APPARENT BULK DENSITY OF

EXTRUDED CATALYST

UOP Method 778-81

SCOPE

This method is for determining the packed apparent bulk density of extruded catalysts. The method is
applicable to catalysts conforming to the following approximate dimensions: a maximum diameter of 1/8
inch (3.2 mm) and a maximum average length of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm), with a maximum individual length of
5/8 inch (15.9 mm). Apparent bulk density, referred to as ABD, is an empirical value defined as weight per
unit volume. The packed ABD of molecular sieves can be determined using UOP Method 563. The packed
ABD of extruded catalyst having larger dimensions, such as poly catalyst, can be determined by UOP
Method 762.

OUTLINE OF METHOD

A 100-mL graduated cylinder is slowly filled with the sample at a uniform rate. During the entire filling
process the cylinder is vibrated by a mechanical device. The net weight of sample divided by the observed
sample volume is calculated. The resulting number is referred to as the packed ABD of the sample.

APPARATUS

Autotransformer, variable, 120 V, 10 amp., Sargent-Welch Scientific Co., Cat. No. S-30940, or
equivalent

Balance, capable of weighing to 0.01 g

Cylinder, graduated, glass, 100-mL capacity, one-milliliter subdivisions, conforming to the specifications
of ASTM Method E 133, Sargent-Welch Scientific Co., Cat. No. S-24665-E, or equivalent

Funnel, powder, glass, 65-mm top ID, 15-mm stem OD, Sargent-Welch Scientific Co., Cat. No. S-35460-
A, or equivalent

Thermometer, total immersion, -20 to 110 C, Sargent-Welch Scientific Co., Cat. No. S-8005-10 B, or
equivalent

IT IS THE USER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONARY PRACTICES AND TO

DETERMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF REGULATORY LIMITATIONS PRIOR TO USE. EFFECTIVE HEALTH AND
SAFETY PRACTICES ARE TO BE FOLLOWED WHEN UTILIZING THIS PROCEDURE. FAILURE TO UTILIZE THIS
PROCEDURE IN THE MANNER PRESCRIBED HEREIN CAN BE HAZARDOUS. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
(MSDS) OR EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (EMSDS) FOR ALL OF THE MATERIALS USED IN
THIS PROCEDURE SHOULD BE REVIEWED FOR SELECTION OF THE APPROPRIATE PERSONAL PROTECTION
EQUIPMENT (PPE).

© COPYRIGHT 1981 UOP LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

UOP Methods are available through ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken PA 19428-2959,
United States. The Methods may be obtained through the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or by contacting Customer Service at
service@astm.org, 610.832.9555 FAX, or 610.832.9585 PHONE.
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Vibrator, Jog-O-Matic, Martin Yale Business Machines, Cat. No. 6000, or equivalent

CALIBRATION OF APPARATUS

Weigh the graduated cylinder to the nearest 0.01 g. Fill the cylinder to the 100-mL mark with distilled
water. Dislodge any bubbles that may adhere to the wall of the cylinder and remove any water adhering to
the outside of the cylinder with an adsorbent paper. Weigh the filled cylinder to the nearest 0.01 g.

Remove the cylinder from the balance and determine the temperature of the water to the nearest 0.1 C.

Apply the necessary volume temperature correction factor (mL/g) to the weight of the water, see
REFERENCE. Calculate from these data the volume of the cylinder to the nearest 0.1 mL. If this calculated
volume deviates from 100 mL by more than 0.2% the cylinder cannot be used in the analysis, and another
cylinder must be calibrated.

PROCEDURE

Weigh the dry empty 100-mL graduated cylinder to the nearest 0.01 g. Set up the table vibrator by
plugging it into the autotransformer. Adjust the transformer to a setting of about 63% so that approximately
75 volts are going to the vibrator table and insert a funnel into the top opening. Turn on the vibrator and
while firmly holding the cylinder on the table, begin pouring the sample into the cylinder in a slow and
uniform manner, so that 95-100 mL of sample are added over a one to one-and-one-half minute period.
When 95-100 mL of sample have been added to the cylinder, continue to vibrate the sample for an
additional 15 seconds while slowly rotating and moving the cylinder across the top of the vibrator. The total
vibration time should not exceed one-and-three-fourths minutes.

Remove the cylinder from the vibrator, record the volume of sample to the nearest 0.5 mL, and weigh the
cylinder containing the sample to the nearest 0.01 g. The gross weight minus the tare weight is the net
weight of catalyst. Repeat the ABD determination two more times. The average of the three determinations
is reported as the packed apparent bulk density (ABD). If any of the values determined deviates from the
average by more than one percent, discard it and repeat the analysis to obtain an acceptable number.

CALCULATIONS

Calculate the packed ABD using the following formula:

W−T
ABD, g/mL =
V

where:
T = weight of graduated cylinder, g
V = volume of sample after vibration, mL
W = weight of sample and cylinder, g

PRECISION

Based on 6 replicate determinations, the estimated standard deviation (esd) for ABD at the 0.7 g/mL level
was calculated to be 0.003.

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Duplicate results by the same operator should not differ by more than 0.01 g/mL (95% probability) at the
stated level.

TIME FOR ANALYSIS

The elapsed time and labor requirement are identical, 0.30 hour.

REFERENCE

Lange’s Handbook of Chemistry

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS

Martin Yale Business Machines, 5600 N. Spaulding Ave., Chicago, IL 60624

Sargent-Welch Scientific Co., 7300 N. Linder Ave., Skokie, IL 60077

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