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Tap Density Procedure - IsO 3953
Tap Density Procedure - IsO 3953
The international standard specifies a method for the determination of tap density that has
been tapped in a container under specific conditions. This standard is based on the ISO
designation 3953 (1993)
1.2
This standard may involve hazardous materials, operation, and equipment. This standard
does not address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of
whoever uses this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Principle
2.1
Symbols
Table 1
Symbol
Description
t
Tap density
m
Mass of powder
V
Volume of the tapped powder
Units
3
g/cm
g
3
cm
Apparatus
4.1 Balance, of appropriate capacity and accuracy to satisfy the requirements shown in Table 2.
4.2 Graduated glass cylinder, calibrated to contain 100 cm3, the height of the graduated portion
being approximately 175 mm. The graduations shall be at 1 cm3 intervals, thus allowing a
measuring accuracy of 0.5 cm3.
A 25 cm3 cylinder shall be used for powders of apparent density higher than 4 g/cm3, in
particular for refractory metal powders, but may also be used for powder of lower apparent
density.
4.3 50 mesh sieve, used to prepare the sample powder.
4.4 Glassine paper, used to collect the sieved powder and transfer into graduated cylinder.
4.5 Tapping Apparatus, which permits the tapping of the graduated cylinder against a firm base.
The tapping shall be such that a densification of the powder can take place without any
loosening of its surface layers. The stroke shall be 3 mm and the tapping frequency shall be
between 100 and 300 taps per minute. Examples of the tapping apparatus are shown in
Figure 1.
Stephenson & Associates, Inc.
4704 Avenida De Las Flores
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
United States of America
Table 2
Cylinder
Capacity
(cm3)
100
100
25
25
25
25
Mass of
Test Portion
(g)
100 0.5
50 0.2
100 0.5
25 0.05
20 0.1
10 0.1
5.2 In general, the powder should be tested in the as-received condition. In certain instances the
powder may be dried. However, if the powder is susceptible to oxidation, the drying shall take
place in vacuum or in inert gas. If the powder contains volatile substances, it shall not be
dried.
5.3 The test shall be carried out on one test portion.
Procedure
6.1 Clean the inside wall of the graduated cylinder with a suitable clean brush or by rinsing with a
solvent such as acetone. If a solvent is used, thoroughly dry the cylinder before re-use.
6.2 Lightly sieve >25 g of sample powder through 50 mesh on to a glassine paper.
Stephenson & Associates, Inc.
4704 Avenida De Las Flores
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
United States of America
t =
m
V