Designation: E727/E727M − 08 (Reapproved 2013)

Standard Test Methods for

Determining Bulk Density of Granular Carriers and Granular
Pesticides1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E727/E727M; 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.

1. Scope 4. Hazards
1.1 These test methods are used to determine bulk density of 4.1 Before testing granular pesticides, read the precaution-
granular carriers and granular pesticides by measuring either ary statements on the product label. Take proper precautions to
free-fall bulk density (Test Method A) or loose-fill bulk density prevent skin contact and inhalation of the fines and vapors.
(Test Method B). Take care to prevent contamination of the surrounding area.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units Always wear the appropriate safety equipment and, where
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in indicated, wear respiratory devices approved by NIOSH for the
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each product being tested.
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining 5. Summary of Test Method A—Free-Fall Bulk Density
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
with the standard. 5.1 A tared 500-mL cylinder is filled with the granular
carrier or granular pesticide. The weight of the sample is
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the measured and the bulk density calculated in pounds per cubic
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the foot or kilograms per cubic meter.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 6. Apparatus
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard 6.1 Balance, sensitivity of 1 g.
statements see Section 4.
6.2 Cylinder, graduated, capacity 500 mL. The cylinder
2. Referenced Documents should be calibrated at the 500-mL mark by using 499 g water
at 20°C. The cylinder is cut off at the 500-mL mark and ground
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
smooth.
E725 Test Method for Sampling Granular Carriers and
Granular Pesticides 6.3 Funnel, powder, 152 mm [6 in.] in diameter at the top,
bottom stem opening of 25-mm [1-in.] diameter, and sides
3. Significance and Use having a slope of approximately 60°.
3.1 These test methods were designed principally for clay, 6.4 Spatula, large with 51-mm [2-in.] wide blade.
corncob, nut shell, paper-based or sand granular carriers, and 6.5 Beaker, glass, metal, or plastic, 600-mL capacity.
granular pesticide products, but need not be limited to these
materials. There may be more appropriate test methods for 6.6 Pan, metal or plastic, 203 mm [8 in.] in diameter with
other types of granular carriers or pesticide products. The 51-mm [2-in.] sides to collect overflow of cylinder.
differences in the following test methods are slight, but they 6.7 Ring Stand and Ring Clamp.
offer a choice of a recognized test procedure.
7. Procedure
7.1 Weigh the 500-mL graduated cylinder and place it in the
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on overflow pan.
Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents and are the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee E35.22 on Pesticide Formulations and Delivery 7.2 Support the funnel on a ring which is then affixed to a
Systems. ring stand such that the top of the funnel is horizontal and
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2013. Published March 2014. Originally
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as E727 – 08. DOI:
rigidly in position. Adjust the height of the funnel so that its
10.1520/E0727_E0727M-08R13. bottom position is 38 mm [1.5 in.] above the top center of the
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 500-mL graduated cylinder.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 7.3 Hold a piece of flat metal (such as a wide spatula or
the ASTM website. similar tool) against the bottom of the funnel stem. Fill a

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

1
 E727/E727M − 08 (2013)
600-mL beaker with a representative sample of the granular 10.5 Catch Pan.
carrier as defined in Test Method E725 and pour into the
funnel. Quickly remove the metal plate, allowing the granules 11. Procedure
to fall into the graduate of their own accord. 11.1 Weigh the standard dry pint cup to the nearest 0.1 g
7.4 Hold the graduate firmly and level off the granules to the (W1).
top of the graduate with the straight edge of the spatula. Avoid 11.2 Select 400 g of material in accordance with Method
jiggling or vibrating the cylinder. E725.
7.5 Tap the cylinder to tamp the particles into the cylinder 11.3 Close the slide gate on the bottom of the Ohaus filling
away from the top, to avoid spillage losses during handling. hopper and pour the 400 g of material into the hopper.
7.6 Reweigh the cylinder and determine the weight of the 11.4 Position the dry pint cup below the gate so the cup is
sample to the nearest 1 g. centered and 2 in. below the gate. Place a catch pan below the
7.7 Determine the weight on duplicate samples. cup to catch any sample overflow.
11.5 Open the gate quickly and let the sample fill the cup
8. Calculation
and overflow. Do not vibrate the cup or close the gate before all
8.1 For the granular carrier or granular pesticide, calculate of the sample flows out of the hopper.
the free-fall bulk density as follows:
11.6 Level the material in the cup with a straightedge using
Free 2 fall density ~ kg/m 3 ! 5 grams granular material 3 2.0 (1) a gentle sawing motion.
Free 2 fall density ~ lb/ft 3 ! 5 grams granular material 3 0.125 (2) 11.7 Weigh the cup to the nearest 0.1 g (W2).
9. Summary of Test Method B—Loose-Fill Bulk Density 12. Calculation
of Granular Materials
12.1 For the granular carrier or granular pesticide, calculate
9.1 A tared dry pint cup is filled to overflowing with a the loose-fill bulk density as follows:
granular carrier or granular pesticide. The sample is leveled.
The weight of the sample is measured and the bulk density Bulk density ~ kg/m 3 ! 5 ~ W 1 2 W 2 ! 3 0.1.82 (3)
calculated in pounds per cubic foot. 3
Bulk density ~ lb/ft ! 5 ~ W 2 2 W 1 ! 3 0.113 (4)

10. Apparatus 13. Precision and Bias

10.1 Filling Hopper, Ohaus Model 150.3 13.1 These test methods yield comparative data. The pass/
10.2 Cup, standard dry pint. Note that a standard dry pint fail aspect of these procedures should be determined by
cup is used in this test, not a wet pint cup. applicable specifications.
10.3 Balance, sensitivity of 0.1 g. 14. Disposal of Samples
10.4 Straightedge. 14.1 After testing, store all materials in a safe manner and
dispose of used material in accordance with product label
3
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time directions, or material safety data sheets, or both.
is Ohaus Scales, 29 Hanover Rd., Florham Park, NJ 07932. If you are aware of
alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your 15. Keywords
comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee,1 which you may attend. 15.1 bulk density; free-fall; granule; loose-fill; pesticide

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