ASTM D61 Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of pitches below 176 °F (80 °C). Pitches of higher softening point should be tested by Test Method D2319 or Test Method D3104.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
D2319 Test Method for Softening Point of Pitch (Cube-in-Air Method)
D3104 Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Mettler Softening Point Method)
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E563 Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath as a Reference Temperature
E1137 Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
E2877 Guide for Digital Contact Thermometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Digital Contact Thermometer (DCT), n - an electronic device consisting of a digital display and associated temperature sensing probe.
3.1.1.1 Discussion - This device consists of a temperature sensor connected to a measuring instrument; this instrument measures the temperature-dependent quantity of the sensor, computes the temperature from the measured quantity, and provides a digital output or display, or both, of the temperature. The temperature sensing probe is in contact with the material whose temperature is being measured. This device is sometimes referred to as a digital thermometer.
NOTE 1 - Portable electronic thermometers (PET) is an acronym sometimes used to refer to a subset of the devices covered by this definition.
