Work Item
ASTM WK82014
Revision of D4982-20 Standard Test Methods for Flammability Potential Screening Analysis of Waste
Rationale
Section 7.6 – The draft corrections contain untrue statements, and I am not voting negative in the expectation that the errors get corrected. For example, “7.6 Separation of materials within a sample will result in a non-representative specimen from the sample. Sufficient agitation of the sample before selecting a test specimen will typically resolve this problem.” One must know the parameter before determining if a separation of material within a sample makes the sample non-representative. At some level, all material separates, especially waste, and the separation cannot say that the sample is not representative of the mixture. If one has water and oil, the parameter of interest and the use of the data (the data quality objectives) determine if the sample is representative. Where would this concept end, at the molecular level?
I recommend the section remain out of the standard.
Section 9.4.2. – The evaluation of decomposition components added to the standard would best serve the users when presented in cases when the information is needed, a test objective.
I recommend a change as follows.
9.4.2.1 Discussion- Physical or chemical decomposition of the specimen after continuous heating (see 7.2) requires an evaluation of the residue when the data quality objectives of the test require the determination of the decomposition components. Report the flammability of the decomposition specimens when required.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 05-26-2022
Technical Contact: Michael Harrell
Item: 000
Ballot:
Status: