ASTM D61-15 PDF

Scope: 5.1 Pitch does not go through a solid-liquid phase change when heated, and therefore it does not have a true melting point. As the temperature rises, pitch softens and becomes less viscous. The softening point is arbitrarily defined and shall be established by a closely controlled method which shall be carefully followed if test results are to be reproducible.

5.2 This test is useful in determining the consistency of pitch as one element in establishing the uniformity of shipments or sources of supply.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of pitches below 1768201;°F (808201;°C). Pitches of higher softening point should be tested by Test Method D2319 or Test Method D3104.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM D61-15 Referenced Document

ASTM D140 Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
ASTM D2319 Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitch (Cube-in-Air Method)
ASTM D3104 Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Mettler Softening Point Method)
ASTM E1 Standard Specification for ASTM Thermometers
ASTM E1137 Standard Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers
ASTM E2251 Standard Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
ASTM E2877 Standard Guide for Digital Contact Thermometers
ASTM E563 Standard Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath as a Reference Temperature

2019 ASTM D61-15(2019) Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
2015 ASTM D61-15 Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
1975 ASTM D61-75(2010) Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
1975 ASTM D61-75(2004) Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)
1975 ASTM D61-75(1999) Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method)