ASTM D71 Standard Test Method for Relative Density of Solid Pitch and Asphalt (Displacement Method)
6. Apparatus
6.1 Pan Straddle, suitable for use with an analytical balance.
6.2 Analytical Balance, equipped with a hook above the pan and capable of weighing a 20-g specimen to 1 mg.
6.3 Water Bath, maintained at 25.0 +/- 0.2°C and provided with mechanical stirring/circulation.
6.4 Thermometer, capable of measuring water temperature of 25.0 +/- 0.2°C (or other suitable temperature measuring instrument).
6.5 Nichrome Wire, 0.127-mm (5-mL) diameter or monofilament nylon fishing line of about the same diameter for attaching specimen to the balance pan hook.
7. Bulk Sampling
7.1 Samples from shipments shall be taken in accordance with Practice D140 or D4296, and shall be free of foreign substances. Thoroughly mix the sample before removing a representative portion for the determination.
8. Test Specimens
8.1 Select two fragments of the bulk sample weighing between 5 and 20 g each. Inspect the fragments carefully to ensure the use of specimens free of cracks and other surface defects.
8.2 If the nature of the material is such that specimens can be cast without incorporation of air bubbles, follow the preparation and casting directions in Test Method D61. Cube molds measuring a minimum of 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) per side or larger can be used. Assemble the cube molds so that solid cubes with no perforations can be cast. A softening point cube mold base plate can be inverted to provide the required flat surface on which to assemble the cube mold before pouring.
