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D6136 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🔬 Scope and Purpose of D6136/D6136M
ASTM D6136/D6136M-15 (Reapproved 2021) covers the determination of the relative saturating capacity of unsaturated (dry) felt papers used in roofing. This standard defines the rigorous vacuum method procedure for calculating the Kerosine Number, which quantifies the quantity of saturant a given felt will absorb.
A critical requirement of the standard is the strict separation of unit systems. Values stated in SI units or inch-pound units are not exact equivalents and must never be combined to ensure conformance.
🚨 Mandatory Unit Control: Per Section 1.2, each system of units (SI or inch-pound) shall be used independently. Combining values from the two systems constitutes a non-conformance with the standard.
⚙️ Apparatus, Reagents, and Methodology
The vacuum method requires specific apparatus outlined in Section 5 of the standard to ensure the complete displacement of air from the felt’s interior voids.
🛠️ Required Apparatus (Section 5)
| 🟦 Component | 📏 Specification |
|---|---|
| Glass Vessel | ~1500 mL capacity, for soaking specimens under vacuum |
| Vacuum Pump | Capable of reaching and maintaining min 700 mm Hg vacuum |
| Weighing Container | Lightweight, tightly fitted cover, 60 x 140 mm [2.5 x 5.5 in.] or larger |
| Drying Oven | Min internal dimensions 300 x 300 x 300 mm [12 x 12 x 12 in.] |
| Ancillary Equipment | Desiccator, wire hook, punch |
🧪 Material Specifications (Section 6)
| 🎯 Material | ⚡ Requirement |
|---|---|
| Kerosine | Water-White, complying with ASTM D3699 |
| Specific Gravity | 0.800 ± 0.025 at 25 °C (determined by ASTM D1298) |
💡 Critical Vacuum Guideline: The vacuum pump must reliably maintain a vacuum of at least 700 mm Hg. This is essential for successfully displacing the air from the interior voids of the felt specimen.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Significance
The Kerosine Number is the primary result of the test. It is computed from the weight of kerosine of the specified specific gravity retained by the felt. The result is expressed as the millilitres of kerosine held per 100 g of felt (mL/100 g).
Significance & Use (Section 4): The ability of unsaturated (dry) felt to absorb kerosine is a direct indication of its ability to absorb hot asphalt. The kerosine number is therefore a fundamental metric used in calculating the saturation efficiency of the felt, making it a vital quality control parameter in roofing material production.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What exactly does the Kerosine Number represent?
It represents the millilitres of kerosine held per 100 grams of felt. It is a direct measure of the relative saturating capacity of the unsaturated (dry) felt, indicating how much saturant