explicitly states in Section 1.4 that the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. A critical safety warning is provided in Section 1.5, which must be strictly adhered to by all personnel involved in sampling operations.
⚙️ Sampling Strategy and Preparation Workflow
The sampling strategy, further detailed in Appendix X1, centers on creating a master composite sample that accurately reflects the source lot. The specimens generated by D3879 are specifically qualified for use with the test methods listed in Section 2.1. The key stages of this process are outlined below.
| 🎯 Stage | 📏 Action | ⚡ Location / Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lot Identification | Commercial milled amphibole fibers | Scope 1.1 |
| Composite Sampling | Take a composite or master composite sample | Mine, factory, or consignment |
| Sample Conditioning | Environmental stabilization of the sample | Scope 1.1 |
| Sample Reduction | Quantity reduction of the bulk sample | Mechanical division |
| Final Output | Series of representative test specimens | For testing per Section 2.1 |
📊 Referenced Test Methods and Measured Properties
The specimens derived from this sampling protocol are designed to meet the requirements of a wide array of ASTM test methods that evaluate physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. These include the wash test (C1120), wet-length classification (C1121, D2589), and strength impartation tests (D3752). A selection of the supported standards from Section 2.1 is detailed in the table below.
| 🟦 Designation | 📏 Test Method Title |
|---|---|
| C 1120 | Wash Test of Asbestos |
| C 1121 | Turner and Newall (T and N) Wet-Length Classification |
| D 2589 | Mc
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