Significance and Use

Core sampling is an acceptable way of obtaining a test specimen without destroying the usefulness of a cathode block.

Test specimens obtained by this guide can be used by producers and users of cathode blocks for the purpose of conducting the tests in Note 1 to obtain comparative physical properties.

Sampling shall not weaken the cathode block or increase the likelihood of premature failure. Extreme care shall be exercised when taking vertically drilled samples.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers sampling of carbon cathode blocks used in the production of aluminum, and details procedures for taking samples from single cathode blocks. It covers equipment and procedures for obtaining samples from cathode blocks in a manner that does not destroy the cathode block or prevent its subsequent use as originally intended. However, the user must determine the subsequent use of the sampled cathode blocks. Preferred locations for taking samples from single units of cathode blocks are covered in this guide.

1.1.1 Information for sampling of shaped refractory products, in general, is given in ISO 5022. This standard details the statistical basis for sampling plans for acceptance testing of a consignment or lot. Cathode blocks used in the production of aluminum have specific requirements of sampling, and while the statistical basis for sampling given in ISO 5022 applies, further or modified requirements may also apply.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1The following ASTM standards are noted as sources of useful information: Test Methods C559 , C611 , C651 , C747 , C1025 , C1039 , and C1225 .

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C559 Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles

C611 Test Method for Electrical Resistivity of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles at Room Temperature

C651 Test Method for Flexural Strength of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles Using Four-Point Loading at Room Temperature

C747 Test Method for Moduli of Elasticity and Fundamental Frequencies of Carbon and Graphite Materials by Sonic Resonance

C1025 Test Method for Modulus of Rupture in Bending of Electrode Graphite

C1039 Test Methods for Apparent Porosity, Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk Density of Graphite Electrodes

C1225 Specification for Fiber-Cement Roofing Shingles, Shakes, and Slates

ISO Standards

Keywords

anthracite; carbon; cathodes; core; graphite; sample; sampling; test specimens; Aluminum; Aluminum industry; Anthracite; Carbon cathode blocks; Cathode carbon; Core sampling; Graphite; Sampling metals/alloys

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 77.020 (Production of metals)

DOI: 10.1520/D6354-12

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D6354