ASTM D6940/D6940M-20

5.1 Sifting segregation can cause horizontal segregation (for example, center-to-periphery) within bins used to hold and transport bulk solids. This can affect final product quality or subsequent processes in industrial applications.

5.2 By measuring a bulk solid's segregation tendency, one can compare results to other bulk solids with known history, or determine if the given bulk solid may have a tendency to segregate in a given process.

5.3 Sifting, which is a process by which smaller particles move through a matrix of larger ones, is a common method of segregation. Four conditions must exist for sifting to occur:

5.4 All four of these conditions must exist for sifting segregation to occur. If any one of these conditions does not exist, the material will not segregate by this mechanism.

1.1 This practice covers an apparatus and procedure for simulating the segregation tendencies of bulk solids by means of the sifting mechanism.

1.2 Temperature- and humidity-sensitive bulk solids may need to be tested at different temperatures and moisture contents, as would happen in an industrial environment.

1.3 The maximum particle size should be limited to 3 mm [¹/₈ in.], to reduce the likelihood of binding the slide gate.

1.4 This standard is not applicable to all bulk solids and segregation mechanisms: while sifting is a common segregation mechanism experienced by many bulk solids, other segregation mechanisms not evaluated by this standard might induce segregation in practice. Practice D6941 covers another common mechanism: fluidization.

1.5 The extent to which segregation will occur in an industrial situation is not only a function of the bulk solid and its tendency to segregate, but also the handling equipment (for example, bin design), process (for example, transfer rates), and environment.

1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.8 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.9 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.