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D5616-04 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🟦 Overview and Scope
ASTM D5616-04 (Reapproved 2022), the Standard Specification for Reclaimed Trichloroethylene, sets the benchmark for recycled trichloroethylene (TCE, CAS No. 79-01-6) intended for noncritical industrial applications. This standard provides a critical reference for purchasers of reclaimed solvent and organizations developing in-house solvent recovery programs. Developed under internationally recognized standardization principles, it ensures that reclaimed material meets rigorous quality requirements for applications such as metal cleaning formulations.
📐 Classification and Property Specifications
The standard defines three distinct types of reclaimed trichloroethylene, categorized according to the precision level of their intended applications. The following table outlines the classification system from Section 3 of the standard.
| 🟦 Type | 📏 Description | 🎯 Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Generally recognized for precision applications | High-precision metal cleaning and assembly |
| Type II | Use for less-demanding precision applications | Routine industrial degreasing |
| Type III | May not be suitable for all applications | General-purpose bulk reclaim; user must verify suitability |
All three Types (I, II, and III) must strictly adhere to the physical and chemical limits detailed in Table 1 of the standard. Verification of these properties relies on a comprehensive suite of specific ASTM test methods.
| ⚗️ Property | 📏 Applicable Test Method | ⚡ Quality Parameter |
|---|---|---|
| Color | D2108 (Platinum-Cobalt Scale) | Per Table 1 specification |
| Specific Gravity / Density | D2111 | Per Table 1 specification |
| Nonvolatile Matter | D2109 | Per Table 1 specification |
| Water Content | D3401 | Per Table 1 specification |
| Acidity / Alkalinity | D2989 | Per Table 1 specification |
| Total Acid Acceptance | D2942 (Nonreflux Method) | Per Table 1 specification |
| Appearance of Admixtures | D3741 | Per Table 1 specification |
| Purity (Gas Chromatography) | D6806 | Per Table 1 specification |
📦 Packaging, Labeling, and Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with federal regulations is a cornerstone of this specification. Industrial or commercial quantities of reclaimed trichloroethylene must be packaged and labeled according to strict governmental standards.
⚠️ DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations: All packaging must fully comply with 49 CFR Parts 100 to 199. This strictly governs the classification, containment, marking, labeling, and shipping of trichloroethylene as a hazardous material during transport.
📋 OSHA Hazard Communication: Container labeling must adhere to 29 CFR 1910.1200. This ensures that chemical hazards are clearly communicated to workers through standardized labeling, warnings, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
In addition to these federal mandates from the DOT and OSHA, handlers and users of reclaimed trichloroethylene must comply with all applicable state and local regulations regarding storage, handling, and disposal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary scope of ASTM D5616?
The standard specifically covers reclaimed trichloroethylene intended for noncritical industrial applications, such as metal cleaning formulations, and serves as a key reference document for in-house recovery programs.
💡 How are the different grades of reclaimed TCE distinguished?
Solvent is classified into Type I (precision applications), Type II (less-demanding precision applications), and Type III (general use, where suitability must be verified by the user). All types must still meet the requirements of Table 1.
⚡ Which ASTM test method is specified for analyzing the purity of reclaimed trichloroethylene?
ASTM D6806, the Practice for Analysis of Halogenated Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures by Gas Chromatography, is the primary standard referenced for determining the purity of reclaimed trichloroethylene.
📌 What regulatory bodies govern the packaging of reclaimed TCE under this standard?
Packaging and labeling must satisfy the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations in 49 CFR Parts 100–199 and the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard in 29 CFR 1910.1200, alongside all applicable state and local regulations.