ISO 5017:2013

Overview

ISO 5017:2013 specifies a laboratory method for determining the bulk density, apparent porosity and true porosity of dense shaped refractory products. The standard describes sample size and shape limits, the required apparatus (drying oven, balance, vacuum equipment, thermometer, immersion liquid, desiccator) and a step‑by‑step procedure based on drying, vacuum impregnation with an immersion liquid and three weighings. Results are calculated from the measured masses and the immersion liquid density to provide porosity and density values for quality control, specification and materials comparison.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: applies to dense shaped refractories (true porosity < 45% V/V).
• Test pieces: prisms or cylinders with bulk volume between 50 cm3 and 200 cm3; maximum dimension ratio 2:1.
• Drying: dry to constant mass at 110 °C ± 5 °C (alkaline products may be dried at 150 °C ± 10 °C).
• Vacuum impregnation: evacuate vessel to an absolute pressure of ≤ 2 500 Pa (0.025 bar), maintain vacuum periods (check leak tightness, 15 min initial hold; reduced pressure while introducing liquid for ~3 min; maintain reduced pressure for 30 min; then 30 min open soak).
• Weighings: determine mass of the dry test piece, apparent immersed mass (suspended in immersion liquid), and mass of the soaked test piece in air. Balance accuracy ± 0.01 g.
• Immersion liquid: normally distilled or deionized water for non‑reactive materials; alternate organic liquids for water‑sensitive materials. Liquid density at test temperature must be determined (ISO 758 referenced).
• Calculations: bulk density, apparent porosity and true porosity are calculated from the three masses and the immersion liquid density; true density is determined using ISO 5018.
• Test report must include laboratory identification, date, material description, number of items and test pieces, vacuum pressure, immersion liquid and individual and mean results.

Applications and users

ISO 5017:2013 is used by:

• Refractory manufacturers for production quality control and batch acceptance.
• Materials testing laboratories performing comparative characterization or supplier qualification.
• R&D teams assessing microstructure and pore connectivity in refractories.
• Purchasers and specifiers requiring standardized density/porosity data for high‑temperature service selection.

Practical applications include verifying fired bricks, shaped nozzles and other dense refractories for thermal performance, mechanical integrity and suitability for specific furnace or metallurgical environments.

Related standards

• ISO 5018 - Refractory materials: determination of true density (used together with ISO 5017).
• ISO 758 - Density of liquid chemical products at 20 °C (for immersion liquid density reference).

Keywords: ISO 5017:2013, dense shaped refractory products, bulk density, apparent porosity, true porosity, vacuum impregnation, immersion liquid, refractory testing, materials testing, quality control.