Designation: C610 − 15

Standard Specification for

Molded Expanded Perlite Block and Pipe Thermal
Insulation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C610; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope C356 Test Method for Linear Shrinkage of Preformed High-

1.1 This specification covers molded expanded perlite Temperature Thermal Insulation Subjected to Soaking
block, fittings, and pipe thermal insulation intended for use on Heat
surfaces with temperatures between 80 to 1200°F (27 to C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
649°C). Insulation Lots
C411 Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Temperature Thermal Insulation
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
C421 Test Method for Tumbling Friability of Preformed
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Block-Type and Preformed Pipe-Covering-Type Thermal
and are not considered standard.
Insulation
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the C450 Practice for Fabrication of Thermal Insulating Fitting
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Covers for NPS Piping, and Vessel Lagging
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. C585 Practice for Inner and Outer Diameters of Thermal
2. Referenced Documents Insulation for Nominal Sizes of Pipe and Tubing
C795 Specification for Thermal Insulation for Use in Con-
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 tact with Austenitic Stainless Steel
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of C1045 Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission Prop-
Thermal Insulations
erties Under Steady-State Conditions
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C1058/C1058M Practice for Selecting Temperatures for
C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
Evaluating and Reporting Thermal Properties of Thermal
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
Insulation
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
C1616 Test Method for Determining the Moisture Content
C203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Proper-
ties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation of Organic and Inorganic Insulation Materials by Weight
C302 Test Method for Density and Dimensions of Pre- C1763 Test Method for Water Absorption by Immersion of
formed Pipe-Covering-Type Thermal Insulation Thermal Insulation Materials
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre- E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
formed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation Building Materials
C335/C335M Test Method for Steady-State Heat Transfer E136 Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical
Properties of Pipe Insulation Tube Furnace at 750°C

3. Standard Shapes, Sizes, and Dimensions

1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.20 on 3.1 Molded expanded perlite block, fitting, and pipe thermal
Homogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations. insulation shall be as follows:
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published August 2015. Originally
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as C610 – 11. DOI: 3.1.1 Block—Block shall be furnished in lengths of either 36
10.1520/C0610-15. or 39.4 in. (914 or 1000 mm), widths of 6 in. (152 mm), 12 in.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or (305 mm), 18 in. (457 mm), or 24 in. (610 mm), and in
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on thickness from 11⁄2 to 6 in. (38 to 152 mm) in increments of 1⁄2
the ASTM website. in. (13 mm).

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 C610 − 15
3.1.2 Pipe Insulation—Molded expanded perlite pipe insu- 7. Physical Requirements
lation shall be supplied either as hollow cylindrical shapes split 7.1 The insulation shall conform to the physical require-
in half lengthwise (in a plane including the cylindrical axis) or ments in Table 2.
curved segments. The pipe insulation shall be furnished in
sections or segments in lengths of either 36 or 39.4 in. (914 or 8. Sampling
1000 mm) to fit standard sizes of pipe and tubing, and in
8.1 The insulation shall be sampled in accordance with
nominal thickness from 1 to 4 in. (25 to 102 mm) in 1⁄2-in.
Practice C390. Specific provision for sampling shall be agreed
(13-mm) increments. Inner and outer diameters of multilayer
upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
construction shall be specified. Inner and outer diameters shall
be in accordance with those standard dimensions specified in 9. Qualification Requirements
Practice C585. Since outside diameter tolerances differ be-
tween individual manufacturing processes, it is acceptable to 9.1 The following requirements are generally employed for
have pipe insulation furnished in two or more layers nested by purpose of initial material or product qualification:
the manufacturer. The purchaser shall consult the manufacturer 9.1.1 Flexural strength,
for specific requirements. 9.1.2 Compressive resistance,
3.1.3 Fittings—Molded (expanded insulation fittings shall 9.1.3 Surface burning characteristics,
conform to the inner and outer diameters in accordance with 9.1.4 Linear shrinkage after soaking heat,
Practice C585. Mitered fittings shall be in accordance with 9.1.5 Water absorption after heat aging,
Practice C450. 9.1.6 Apparent thermal conductivity,
9.1.7 Hot-surface performance,
4. Description 9.1.8 Stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steel,
and
4.1 Composition—molded expanded perlite block, fitting, 9.1.9 Weight loss by tumbling.
and pipe thermal insulation shall be composed principally of
expanded perlite and silicate binders may contain reinforcing 10. Acceptance Requirements
fibers. 10.1 The following requirements are generally employed
for purposes of acceptance sampling of lots or shipments of
5. Dimensional Tolerances
qualified products:
5.1 General—The average tolerances for length, width, and 10.1.1 Density,
thickness shall comply with the requirements shown in Table 1. 10.1.2 Dimensions,
5.2 Pipe Insulation—The following additional tolerances 10.1.3 Workmanship, and
apply to perlite pipe insulation supplied as half sections: 10.1.4 Moisture content.
5.2.1 Fit and Closure—When fitted to the appropriate size
11. Test Methods
pipe, the longitudinal seam of the pipe insulation shall close to
within 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) along the entire length of the section. 11.1 The properties enumerated in this specification shall be
5.2.2 Concentricity—The inner bore of the pipe insulation determined in accordance with the following test methods:
shall be concentric with the outer cylindrical surface. The 11.1.1 Density:
deviation from concentricity shall not exceed 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) 11.1.1.1 Block Insulation—Test Method C303.
or 5 % of the wall thickness, whichever is greater. 11.1.1.2 Pipe Insulation—Test Method C302, Procedure A.
5.2.3 Half-Section Balance—The plane formed by the split 11.1.2 Apparent Thermal Conductivity:
between half sections shall include the cylindrical axis. Devia- 11.1.2.1 Block Insulation—Test Method C177 per Practice
tion of the split plane from the cylinder axis over the 36 or C1058/C1058M large temperature difference method or Test
39.4-in. (914 or 1000-mm) length shall not exceed 1⁄8 in. (3.2 Method C518, using 11⁄2 6 1⁄2-in. (38 6 13-mm) thick
mm). specimens.
11.1.2.2 Pipe Insulation—Test Method C335/C335M, using
6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance 11⁄2 6 1⁄2 in. (386 13-mm) thick specimens of pipe insulation
as supplied for fit to a 3-in. (89 mm) nominal iron pipe.
6.1 Since some requirements for this material are not easily
11.1.2.3 Apparent thermal conductivity versus mean tem-
defined by a numerical value, the insulation shall not have
perature shall be calculated in accordance with Practice C1045.
visible defects that will adversely affect its service qualities.
Determinations shall be made at four or more mean tempera-
tures. Two of the test mean temperatures shall be within 50°F
(28°C) of the highest and lowest mean temperature specified in
TABLE 1 Dimensional Tolerances Table 2. The other two determinations shall be made at mean
Block Pipe temperatures spaced equally within the specified range. All test
Length ± 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) ± 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) temperatures shall be selected in accordance with Practice
Width ± 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) ... C1058/C1058M and reported in the test results. The results of
Thickness ± 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) ± 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) these tests shall be interpolated through reasonable curve fitting
Inner Diameter ... in accordance with Practice C585
Outer Diameter ... in accordance with Practice C585 or numerical techniques, to establish the apparent thermal
conductivity at the specified mean temperature.

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 C610 − 15
TABLE 2 Physical RequirementsA
Block and Pipe
Density, lb/ft3(kg/m3)
max 15 (240)

Flexural Strength, lb/in.2 (kPa) min 45 (310) Block only

Stress corrosion Cracking of Austentic Stainless pass pass

Steel

Compressive Resistance at 5% Deformation min 70 (483) Block only

or Yield whichever occurs first, lb/in.2 (kPa)

Weight Loss by Tumbling, % loss in Weight after 10 max 70

minutes

Moisture content,B % by weight max 10

Linear Shrinkage,% at 1200°F (649°C) for 24 h max length 2

width 2
thickness 8
Mean App. Thermal
Apparent Thermal ConductivityC Temperature Conductivity by
Btu-in./h-ft2—°F (W/m/K), max
Test Method C177,C335/C335M, or C518
100°F (38°C) 0.48 (0.069)
200°F (93°C) 0.53 (0.076)
300°F (149°C) 0.59 (0.085)
400°F (204°C) 0.64 (0.092)
500°F (260°C) 0.69 (0.099)
600°F (316°C) 0.75 (0.108)
700°F (371°C) 0.80 (0.115)
Water Absorption of Thermal Insulation max 50
after heat aging at 600°F and 48 h Water
Immersion,
weight gain %
Surface Burning Characteristics
Flame spread max 0
Smoke Developed max 5
Non Combustible
Non Combustible Pass Pass
Hot-surface Performance
Warpage, in. (mm) max 1⁄4 (6) Block only

Cracking No cracks completely through the insulation thickness. Surface cracks on hot face are acceptable.
A
Physical property requirements shown are for the materials in the as-manufactured condition. They may or may not represent the values of these properties under certain
in-service conditions, depending on the type of installation and the ultimate temperature exposure.
B
Water absorption values shown are for insulation in the as-manufactured condition. Those portions of the insulation exposed to elevated temperatures may not retain
their water absorption characteristics.
C
The thermal transmission properties of perlite block and pipe insulation may vary with temperature, temperature gradient, thickness, and shape. Note that the apparent
thermal conductivity requirements in the table are based on samples tested under the conditions specified in Test Methods C177, C335/C335M, or C518. These are
comparative values for establishing specification compliance. They may not represent the installed performance of the insulation under use conditions differing substantially
from test conditions.

11.1.3 Linear Shrinkage After Heat Soaking—Refer to Test 11.1.8.2 (Dry both specimens to constant weight at 100°C.
Method C356. The test temperature shall be 1200°F (649°C). 11.1.8.3 Condition the control specimen in a controlled
11.1.4 Flexural Strength (Block Insulation Only)—Test environment of 7365°F (2361°C) and 5065% relative hu-
Methods C203 Method 1 (3 Point), Procedure D, test 2–in. midity for a minimum of 48 h.
(50mm) thick specimens. The flexural strength of pipe insula- 11.1.8.4 Heat age the other specimen at 600°F (316°C) for
tion cannot be tested. 4 to 41⁄4 h. Cool the specimen in a desiccator for a minimum of
11.1.5 Compressive Resistance (Block Insulation Only)— 1 h. Weigh the specimen immediately after removing it from
Test Method C165, Procedure A. Test nominal 11⁄2 6 1⁄2-in. (38 the desiccator.
6 13–mm) thick specimens. 11.1.8.5 After conditioning both specimens, conduct the
11.1.6 Weight Loss by Tumbling—Test Method C421. testing according to Test Method C1763, Procedure A, with a
11.1.7 Moisture Content—Test Method C1616. The value 48 h immersion time.
reported should be the numerical average of the calculated 11.1.9 Surface Burning Characteristics— Test Method E84.
moisture content of four specimens rounded to the nearest 1 %. 11.1.10 Hot-Surface Performance—Test Method C411 at
11.1.8 Water Absorption After Heat Aging: Test Method 1200°F (649°C).
C1763, Procedure A. 11.1.11 Stress Corrosion Cracking of Austenitic Stainless
11.1.8.1 Test two specimens, one as a control and the other Steel—Test Method C795 for preproduction qualification.
is the heat aged block. 11.1.12 Non-Combustible—Test Method E136.

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 C610 − 15
12. Inspection found to meet the requirements. When specified in the pur-
12.1 Inspection of the material shall be agreed upon be- chase order or contract, a report of the test results shall be
tween the purchaser and the supplier as part of the purchase furnished.
contract. 14.2 Certification to the stress corrosion requirements of
Specification C795 can be supplied for a given production lot
13. Rejection and Rehearing
if requested in the purchase order.
13.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of
the agreed-upon specification may be rejected. Rejection 15. Packaging and Marking
should be reported to the producer or supplier promptly and in
15.1 Packaging—Unless otherwise agreed upon or specified
writing. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of the test, the
between the purchaser and manufacturer or supplier, block and
producer or supplier may make claim for a rehearing.
pipe insulation shall be packed in the manufacturer’s standard
13.2 In case of rejection, the manufacturer or supplier will commercial containers.
have the right to reinspect the rejected shipment and resubmit
15.2 Marking—Unless otherwise specified, each container
the lot after removal of that portion of the shipment not
shall be plainly marked with the manufacturer’s name, the
conforming to the specified requirements.
product name, quantity, nominal dimensions, and jacket type
14. Certification and accessories, if any, of the material in the container.
14.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
producer’s or supplier’s certification shall be furnished to the 16. Keywords
purchaser that the material was manufactured, sampled, tested, 16.1 block; expanded perlite; fittings; molded; pipe; thermal
or inspected in accordance with this specification and has been insulation

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