ASTM C146 Chemical Analysis of Glass Sand

Scope:

ASTM C146 is used to identify whether the composition of the glass sand meets the specification required in the manufacturing of a glass product. This test is not the standard for the analysis of glass sand but it’s a quick and accurate method used for routine analysis. 

ASTM C146 is used in the analysis of high-silica sands containing more than 99% silica and high-alumina sands containing 12 to 13% alumina. It is a quick and accurate way to determine the amount of silica, peroxides, titania, zirconia, iron oxide, and chromium oxide present in the glass sand. High-alumina sands contain  5 to 6% alkalis and alkaline earths. This test determines the amount of alkalies by flame photometry and the amount of alkaline earths by absorption spectrophotometry.

Test Procedure:

ASTM C146 determines the quantity of a targeted chemical in the Glass Sand. A single test cannot determine the quantity of every single chemical present in the Glass Sand. Different methods are used in the analysis of different chemicals. 

Methods For Referee Analysis

1. Silica by the Double Dehydration Method
2. Peroxides by Ammonium Hydroxide Precipitation
3. Iron Oxide by the 1,10-Phenanthroline Method
4. Titania by the Tiron Method
5. Alumina by CDTA Titration
6. Zirconia by the Pyrocatechol Violet Method 
7. Chromium Oxide by the 1,5- Diphenylcarbohydrazide Method

Methods For Routine Analysis

Routine analysis methods for ASTM C146 testing includes methods used for quick and routine analysis of Glass Sands. Results are sufficiently precise and accurate. 

1. Silica by the Single Dehydration Method
2. Aluminum Oxide, Calcium Oxide, and Magnesium Oxide by Atomic Absorption
3. Sodium Oxide and Potassium Oxide by Flame Emission Spectroscopy

 Specimen size:

The laboratory sample used for ASTM C146 testing should be 10 to 20 g in weight which will be grounded in a mortar to pass the No. 100 sieve. Laboratory samples containing large particles will be sieved out and crushed so that they can pass through the No. 100 sieve. 

Data:

The quantity of the targeted chemicals present in the Glass Sand is reported.

Conclusion:

ASTM C146 covers the chemical analysis of glass sands. It helps meet specification requirements in the manufacturing of glass.