ASTM D7486-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D7486-22 — Standard Test Method for Measurement of Fines and Dust Particles on Plastic Pellets by Wet Analysis. This test method describes a laboratory wet‑wash and filtration procedure to separate, collect, and quantify fine and dust particles adhered to plastic pellets or granules (typical focus: particle fractions below about 500 μm) for quality control and evaluation of pellet cleaning or conveying systems.

Abstract

ASTM D7486-22 specifies a wet‑analysis technique in which pellets are washed with a liquid to overcome electrostatic adhesion, the wash is filtered, and retained fines are dried and weighed (or otherwise quantified) to determine percent fines/dust. The method is intended to provide accurate measurement of small (<500 μm) particulate fractions that are not effectively measured by dry sieving. SI units are the standard for the procedure.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition approved and published).
• Publication date: November 1, 2022 (edition D7486-22).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 83.140.99 (Other rubber and plastics products; particle/fines measurement).
• Edition / version: D7486-22 (revises D7486-14).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

This test method measures fines and dust particles adhered on plastic pellets or granules using a liquid wash and filtration approach. The lower measurable particle size is limited by the filter disc porosity selected; the procedure is intended for fractions not well characterized by dry sieving (typically below ~500 μm). The method is intended for routine quality assessment of pellets after production and to evaluate pellet cleaning and pneumatic conveying systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Wet‑wash separation to overcome static adhesion and collect attached fines.
• Filtration and selection of filter disc pore size determine the lower particle limit to be quantified.
• Sample preparation and representative sampling to ensure valid lot assessment.
• Drying and weighing (or equivalent quantification) of retained fines to report percent fines by mass.
• Use of SI units as the standard reporting units.
• Intended particle size focus: fractions below 500 μm (used after dry sieve analysis for larger fractions).
• Referenced test methods and documents commonly cited: ASTM D1921 (sieve analysis), ASTM D883 (terminology), ASTM E11 (sieve cloth/specification), and ASTM E691 (precision/interlaboratory practice).

Typical use and users

Used by plastics producers, quality control laboratories, material handlers and converters, pellet cleaning system manufacturers, and recyclers to quantify fines/dust levels on pellets. Typical applications include acceptance testing of raw material lots, troubleshooting processing issues caused by fines, validating cleaning or conveying equipment performance, and routine process control.

Related standards

Commonly used together with or referenced standards include: ASTM D1921 (Test Methods for Particle Size — sieve analysis), ASTM D883 (Terminology Relating to Plastics), ASTM E11 (Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves), ASTM E691 (Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study), and earlier editions of this method (ASTM D7486‑14).

Keywords

fines, dust, plastic pellets, granules, wet analysis, filtration, particle size, pellet cleaning, electrostatic, quality control, D7486

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D7486-22 is a test method that defines a wet‑wash and filtration procedure to measure fines and dust particles adhered to plastic pellets and granules.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, wet‑washing to remove statically adhered fines, filtration (selection of filter porosity), and quantification (typically by drying and weighing) to report percent fines for particle fractions usually below about 500 μm. It does not replace dry sieve methods for larger particle sizes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Plastics manufacturers, QC labs, pellet cleaning and conveying equipment vendors, converters, and recyclers use this method for lot acceptance, process control, equipment validation, and troubleshooting.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the D7486-22 edition was published on November 1, 2022 and is the active edition; it revises ASTM D7486-14. If you need to confirm whether a newer revision exists after November 1, 2022, check the issuing body (ASTM) for any updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone ASTM test method within the D20 committee portfolio (Plastics) and is commonly used alongside related particle‑size and test‑method standards (e.g., D1921, D883, E11, E691).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are: fines, dust, pellets, wet analysis, filtration, particle size distribution, electrostatic, pellet cleaning, quality control.