Designation: C411 −19
Standard Test Method for
Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal
Insulation
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This standard is issued under the fixed designation C411; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the perfor-
mance of commercial sizes of both block and pipe forms of
thermal insulating materials when exposed to simulated hot-
surface application conditions. The term “hot-surface perfor-
mance” has reference to a simulated use-temperature test in
which the heated testing surface is in a horizontal position.
1.2 This test method refers primarily to high-temperature
insulations that are applicable to hot-side temperatures in
excess of 150°F (66°C). It is used for materials such as
preformed insulations, insulating cements, blankets, and the
like, by proper laboratory preparation of the samples.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
1.4 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 appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
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C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or
Batt Thermal Insulations
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C356 Test Method for Linear Shrinkage of Preformed High-
Temperature Thermal Insulation Subjected to Soaking
Heat
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall apply to the terms
used in this test method.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 sag, n—the extent of thickness loss of pipe insulation,
at the top longitudinal center, due to material fatigue or
decomposition due to elevated temperature.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Performance in service is the final measure of value for
a thermal insulation, but simulative service tests give useful
indications. One type involves application for a specified time
to a surface heated at a temperature approximately that of
intended service, and noting during the test and afterward,
changes in the material and its properties. Measurement of
these changes are used for predicting what occurs in service as
a result of exposure to temperatures corresponding to those of
the tests.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Heating Plate—The heating plate shall consist of a
corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant plate with a preferred
exposed test area of 36 by 18 in. (914 by 457 mm), but having
a minimum test area of 18 by 18 in. (457 by 457 mm). The
heated area shall have an insulated, heated guard area having a
minimum width of 3 in. (76 mm) around the entire periphery of
the test area. The plate shall be supported in a horizontal plane
at a sufficient number of points to prevent sagging. It shall be
heated on the under side by gas or electricity. The surface
temperature of the plate shall be measured by not less than five
thermocouples. Four of the thermocouples shall be located
along the diagonals that extend from the corners of the exposed
area of the plate and at a distance of 6 in. (152 mm) in from
each corner. A fifth thermocouple shall be located near the
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.31 on Chemical and
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved March 1, 2019. Published March 2019. Originally
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C411 – 17. DOI:
10.1520/C0411-19.
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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.
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