ASTM D4892 Standard Test Method for Density of Solid Pitch (Helium Pycnometer Method)
6. Apparatus
6.1 Helium Pycnometer.
6.2 Balance, capable of weighing a 150-g specimen to within 1 mg.
6.3 Sieves, U.S. Standard 2.36-mm (No. 8), 600-µm (No. 30), conforming to Specification E 11.
6.4 Thermometer, for measuring room temperature.
7. Bulk Sampling
7.1 Samples from shipments shall be taken in accordance with Practice D4296 and shall be free of foreign substances.
8. Dehydration
8.1 All bulk samples suspected of having free moisture should be air-dried or oven-dried at 50°C in a convection or forced-air oven before analyzing.
9. Preparation of Test Specimen
9.1 Crush a 50 to 200-g representative portion of the dry pitch until all of it passes the 2.36 mm (No. 8 sieve). Avoid grinding the pitch. Remove the fines by screening through the 600 µm (No. 30 sieve) and use the pitch retained on this sieve as the test specimen.
10. Calibration of Helium Pycnometer
10.1 Calibrate daily or before using, following instrument manufacturer's instructions.
