Designation: C552 − 14

Standard Specification for

Cellular Glass Thermal Insulation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C552; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus

1.1 This specification covers the composition, sizes, C203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Proper-
dimensions, and physical properties of cellular glass thermal ties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
insulation intended for use on surfaces operating at tempera- C240 Test Methods of Testing Cellular Glass Insulation
tures between −450 and 800°F (−268 and 427°C). It is possible Block
that special fabrication or techniques for pipe insulation, or C302 Test Method for Density and Dimensions of Pre-
both, will be required for application in the temperature range formed Pipe-Covering-Type Thermal Insulation
from 250 to 800°F (121 to 427°C). Contact the manufacturer C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre-
for recommendations regarding fabrication and application formed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
procedures for use in this temperature range. For specific C335 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Transfer Properties
applications, the actual temperature limits shall be agreed upon of Pipe Insulation
between the manufacturer and the purchaser. C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
Insulation Lots
1.2 It is anticipated that single-layer pipe insulation in half C411 Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-
sections or the inner layer of a multilayer system have the Temperature Thermal Insulation
potential to exhibit stress cracks above 250°F (122°C). C450 Practice for Fabrication of Thermal Insulating Fitting
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Covers for NPS Piping, and Vessel Lagging
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
and are not considered standard. C585 Practice for Inner and Outer Diameters of Thermal
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the Insulation for Nominal Sizes of Pipe and Tubing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the C692 Test Method for Evaluating the Influence of Thermal
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Insulations on External Stress Corrosion Cracking Ten-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- dency of Austenitic Stainless Steel
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. C795 Specification for Thermal Insulation for Use in Con-
tact with Austenitic Stainless Steel
2. Referenced Documents C871 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Thermal Insu-
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 lation Materials for Leachable Chloride, Fluoride, Silicate,
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of and Sodium Ions
Thermal Insulations C1045 Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission Prop-
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation erties Under Steady-State Conditions
C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure- C1058 Practice for Selecting Temperatures for Evaluating
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of and Reporting Thermal Properties of Thermal Insulation
C1114 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
Properties by Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on C1617 Practice for Quantitative Accelerated Laboratory
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.20 on Evaluation of Extraction Solutions Containing Ions
Homogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2014. Published October 2014. Originally Leached from Thermal Insulation on Aqueous Corrosion
approved in 1965 to replace C381 – 58 and C343 – 56. Last previous edition of Metals
approved in 2013 as C552 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/C0552-14.
2
C1639 Specification for Fabrication Of Cellular Glass Pipe
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
And Tubing Insulation
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on D226 Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt Used
the ASTM website. in Roofing and Waterproofing

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 C552 − 14
D312 Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing 6.2 Special shapes and pipe covering shall be fabricated
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of from blocks in accordance with Practices C450, C585 and
Building Materials Specification C1639.
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of 6.3 Board, tapered or flat, shall be fabricated from blocks.
Materials
2.2 ISO Document: 7. Physical Properties
ISO 3951 Sampling Procedure and Charts for Inspection by
7.1 The cellular glass insulation shall conform to the physi-
Variables for Percent Defective3
cal requirements in Table 1. Contact the manufacturer for
specific design recommendations for all material types.
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions used in this specification, see Terminol- 8. Qualification Requirements
ogy C168.
8.1 The following requirements are generally employed for
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: the purpose of initial material or product qualification for Type
3.2.1 board—fabricated sections of cellular glass adhered I, Block Material:
and together covered with a facing such as a laminated kraft 8.1.1 Compressive strength.
paper adhered to both faces. 8.1.2 Flexural strength.
8.1.3 Water absorption.
4. Classification4 8.1.4 Water vapor permeability.
4.1 Cellular glass insulation covered by this specification 8.1.5 Thermal conductivity.
shall be classified in the seven grades shown in Table 1. Grades 8.1.6 Hot-surface performance.
vary in compressive strength, density, thermal conductivity, 8.1.7 Surface burning characteristics.
and flexural strength. Cellular glass insulation is furnished in 8.2 The following requirements are generally employed for
the following types: qualification of Type II, pipe and tubing insulation:
4.1.1 Type I—Flat block manufactured, 8.2.1 Thermal Conductivity.
4.1.2 Type II—Pipe and tubing insulation fabricated from 8.2.2 Type II, pipe and tubing insulation shall be fabricated
Type I, from material having met the qualification requirements of
4.1.3 Type III—Special shapes fabricated from Type I, Grade 6 Type I block.
4.1.4 Type IV—Board fabricated from Type I,
8.3 Type III and Type IV material shall be fabricated from
NOTE 1—Types not listed here may not be commercially available. material having met the qualification requirements of Grade 6
These would be considered special order items.
Type I block.
5. Ordering Information
9. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
5.1 Purchase orders for cellular glass insulation furnished to
this specification shall include the following information: 9.1 Type I, Flat Block—Blocks shall be nominal rectangular
5.1.1 Type designation (see 4.1), sections. The dimensions shall be as agreed upon by the
5.1.2 Dimensions according to type (see Section 9), and purchaser and the supplier. Cellular glass thermal insulation
5.1.3 Jacketing when required. block is available in lengths up to 36 in. (914 mm), widths up
to 18 in. (457mm), and thicknesses from 1.5 in. (38 mm) to 8
5.2 Any special requirements, such as, type, fabrication in. (203 mm).
combinations not listed in accordance with Section 4, nonstan-
dard dimensions in accordance with Section 9, inspection 9.2 Type II, Pipe and Tubing Insulation—See Specification
requirements in accordance with Section 13, or certification C1639.
requirements in accordance with Section 16 shall be agreed 9.3 Type III, Special Shapes—Dimensions of special shapes
upon between the purchaser and the supplier and stated in the shall be as agreed upon between the supplier and the purchaser.
purchase contract. 9.4 Type IV, Board—Dimensions of board shall be agreed
upon between the purchaser and the supplier. Cellular glass
6. Materials and Manufacture
thermal insulation board is available in lengths up to 48 in.
6.1 The block material shall consist of a glass composition (1219 mm), widths up to 24 in. (610 mm), and thicknesses
that has been foamed or cellulated under molten conditions, from 1.5 in. (38 mm) to 8 in. (203 mm).
annealed, and set to form a rigid noncombustible material with
9.5 Dimensional Tolerances:
hermetically sealed cells. The material shall be trimmed into
9.5.1 For Types I and IV, the average measured length,
blocks of standard dimensions that are rectangular or tapered.
width, and thickness tolerances shall be in accordance with
those listed in Table 2.
3
9.5.2 For Type II, the dimensional tolerances are given in
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Table 3.
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4
Type and grade designations are in accordance with Form and Style for ASTM 9.5.3 For Type III, dimensional tolerances shall be agreed
Standards, Part B, Section B8, March 2002. upon between the purchaser and the supplier.

2
 C552 − 14
TABLE 1 Physical RequirementsA,B
TYPE I BLOCK
Properties Grade 6 Grade 8 Grade 10 Grade 12 Grade 14 Grade 16 Grade 24
Compressive strength, capped, min, psi (kPa)
(Capped material in accordance with Test 60 (414) 80 (552) 100 (689) 120 (827) 140 (965) 160 (1103) 240 (1655)
Methods C240)
Density, lb/ft3 (kg/m3) 6.12 (98) 6.3 (102) 6.9 (110) 7.4 (119) 8.0 (128) 8.5 (136) 10.6 (170)
Minimum
Compressive resistance, uncapped, min, psi
35 (242) N/AC N/AC N/AC N/AC N/AC N/AC
(kPa) (Uncapped at 0.2-in. deformation)
Flexural strength, min, psi (kPa) 41 (283) 45 (310) 51(351) 56 (386) 63 (434) 69 (476) 91 (627)
Water absorption, max, volume % 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Water vapor permeability, max, per·in. or
0.005 0.005
grains·in. of thickness/h·ft2·in. 0.005 (0.007) 0.005 (0.007) 0.005 (0.007) 0.005 (0.007) 0.005 (0.007)
(0.007) (0.007)
Hg (ng·Pa–1·s–1 ·m–1)
Hot-surface performance warpage, in. (mm),
max 0.125 (3) 0.125 (3) 0.125 (3) 0.125 (3) 0.125 (3) 0.125 (3) 0.125 (3)
Cracking per 12.8.1 pass pass pass pass pass pass pass
Behavior of materials in a vertical tube furnace passed passed passed passed passed passed passed
Surface burning characteristicsD
Flame spread index, max 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Smoke developed index, max 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mass Loss Corrosion Rate # DIE # DI # DI # DI # DI # DI # DI
Apparent Thermal ConductivityF,G : flat block,
max
Btu-in./h·ft2°F (W/m·K) at mean temperature
of:
°F (°C)
400 (204) 0.58 (0.084) 0.58 (0.084) 0.58 (0.084) 0.60 (0.086) 0.61 (0.087) 0.61 (0.088) 0.65 (0.094)
300 (149) 0.48 (0.070) 0.50 (0.072) 0.51 (0.074) 0.51 (0.074) 0.52 (0.075) 0.52 (0.076) 0.57 (0.082)
200 (93) 0.40 (0.058) 0.41 (0.058) 0.42 (0.061) 0.43 (0.062) 0.44 (0.063) 0.45 (0.064) 0.49 (0.071)
100(38) 0.33 (0.047) 0.34 (0.049) 0.35 (0.050) 0.36 (0.052) 0.37 (0.053) 0.38 (0.054) 0.42 (0.061)
75 (24) 0.31 (0.045) 0.32 (0.046) 0.33 (0.048) 0.35 (0.050) 0.36 (0.051) 0.36 (0.052) 0.40 (0.058)
50 (10) 0.29 (0.043) 0.31 (0.044) 0.32 (0.046) 0.33 (0.048) 0.34 (0.049) 0.35 (0.050) 0.39 (0.056)
0 (–18) 0.27 (0.038) 0.28 (0.040) 0.29 (0.042) 0.30 (0.043) 0.31 (0.045) 0.32 (0.046) 0.36 (0.051)
–50 (–46) 0.24 (0.034) 0.25 (0.036) 0.26 (0.037) 0.28 (0.040) 0.28 (0.040) 0.29 (0.042) 0.33 (0.050)
–100 (–73) 0.21 (0.031) 0.23 (0.033) 0.24 (0.035) 0.25 (0.037) 0.26 (0.037) 0.27 (0.039) 0.31 (0.045)
–150 (–101) 0.19 (0.027) 0.20 (0.029) 0.22 (0.032) 0.23 (0.034) 0.24 (0.035) 0.25 (0.036) 0.29 (0.042)
–200 (–129) 0.17 (0.025) 0.18 (0.026) 0.20 (0.029) 0.21 (0.031) 0.22 (0.032) 0.23 (0.033) 0.27 (0.041)
–250 (–157) 0.15 (0.022) 0.17 (0.025) 0.18 (0.026) 0.19 (0.029) 0.20 (0.029) 0.21 (0.031) 0.25 (0.036)
–300 (–184) 0.14 (0.020) 0.15 (0.022) 0.16 (0.023) 0.17 (0.025) 0.18 (0.026) 0.19 (0.027) 0.23 (0.034)
TYPE II PIPE AND TUBING
Apparent thermal conductivityF,H,I
Pipe insulation, max, Btu·in./h·ft2°F (W/m·K)
at mean temperature of:
°F (°C)
400 (204) 0.63 (0.091)
300 (149) 0.52 (0.075)
200 (93) 0.43 (0.062)
100 (38) 0.35 (0.050)
75 (24) 0.34 (0.049)
50 (10) 0.32 (0.046)
0 (-18) 0.29 (0.042)
-50 (-46) 0.26 (0.037)
-100 (-73) 0.23 (0.033)
-150 (-101) 0.21 (0.030)
Hot-surface performance warpage, in. (mm), 0.125 (3)
max
Cracking per 12.8.1 pass
A
Physical property requirements shown are for the materials in the as-manufactured condition. They do not necessarily represent the values of these properties under
certain in-service conditions, depending on the type of installation and the ultimate temperature exposure.
B
Types II, III, and IV are fabricated from Type 1, Grade 6 block.
C
N/A = Not Applicable.
D
For Types II and III, smoke developed index and flame spread index will remain constant with some fabrication techniques and will change with other fabrication
techniques. For applications requiring a flame spread index of 25 and a smoke developed index of 50, contact fabricator or manufacturer.
E
DI = deionized water.
F
Thermal transmission properties of insulation will vary with temperature, temperature gradient, thickness, and shape. Note the apparent thermal conductivity values in
the table are based on samples tested under conditions specified in 12.3 These are comparative values for establishing specification compliance. They do not necessarily
represent the installed performance for the insulation under use conditions differing substantially from the test conditions.
G
Evaluated at a small temperature difference in accordance with Practice C1058.
H
Evaluated at a large temperature difference in accordance with Practice C1058.
I
Single layer or inner layer on a multilayer system piping insulation fabricated in half sections has the potential to exhibit stress cracks above 250°F (122°C). The thermal
performance in this range is characterized with cracks present.

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 C552 − 14
TABLE 2 Manufacturers Dimensional Tolerances ambient temperatures for Type II pipe insulation due to the lack of a test
Dimensions, in. (mm) Block (Type I) and Board (Type IV) apparatus measuring radial heat flow in accordance with Test Method
C335.
Length ±1⁄16 (1.6)
Width ±1⁄16 (1.6) 12.3.1 Type I: Block Insulation—Use either Test Method
Thickness ±1⁄16 (1.6)
C177, C518, or C1114 in conjunction with Practice C1045,
using the following specimen preparation. Test Method C518
TABLE 3 Fabrication Tolerances shall not be used at temperatures or thermal resistances other
Board
than those in the range of calibration. Test Method C1114 shall
Dimensions, in. (mm) Pipe (Type II) not be used at temperatures or thermal resistance ranges other
(Type III, IV)
Length ±1⁄8 (3.2) In accordance with than those with comparable/verifiable results to Test Method
Practice C1639 C177. In case of dispute, Test Method C177 is recognized as
Width ±1⁄8 (3.2) In accordance with
Practice C1639 the final authority. Specimen preparation is as follows:
Thickness ±1⁄8 (3.2) In accordance with 12.3.2 To achieve flatness and parallelism of the surface as
Practice C1639
Inner diameter ... In accordance with
required by the preceding test methods, the following method
Practice C1639 is suggested: By sawing from the original block, prepare a
Outer diameter ... In accordance with specimen with the required dimensions, its thickness being 2 or
Practice C1639
3 mm greater than the final thickness needed.
12.3.3 Place the specimen on a flat metal plate slightly
9.5.4 For Types I, II, and IV, special dimensional tolerances larger than the specimen itself and put two machined metal
shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier as bars on the metal plate near two opposite sides of the specimen.
stated in the purchase contract. Insert a uniform sheet of paper having about 0.01-in. (1⁄4-mm)
thickness between the flat base plate and the metal bars but not
10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance under the sample. The metal bars are as thick as the final
thickness of the specimen and machined so that their top and
10.1 Since some requirements for this material are not
bottom surfaces are flat and parallel. Alternatively to machined
easily specified by numerical value, the insulation shall have
bars use cold rolled steel bars. These bars are generally
no visible defects that will adversely affect its service qualities.
sufficiently flat and uniform in thickness.
11. Sampling 12.3.4 Using a third straight metal bar long enough to lap
11.1 The insulation shall be sampled for the purpose of metal bars on each side, carefully rub off the upper face of the
testing in accordance with Practice C390 or ISO 39515. Any specimen until the scraping bar just contacts thickness bars.
specific provisions for sampling shall be agreed upon between Turn the specimen upside down and place it back on the flat
the purchaser and the supplier. metal plate and put the two metal bars on the metal plate near
two opposite sides of the specimen, this time without the sheet
12. Test Methods of paper under each metal bar. Repeat the rubbing operation.
12.1 All cellular glass is produced initially in block form. 12.3.5 If the specimens have to be shipped, provide ad-
When special shapes are required, cellular glass is fabricated equate protection.
into pipe, curved or segmental insulation, precision V-grooved 12.3.6 Due to the rigid nature of the material and its open
(material specifically cut to fit around the exterior surface of cell surface, it is preferable to have the thermocouples mounted
piping or equipment with no gaps), or board. All initial in the surface of the plates and not adhered to the surface of the
qualification testing shall be made on block specimens. All specimens.
tests shall be conducted on specimens with no surface mois- 12.3.7 For maximum accuracy, it is recommended that the
ture. The properties referenced in this specification shall be temperature difference between the hot and cold surfaces of the
determined in accordance with the following test methods: specimens is such that the temperature gradient in the specimen
12.2 Density: equals or exceeds 40°F/in. (900 Km–1 ). Specimens made from
12.2.1 Type I—Block insulation: Test Method C303. several pieces of cellular glass are not acceptable. Joints are
12.2.2 Type II—Pipe insulation: Test Method C302. prohibited in the central measuring area and their number are
to be minimized in the guard area.
12.3 Thermal Conductivity—Make determinations at four
mean temperatures in accordance with Practice C1058. Use the 12.3.8 The number of specimens to be tested and the
results of these tests to calculate thermal transmission proper- sampling plan shall be in accordance with Practice C390 where
ties in accordance with Practice C1045. applicable. For the purpose of inspection by the user’s repre-
sentative or independent third party, the number of specimens
NOTE 2—At this time, tested values cannot be achieved for below shall conform to ISO 3951 Inspection Level S-3, 10.0 % AQL
using the S Method.
5
ISO 3951 Sampling procedures for inspection by variables — Part 1: 12.3.9 Type II, Pipe and Tubing Insulation—Test Method
Specification for single sampling plans indexed by acceptance quality limit (AQL) C335 in conjunction with Practices C1058 and C1045.
for lotby- lot inspection for a single quality characteristic and a single AQL, ISO
copyright office Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20 Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11 Fax 12.3.10 Samples shall be fabricated into 11⁄2 + 1⁄2 , – 0-in.
+ 41 22 749 09 47 E-mail [email protected] Web http://www.iso.org/iso/home.html (38 + 13, – 0-mm) thick specimens of pipe insulation.

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 C552 − 14
12.4 Compressive Properties—(Type I-Block)—Determine C165 to determine compressive modulus of elasticity does not
the compressive strength in accordance with Test Method apply for cellular glass as a material by itself.
C165, Procedure A, with the following test parameters and 12.4.8 For compressive resistance of uncapped material, use
specimen preparation techniques. This process indicates a Test Method C165, Procedure A, preferably test a half block, or
failure point in compressive loading. quadrant, 2-in. (50-mm) thickness to a deformation of 0.2 in. (5
12.4.1 Each of the two parallel bearing surfaces of the mm). This process does not indicate a failure point in com-
specimens shall be plane. If necessary, rub them on a suitable pressive loading.
abrasive surface to produce the required flat surface.
NOTE 3—For ultimate yield strength with no deformation, capping in
12.4.2 The test specimens shall preferably be one half-block accordance with Test Methods C240 is required.
12 by 18-in. (300 by 450-mm) by nominal received thickness.
12.5 Flexural Strength (Type I Block)—Test Methods C203,
Alternates include a quadrant 9 by 12-in. (225 by 300-mm) or
using Procedure A, Method I or II.
a full block 18 by 24-in. (450 by 600-mm) by nominal received
thickness. A quadrant specimen shall be taken from any one of 12.6 Water Absorption (Type I-Block)—This test method
four equal area quadrants of the preformed block. The mini- covers the determination of water absorption of cellular glass
mum acceptable specimen size is 8 by 8 in. (200 by 200 mm) insulating blocks by measuring the amount of water retained as
The report shall include the specimen size. a result of complete immersion for a prescribed time interval.
12.4.3 Cap both bearing surfaces of the specimens as Surface blotting is used to correct for the water absorbed on the
follows: Coat one surface with molten Specification D312 cut surface cells.
Type III or Type IV asphalt (preheated to 350, +50, –25°F (177, 12.6.1 This test method provides a means of measuring the
+28, –14°C)), completely filling the surface cells with a small water absorption of cellular glass insulating blocks under
excess. Such a coating application rate is approximately 0.20 isothermal conditions as a result of direct immersion in liquid
lb/ft2 6 25 %. Immediately press the hot-coated block onto a water. It is intended for use in product evaluation and quality
precut piece of felt or paper laying on a flat surface. This is to control.
prevent the asphalt surface from sticking to the compression 12.6.2 Equipment and Materials:
platen during the test. A lightweight kraft paper is suitable, 12.6.2.1 Balance with about 1.5-kg capacity and at least
although traditionally Type 1 roofing felt paper, commonly 0.1-g sensitivity.
called No. 15 asphalt felt, in accordance with Specification 12.6.2.2 Immersion tank equipped with inert specimen sup-
D226 has been used. Properly capped surfaces need to be ports and top surface weights such as stainless steel.
approximately plane and parallel. Set the specimens on edge, 12.6.2.3 Cellulose sponge at least 4 by 7 by 1.5 in. (100 by
exposing both capped surfaces to room temperature for a 180 by 40 mm). Predampened sponges and wring them out
minimum of 15 min to allow the asphalt to harden before thoroughly.
testing. 12.6.2.4 Test room with a temperature of 70 6 5°F (21 6
12.4.4 The number of specimens to be tested and the 3°C) and a relative humidity of 50RH 6 10 %.
sampling plan shall be in accordance with Practice C390 or 12.6.2.5 Distilled water.
ISO 3951 where applicable. For the purpose of inspection by a 12.6.3 Carefully measure the thickness, width, and length to
representative of the user or an independent third party, the the nearest 1 mm of a cellular glass block, preferably 2 by 12
number of specimens shall conform to an ISO 3951 Inspection by 18 in. (50 by 300 by 450 mm) and calculate the volume and
Level agreed upon between the purchaser and manufacturer. exposed surface area.
12.4.5 Compress the specimen until failure. The deforma- 12.6.4 Weigh the specimen to the nearest 0.0002 lb. (0.1 g)
tion at failure will vary, depending on the thickness of (W1), then submerge it horizontally under 25 mm (1 in.) of
insulation and the thickness of the capping materials. Record water maintained at 70 6 5°F (21 6 3°C ). Inert top surface
the load at the failure point or definite yield point. The weights are required to keep it submerged. After submerging
compressive strength is calculated from this load divided by for 2 h, set the specimen on end on a damp cotton bath towel
the specimen cross-sectional area in accordance with Test to drain for 10 min. At the end of this period, remove the excess
Method C165. surface water by hand with a damp sponge for 1 min per large
12.4.6 The rate of loading will depend on the type of face and 1 min for the four sides, wringing out the sponge
equipment used. With a hydraulic test machine, use a constant before and once in between for each face and passing at least
load rate of 500 lb/s (2200 N/s). With a screw-driven machine two times on each surface. Blot each face of the specimen
use a crosshead speed of 0.01 in. (0.25 mm)/min/1 in. (25.4 equally by compressing the sponge by 50 % of its thickness.
mm) of specimen thickness, within a tolerance of 625 % (on Weigh the specimen immediately (W2) to the nearest 0.0002 lb.
the crosshead speed or loading rate). Using the preferred (0.1 g).
specimen size in accordance with Test Methods C240, the 12.6.5 Calculate the weight of water absorbed (W2 – W1)
preceding load rates correspond to a nominal 2.3 psi/s (16 and express it as a function of the exterior surface of the sample
kPa/s). Another alternate testing procedure is to reach the in grams per square centimetre. Water absorption can also be
failure within 30 to 90 s (nominal 2.3 psi/s (16 kPa/s). expressed as a function of volume percent minus absorbed
12.4.7 Due to the sample preparation, with the inclusion of water volume divided by specimen volume, or as a function of
felts and asphalt, the test method described in Test Method weight percent minus weight of water absorbed (W2 – W1)

5
 C552 − 14
divided by the dry specimen weight (W1). Compare results on necessary to grind up the sample into a fine powder for the leaching part
specimens of identical sizes. of Test Methods C871. In order to get reproducible chemical results, this
powder must consist of a reproducible particle size, thus careful prepara-
12.6.6 The precision was determined in interlaboratory tion following the directions of Test Methods C871 is necessary.
tests.6 The repeatability or single-laboratory operator precision
is 60.00060 g/cm2 or 60.030 volume percent (61S). The 12.10.3 All of the other chemical requirements of the
reproducibility or multilaboratory operator precision is preceding specifications are to be followed.
60.00071 g/cm2 or 60.035 volume percent. Due to a lack of a 12.11 Mass Loss Corrosion Rate (MLCR)—The MLCR, of
standard, no statement can be made regarding bias. Type I materials, when tested with extracted solutions, shall be
12.7 Water Vapor Permeability (Type I-Block)—Test Meth- equal to or less than that determined when tested with the
ods E96/E96M. Use water method at a temperature in the range de-ionized water reference standard in accordance with Prac-
from 73.4 to 90°F (23 to 32.2°C). tice C1617.
12.8 Hot Surface Performance (Type I-Block)—Test 13. Acceptance Requirements
Method C411 tested at 4-in. (102-mm) thickness (double layer
13.1 The following requirements are generally employed
of 2-in. or 51-mm blocks with staggered joints). (Type II-
for purposes of acceptance sampling of lots or shipments of
Pipe—tested at 3-in. (76-mm) thickness (double layer of
qualified material:
1.5-in. or 38-mm layers with joints staggered). The test
13.1.1 Compressive strength.
temperature shall not exceed the manufacturer’s maximum use
13.1.2 Dimensional tolerances.
temperature. A heating rate not exceeding 200°F/h (112°K/h)
13.1.3 Thermal conductivity.
shall be employed. Test specimens shall be unfaced.
13.1.4 Workmanship.
12.8.1 Through cracks through the outer layer of block or
pipe specimens based on a visual examination prior to removal 14. Inspection
of the test specimen from the apparatus shall constitute a
failure. 14.1 Inspection of the material shall be agreed upon be-
tween the purchaser and the supplier as part of the purchase
12.9 Surface Burning Characteristics (Type I-Block)—Test contract.
Method E84.
12.10 Stress Corrosion (Type I, Block)—For use in contact 15. Rejection
with austenitic stainless steel refer to Specification C795. For 15.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of
Types II, III, and IV, the cellular glass to be tested, composite the agreed upon specification is permitted to be rejected.
or plain, must include any manufactured/fabricated joint Report rejection promptly and in writing to the producer or
compounds, facing and adhesive if applicable. The amount of supplier.
the adhesive or joint compound, and so forth, in the test
sample, is an amount proportional to that present in the 16. Certification
fabricated product.
16.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
12.10.1 Specimen Preparation for Chemical Analysis—
producer or supplier shall furnish a certificate to the purchaser
When specified in the purchase order or contract, the following
that the material was manufactured or fabricated, sampled, and
chemical analysis results shall be furnished to the purchaser.
tested or inspected in accordance with this specification and
12.10.2 Chemical Analysis for Leachable Chloride,
was found to meet the requirements.
(Fluoride), Silicate, and Sodium Ions—Determine leachable
chloride, (fluoride), silicate, and sodium ions in accordance 16.2 Upon the request of the purchaser in the contract or
with Test Methods C871 with the following precautions. It is order, the certification by an independent third party indicating
very important that 7.1.1 in Test Methods C871 be followed conformance to the requirements of this specification is an
where the specimen is cut into thin, approximately 1⁄16-in. acceptable alternative to the manufacturer’s certification.
(2-mm), wafers, then in accordance with 8.2 of Test Methods
C871, to grind this specimen more than 60 to 120 s. If any 17. Packaging and Package Marking
material is floating on the surface, this is an indication that the 17.1 Packaging—Unless otherwise agreed and specified
wafers were too thick or additional grinding is needed, or both. between the purchaser and the manufacturer or supplier, the
In case of question/dispute, run a particle size analysis on the insulation shall be packaged in the manufacturer’s standard
dried material left on the filter paper during the extraction commercial containers.
process.
17.2 Marking—Unless otherwise specified, each container
NOTE 4—Test Method C692 was originally titled “Evaluating the shall be plainly marked as follows:
Influence of Wicking-Type Thermal Insulation on the Stress Corrosion 17.2.1 Block—The name of the manufacturer, size, and
Cracking Tendency of Austenitic Stainless Steel” and the companion quantity of the material in the container.
standard Test Methods C871 was developed to do the chemical analysis on
such materials. Since cellular glass is not a wicking insulation, it is 17.2.2 Pipe and Tubing Insulation—The name of the
manufacturer, pipe size, quantity, nominal thickness, and
jacket, if any, of the material in the container.
6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may 17.2.3 Special Shapes—The name of the manufacturer,
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:C16-1007. shape, and quantity of the material in the container.

6
 C552 − 14
17.2.4 Board—The name of the manufacturer, size, and thermal insulating materials-block and board; thermal insulat-
quantity of the material in the container. ing materials-block and pipe; thermal insulating materials-
glass; thermal insulating materials-pipe
18. Keywords
18.1 cellular glass; cellular materials; cellular materials-
preformed thermal insulation; thermal insulating materials;

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