Prepare and Load a Sample

FoamPyc Methods

FoamPyc Methods are intended to conform to the procedures detailed in ASTM Test Methods D-6226 and D-3576. Prepare samples according to the methods outlined in these procedures. Once the sample is prepared and placed into the sample chamber, analysis can begin. See About the FoamPyc Module .

Standard Method

Samples must be properly prepared to obtain accurate results. Samples must be free of moisture in order to obtain true sample mass and to avoid the distorting effect of water vapor on the volume measurement. The following procedures are recommended; however, modifications may be necessary for some materials:

  • Heat-sensitive materials may have to be dried by long-time exposure to silica gel, freeze drying, etc.
  • Materials having a low melting point may be dried using the purge process. In this case, do not weigh the sample and cup until after the purge and analysis have been completed.

Avoid exposure of the dried sample to atmospheric moisture during each step of the preparation process. This means weighing as rapidly as possible and installing in the instrument without unnecessary delay.

  Keep the cap on the cell chamber except when actually inserting or removing a sample. If the chamber remains uncapped, water vapor will adsorb on the inner surface of the chamber and temperature instability will occur; either condition can affect analysis results.
  1. Weigh the empty sample cup.
  2. Place as large a quantity of sample as is possible in the cup (cup should be at least two-thirds full). Pack powders and fluffy materials (if permissible) to obtain maximum sample weight in the cup.
  3. Place the sample cup with sample in a drying oven. The amount of time the sample must be heated depends on the material and the temperature it will tolerate; this may have to be established by other tests.
  4. Remove the sample cup from the oven and transfer it to a desiccator provided with active desiccant. Allow it to cool until near room temperature. Minimize air exposure of the sample.
  5. Use this equation to determine the sample mass. (If volume only is to be measured, skip this step.)

Masssample = Masssample+cup – Masscup

  1. Remove the cell chamber cap, place the sample cup (with sample) into the cell chamber, then replace the cap.

It is best not to lay the cap down while loading the sample. Immediately replace the cap when the sample is loaded. This will prevent particles from accumulating on the greased surface.

  1. If using a temperature-controlled AccuPyc, perform the following steps before proceeding:
    1. Power on the bath circulator and specify the temperature for analysis. (Refer to the manufacturer manual for instructions on operating the bath circulator.)
    2. Allow the temperature to stabilize to the set temperature. Observe the temperature reading on instrument schematic.
  2. If using a TEC module, ensure the temperature reading has stabilized at the specified point.
 
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