AS 4489.2.1-1997 (2016) PDF

Full title and description

St AS 4489.2.1-1997 (2016) — Test methods for limes and limestones, Method 2.1: Fineness — Wet sieving. This Australian Standard specifies a laboratory procedure for determining the fineness of hydrated lime and similar limestone products using a wet‑sieving technique.

Abstract

This standard sets out a wet‑sieving method to determine the fineness distribution of hydrated lime. The test quantifies the proportion of material retained on specified sieves; it does not determine the chemical composition of any residue. The document includes required apparatus, sampling and sample preparation steps, detailed test procedure, calculations and reporting requirements. Safety advice highlights that hydrated lime can cause serious caustic burns.

General information

• Status: Current (reconfirmed 2016, R2016).
• Publication date: 5 September 1997 (reconfirmation June 2016).
• Publisher: Standards Australia.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.10 — Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar.
• Edition / version: 1st edition (1997); reconfirmed 2016 (R2016).
• Number of pages: 4.

Scope

The Standard prescribes the wet‑sieving test method for determining the fineness of hydrated lime and related limestone products. It defines the principle, required apparatus (including specified sieves), sampling and sample preparation procedures, the step‑by‑step wet‑sieving technique, calculation of results and the format of the test report. It does not address chemical analysis of residues and includes a safety warning regarding the caustic nature of hydrated lime.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: determination of fineness distribution of hydrated lime by wet sieving.
• Required apparatus: designated wet sieves and sieving equipment, dispersion/agitation equipment, balance and drying facilities.
• Sampling and sample preparation: procedures for obtaining representative samples and preparing them for testing.
• Test procedure: stepwise wet‑sieving method, including dispersion, sieving times and handling of residues.
• Calculations: methods to compute percentages retained/passing and reportable fineness results.
• Reporting: required information in the test report (sample ID, test conditions, results, deviations).
• Safety: handling precautions for hydrated lime (risk of caustic burns) and laboratory safety measures.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, lime and limestone producers, quality control personnel in construction and manufacturing, specification writers, and researchers working with building materials and mineral additives. The standard supports quality verification, specification compliance and product grading for construction, industrial and agricultural applications where lime fineness is relevant.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside other parts of the AS 4489 series and related documents, including AS 4489.1.1-1997 (Sample preparation — Quicklime and hydrated lime), AS 1672.1-1997 (Limes and limestones — Limes for building), AS 1152 (Specification for test sieves), and AS 1349-1986 (Bourdon tube pressure and vacuum gauges). It is also referenced by standards such as AS 2150 (Asphalt — A guide to good practice).

Keywords

hydrated lime, fineness, wet sieving, test method, AS 4489.2.1, limes and limestones, sample preparation, laboratory test, quality control, reconfirmed 2016

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 4489.2.1-1997 (R2016) is an Australian Standard that specifies a wet‑sieving test method for determining the fineness of hydrated lime and related limestone products.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the principle, apparatus, sampling and sample preparation, detailed wet‑sieving procedure, calculations and reporting required to determine particle‑size distribution (fineness) of hydrated lime. It does not cover chemical analysis of residues.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, lime manufacturers, construction materials engineers, quality control staff, specifiers and researchers concerned with lime product grading and conformity to specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard is current; it was originally published on 5 September 1997 and formally reconfirmed in 2016 (R2016). Users should check for any subsequent amendments or newer related standards where applicable.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of the AS 4489 series of test methods for limes and limestones; related parts cover sample preparation and other test methods for lime and limestone products.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Hydrated lime, fineness, wet sieving, test method, limes and limestones, AS 4489, sample preparation, laboratory testing, quality control.