Designation: C 892 – 00

Standard Specification for

High-Temperature Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 892; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope C 356 Test Method for Linear Shrinkage of Preformed

1.1 This specification covers high-temperature fiber blanket High-Temperature Thermal Insulation Subjected to Soak-
thermal insulation for use at various temperatures from 1350°F ing Heat3
(732°C) up to 3000°F (1649°C), except when used in high- C 390 Criteria for Sampling and Acceptance of Preformed
temperature furnaces. Thermal Insulation Lots3
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the C 1058 Practice for Selecting Temperatures for Evaluating
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the and Reporting Thermal Properties of Thermal Insulation3
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- C 1335 Test Method for Measuring Non-Fibrous Content of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Man-Made Rock and Slag Mineral Fiber Insulation3
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3. Terminology
1.3 When the installation or use of thermal insulation
materials, accessories, and systems may pose safety or health 3.1 Definitions—Terminology C 71 and Terminology C 168
problems, the manufacturers shall provide the user with appro- shall be considered as applying to the terms used in this
priate current information regarding any known problems standard.
associated with the recommended use of the company’s 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
products, and shall also recommend protective measures to be 3.2.1 fibers—the fibers shall be refractory oxides, processed
employed in their safe utilization. The user shall establish from a molten state into fibrous form.
appropriate safety and health practices and determine the 3.2.2 high-temperature fiber thermal insulation— a thermal
applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use. insulation, varying in flexibility, composed of refractory inor-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded ganic fibers, with or without binder added, and furnished in
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathemati- either flat sheets or rolls.
cal conversions to SI units which are provided for information 4. Classification
only and are not considered standard.
4.1 The general-type product governed by this specification
2. Referenced Documents is blanket or batt composed of inorganic refractory fibers.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4.2 Types—The product is separated into types based upon
C 71 Terminology Relating to Refractories2 temperatures of use:
C 167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket Type Temperature of use, °F (°C), maximum
I 1350 (732)
or Batt Thermal Insulation3 II 1600 (871)
C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulating Materi- III 2400 (1316)
als3 IV 2600 (1427)
V 3000 (1649)
C 177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of 4.3 Grades—The product is separated into grades based
the Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus3 upon its density:
C 201 Test Method for Thermal Conductivity of Refracto- Grade Density, lb/ft3(kg/m3), nominal
ries2 3 3 (48)
4 4 (64)
C 209 Test Methods for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board3 6 6 (96)
8 8 (128)
12 12 (192)
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.23 on
Blanket and Loose Fill Insulation.
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 2000. Published January 2001. Originally
published as C 892 – 78. Last previous edition C 892 – 93.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.01.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.

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

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 C 892 – 00
5. Ordering Information TABLE 2 Physical and Mechanical Requirements
Properties Requirements
5.1 High-temperature fiber blanket thermal insulation is
normally purchased on the basis of brand name, grade, length, Non-fibrous content (shot), maximum, % (by weight) 30
Linear shrinkage, maximum, % (at maximum use 5
width, thickness, and total square footage as specified in the temperature)
purchase order. Tensile strength, minimum, lb/in2 (KPa)
5.2 The type and grade for the intended service shall be as Grade 3 1.0 (6.9)
Grade 4 1.5 (10.3)
specified by the user with the assistance of the supplier where Grade 6 2.0 (13.8)
desirable. Grade 8 3.0 (20.7)
Grade 12 5.0 (34.5)
5.3 Inspection and sampling of the material may be speci-
fied by the purchaser.
5.4 When a certification or test report, or both, is required, TABLE 3 Thickness Dimensions
this shall be specified by the purchaser.
Thickness, in. (mm) Tolerance
⁄ (1.6)
1 16 +50, −25 %
6. Physical and Mechanical Properties 1⁄8 (3.2) +50, −25 %
3⁄16 (4.8) +50, −25 %
6.1 Apparent Thermal Conductivity shall conform to the 1⁄4 (6.4) +1⁄4 , −1⁄8 in. ( +6.4, −3.2 mm)
requirements of Table 1 when tested in accordance with 10.1.2. 3⁄8 (9.5) +3⁄8 , −1⁄8 in. ( +9.5, −3.2 mm)
6.2 Density shall conform to the requirements of 4.3 with a 1⁄2 (12.7) +1⁄2 , −1⁄8 in. ( +12.7, −3.2 mm)
3⁄4 (19.1) +3⁄4 , −1⁄8 in. ( +19.1, −3.2 mm)
tolerance of +30, −15 % of nominal density when tested in 1 (25.4) +3⁄4 , −1⁄8 in. ( +19.1, −3.2 mm)
accordance with 10.1.1. 11⁄2 (38.1) +3⁄4 , −1⁄8 in. ( +19.1, −3.2 mm)
6.3 Temperature of Use shall conform to the requirements 2 (51.0) +3⁄4 , −1⁄4 in. ( +19.6, −6.4 mm)
of 4.2 when tested in accordance with 10.1.4.
6.4 Other physical and mechanical properties shall conform
TABLE 4 Width Dimensions
to the requirements of Table 2 when tested in accordance with
Width, in. (mm) Tolerance,A %
Section 10.
12 (305) −2, +10
18 (457) −2, +10
7. Dimensions, Weights, and Permissible Variations 24 (610) −2, +10
36 (914) −2, +10
7.1 Rolls or flat sheets of blanket are normally furnished in 39 (991) −2, +10
standard dimensions as shown in Table 3, Table 4, and Table 5. 42 (1067) −2, +10
7.2 Sheets are normally furnished 4 by 8 ft (1219 by 2438 48 (1219) −2, +10
72 (1829) −2, +10
mm) at densities above 8 lb/ft3 (128 kg/m3).
A
Excess is permitted.
7.3 The standard length, width, and thickness combinations
available are a function of the type and grade. This information
can be obtained by referring to the supplier’s literature. 8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
Information for non-standard dimensions and combinations 8.1 The insulation shall indicate good workmanship in
can be obtained by contacting the supplier. fabrication by a uniform appearance, shall not have visible

TABLE 1 Apparent Thermal Conductivity, maximum BTU in./h·ft2·F (W/m·K)

For Test Method C 177
Mean Temperature, °F (°C)
Grade
400 (204) 800 (427) 1200 (649) 1600 (871) 2000 (1093)
3 0.66 (0.095) 1.13 (0.163) 1.79 (0.258) 2.76 (0.398) 4.20 (0.605)
4 0.62 (0.089) 1.03 (0.148) 1.66 (0.239) 2.58 (0.372) 3.83 (0.552)
6 0.54 (0.078) 0.94 (0.136) 1.47 (0.212) 2.28 (0.329) 3.33 (0.480)
8 0.53 (0.076) 0.92 (0.133) 1.41 (0.203) 2.02 (0.291) 2.72 (0.392)
12 0.53 (0.076) 0.91 (0.131) 1.38 (0.199) 1.80 (0.259) 2.17 (0.313)
For Test Method C 201, ModifiedA
Mean Temperature, °F (°C)
Grade
400 (204) 800 (427) 1200 (649) 1600 (871) 2000 (1093) 2500 (1371)
3 0.54 (0.078) 1.21 (0.175) 2.34 (0.338) 3.87 (0.558) 5.98 (0.862) 9.54 (1.375)
4 0.48 (0.069) 1.02 (0.147) 1.91 (0.275) 3.09 (0.446) 4.69 (0.676) 7.36 (1.061)
6 0.43 (0.062) 0.83 (0.120) 1.46 (0.211) 2.30 (0.332) 3.42 (0.493) 5.27 (0.759)
8 0.40 (0.058) 0.73 (0.105) 1.24 (0.179) 1.89 (0.273) 2.74 (0.395) 4.09 (0.589)
12 0.38 (0.055) 0.64 (0.092) 1.02 (0.147) 1.49 (0.215) 2.08 (0.300) 2.98 (0.429)
A
Refer to Annex A1 of this specification.

2
 C 892 – 00
TABLE 5 Length Dimensions 12. Inspection
Length, in. (mm) ToleranceA 12.1 Unless otherwise specified, the following requirements
36 (914) −0 shall be employed for the purposes of acceptance sampling of
48 (1219) −0
84 (2134) −0
lots or shipments of qualified insulation:
96 (2438) −0 12.1.1 Density.
144 (3658) −0 12.1.2 Unfiberized content.
150 (3810) −0
180 (4572) −0
12.1.3 Linear shrinkage and temperature of use.
288 (7315) −0 12.1.4 Dimensions.
300 (7620) −0 12.1.5 Workmanship, finish, and appearance.
312 (7925) −0
600 (15240) −0
12.2 Inspection of the material shall be agreed upon be-
A
tween the purchaser and the supplier as part of the purchase
Not limited—excess is permitted.
contract.

13. Rejection and Rehearing

defects such as tears and holes that will adversely affect the
13.1 If inspection of the samples shows failure to conform
service quality, and shall be free from foreign materials.
to the requirements of the specification, a second sampling
from the same lot shall be tested and the results of this retest
9. Sampling
averaged with the results of the original test.
9.1 The insulation shall be sampled for the purposes of test 13.1.1 Upon retest as described in 13.1, failure to conform
in accordance with Criteria C 390. Specific provision for to this specification shall constitute grounds for rejection.
sampling shall be agreed upon between the supplier and the 13.1.2 In case of rejection, the manufacturer or supplier
purchaser. shall have the right to reinspect the rejected shipment and
resubmit the lot after removal of that portion of the shipment
10. Test Methods not conforming to the specified requirements.
10.1 The properties enumerated in this specification shall be 13.2 Apparent Thermal Conductivity—The need for a test
determined in accordance with the following test methods: to determine compliance may be as agreed upon between the
10.1.1 Dimensional Measurement and Density—Test Meth- purchaser and the supplier, but the test shall be made if:
ods C 167. Density is based on nominal thickness. 13.2.1 Within the 3-year period preceding the date of
purchase the blanket has not been tested by an acceptable
10.1.2 Apparent Thermal Conductivity—Test Methods
testing laboratory and found in compliance with the require-
C 177 or C 201 (modified by the procedure shown in Annex
ments of 6.1.
A1). Temperature of test shall be in accordance with Practice
13.2.2 The blanket offered for delivery is not the same in all
C 1058.
respects as that previously tested by the testing laboratory.
10.1.3 Non-Fibrous Content (Shot)—Test Method C 1335
Procedure B, with the following exceptions. 14. Certification
10.1.3.1 Use U.S. Standard Sieves No. 30, 50, and 70. The
14.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
specimen shall be fired in a furnace at 2300°F (1260°C) for 5
purchaser shall be furnished certification that samples repre-
hr. After passing all particles and fine fiber through Sieve No.
senting each lot have been either tested or inspected as directed
50, mechanically shake Sieve No. 70 for 30 min.
in this specification and the requirements have been met. When
10.1.3.2 For the purposes of this specification, the unfiber-
specified in the purchase order or contract, a report of the test
ized particles are those not passing through a U.S. Standard
results shall be furnished.
No. 70 sieve (210 µm opening). The non-fibrous content is the
cumulative weight of unfiberized particles remaining on 30-, 15. Packaging and Package Marking
50-, and 70-mesh screens.
15.1 Packaging—Unless otherwise agreed to or specified
10.1.4 Linear Shrinkage and Temperature of Use—Test
between the purchaser and the manufacturer, the product shall
Method C 356, except that dimensions shall be determined by
be packaged in the manufacturer’s standard commercial con-
Test Methods C 167. The temperature of test shall be the
tainers.
temperature of use, as specified in 4.2.
15.2 Marking—The container shall be marked with the
10.1.5 Tensile Strength— Test Methods C 209, Section 12 name and brand or trademark of the manufacturer, quantity,
(parallel to surface), except that rate of separation of the jaws length, width, nominal thickness, type, grade, “Store in Dry
shall be 1 to 2 in./min (25 to 50 mm/min). Place,” “Use No Hooks,” date of manufacture, and other
information as required by the purchaser in the contract or
11. Qualification purchase order.
11.1 Unless otherwise specified, the following requirements
shall be employed for the purpose of initial material or product 16. Keywords
qualification: 16.1 alumina-silica high temperature thermal insulation;
11.1.1 Apparent Thermal Conductivity. non-fibrous content; thermal conductivity; thermal insulating
11.1.2 Tensile Strength. materials-blanket; non-fibrous content

3
 C 892 – 00

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. MODIFIED CALORIMETER (TEST METHOD C 201)—PREPARATION AND PLACEMENT OF FIBROUS INSULATING
MATERIAL IN THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTER

A1.1 Selection and Preparation of Sample A1.2.3 The sample chamber is prepared by placing ceramic
A1.1.1 The standard sample of fibrous insulation requires fiber insulation of the same type being tested around the
that new material be available to make a pad 131⁄2 by 9 by 2 in. perimeter on the outer guard section so that the test chamber
(343 by 229 by 51 mm) thick. The 9 by 131⁄2-in. dimension is that is formed is 9 by 131⁄2-in. (229 by 343 mm) in area. This
usually obtainable in blanket materials. As blankets are avail- insulation shall stand 21⁄2-in. (63.7 mm) from the calorimeter
able in several thicknesses, it is often necessary to cut several surface. The insulation immediately to the rear of the sample
pieces of blanket 9 by 131⁄2-in. that can be placed one upon the under which the leads on the foil thermocouple pass through to
other to make the 2-in. thickness. The selection of these the ice junction will need to be cut into strips to allow the
individual blankets should be made to provide as uniform a passage of other thermocouple leads through this outer insula-
density as possible in each of the individual blanket layers and tion.
an individual density as close to the ultimate overall sample A1.2.4 The thickness of the sample is held at some prede-
density as possible. If the blanket is thin enough or of a low termined thickness (usually 2-in. (51 mm)) using four pieces of
enough density, the layers should be held over a light box to alumina tubing 3⁄8-in. (13 mm) in diameter by 2-in. (51 mm)
detect any abnormal variation in density. long placed in the four corners of the calorimeter chamber.
A1.1.2 The precise cutting of the blanket to size is facili- These support the silicon carbide slab that acts as the sample
tated by the use of a heavy cardboard or thin sheet steel pattern hot face. These four supports shall be cut with great care to
cut square to 9 by 131⁄2-in. (229 by 343 mm). A butcher knife ensure equal length as their thickness contributes directly to the
seems to produce a good cut. precision of the thermocouple spacing.
A1.1.3 After cutting to the 9 by 131⁄2-in. (229 by 343-mm)
size, the individual blankets should be weighed and the density A1.3 Sample Installation
determined. Since the thicknesses of the blankets vary, it may A1.3.1 To determine the thermocouple separation or sample
be necessary to compress the assembled layers before instal- thickness to use in the calculation, it has been found that any
lation in the tester so that the assembly is 2 in. (51 mm) thick. micrometer measurement may be used. The following method
This can be done by placing a steel plate on top of the sample is referred. A piece of stiff modeling clay is shaped to
and loading it to compress the sample to 2 in. The maximum approximately 1 in. (25 mm) in diameter, and 21⁄16 in. (52 mm)
compression allowed is 15 %. long. This piece of clay is placed over the lower thermocouple
bead on the calorimeter, and the top silicon carbide slab
A1.2 Preparation of Tester containing the hot face thermocouple is lowered into the
A1.2.1 In order to accurately measure the surface tempera- sample chamber until it is seated firmly upon the four support-
ture of the calorimeter, a thin-foil thermocouple is applied to ing corners. The silicon carbide slab is then removed and the
the center of the calorimeter surface. The foil thermocouple clay column lifted carefully from the lower thermocouple. The
shall be 0.0005 in. (0.0127 mm) or less and may be Type J, K, length of this clay column is determined with either a microme-
T, or E. The thermocouple shall be bonded to an electrically ter or a vernier height gage. Generally, three determinations
insulating matrix 0.003 in. (0.0762 mm) thick or less. The leads made in this manner will yield a uniform thickness measure-
shall be electrically insulated and of sufficient length to exit the ment for the space between the calorimeter surface and the
apparatus without an internal junction. The thermocouple shall silicon carbide slab.
be held on the surface by a thin layer of adhesive, such as A1.3.2 The sample previously prepared in the form of a pad
double-back tape. After the thermocouple is in place, the 9 by 131⁄2 in. (229 by 343 mm) and approximately 2 in. (51
surface shall be painted with a high-emittance coating with an mm) thick should be weighed to determine the sample density,
emittance of 0.9 or higher. 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) diameter corners are then cut out of this

A1.2.2 The 9 by 131⁄2-in. (229 by 343-mm) silicon carbide sample to provide room for the 3⁄8-in. diameter supports in the
slab, approximately 3⁄4 in. (19.1 mm) thick, which forms the corners. The sample can then be lowered into the test chamber
top surface of the sample, is cleaned and shall be flat and and will fit, although some care shall be taken to see that the
smooth with 1⁄32 in. (0.79 mm). The leads on a 25 gage Type S sample is not so large as to permit curling up of the bottom
thermocouple shall be insulated with fine alumina tubing. The edges as they slide past the outer insulation. Care shall also be
bead shall be covered with a small amount of alumina cement taken to see that the fibrous insulation sample does not protrude
so that it does not come in contact with the silicon carbide above the supports on the corners. The silicon carbide slab is
plate. The thermocouple shall then be placed in slots cut in the then lowered on top of the sample until it is firmly seated on the
silicon carbide plate and cemented in place so that the four support corners. If the top slab does not seat firmly upon
thermocouple is in the center of the plate’s bottom surface. the supports, one or perhaps two more silicon carbide slabs

4
 C 892 – 00
may be placed upon the top slab to provide additional weight. insulating firebrick. Carry tests to hot-face temperatures equal
The test may then be started. to the use limit of the material.
A1.4.2 After testing, reweigh the sample to determine the
A1.4 Procedure
loss of any lubricants, resins, or adhesives that might be present
A1.4.1 Make the measurements in the manner described in in the sample. Because of the variation in density for this type
the booklet entitled “Recommended Operating Instructions for of sample, it is advisable to determine the density over the
Use with the ASTM Thermal Conductivity Tester.”4 As the small area of the test calorimeter, approximately 3 in. (76 mm)
thermal conductivity of the fibrous insulating materials is lower square. For this purpose, it has been found that a “cookie
than insulating firebrick, the flow settings will be slightly cutter” sample can be taken using a suitable tin can 3 to 4 in.
different than those encountered in the measurements of (76 to 102 mm) in diameter. Remove one rim of the can to
make a sharp circular edge. Use this tin can cookie cutter to
4 core a sample from the sample pad over the test calorimeter.
This booklet was originally drafted by the Refractories Division of Babcock
and Wilcox Co. ASTM has been advised that this booklet is no longer available. Weigh this sample and, knowing the diameter of the can and
Subcommittee C16.23 is taking this issue under advisement. sample test thickness, determine the true sample density.

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