GOST 21560.5-82 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 21560.5-82 — "Удобрения минеральные. Метод определения рассыпчатости" (Mineral fertilizers — Method for determination of looseness/friability). The standard specifies laboratory procedures to assess the looseness, flowability and friability characteristics of mineral fertilizer products supplied in bulk or in packaged form.

Abstract

This standard establishes a test method for determining the looseness (рассыпчатость) of mineral fertilizers. It defines sampling plans for consignments and batches, the required test apparatus (shovel, chute, sieve, probe, scales and related fixtures), step‑by‑step test procedures for both bulk and bagged fertilizers, measurement and calculation methods, and acceptance criteria used in quality control and inspection.

General information

• Status: Active (in force / действующий)
• Publication date: 1982 (adopted 31 May 1982; effective from 01 January 1983)
• Publisher: State Committee for Standards of the USSR (Gosstandart) — issued as an interstate standard (Межгосударственный стандарт)
• ICS / categories: 65.080 (fertilizers; fertilizer testing)
• Edition / version: GOST 21560.5-82 (original 1982 edition); contains later amendments recorded in the standard history.
• Number of pages: 8 (typical published text)

Scope

GOST 21560.5-82 applies to mineral fertilizer products and specifies a standardized laboratory method for determining looseness (the tendency of granules to break down, produce fines or pass through a sieve under defined handling/test conditions). The method covers sampling from bulk consignments and bags, apparatus requirements, test execution for different packaging modes, number of replicate measurements, and calculation of results for use in acceptance testing, production control and regulatory inspection.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology related to looseness / friability of mineral fertilizers.
• Sampling plan and acceptance numbers for batches of different sizes (tables specify sample size n and acceptance number C by number of bags/size of lot).
• Apparatus specifications: examples include shovel, chute (0.3 m width), sieve with working area ~0.5 m² and mesh opening 0.04 x 0.04 m (wire diameter not less than 3 mm), spring or dial scales up to ~25 kg (sensitivity 0.5 kg), probe and fixtures for controlled testing.
• Test procedure for bulk shipments: taking point samples (columns) with a shovel, dropping samples from a prescribed height (e.g., 20 cm) onto the sieve, separating passed material and residue, and recording masses.
• Test procedure for bagged fertilizers and packaged material: sample extraction from bags, number of measurements depending on total mass of sample, and specifics for repeatability and control tests.
• Measurement and calculation: how to compute looseness/friability as a proportion of mass passing through the sieve; prescribed number of replicate measurements based on sample mass ranges.
• Acceptance and decision rules: provisions for acceptance/rejection of consignments based on the sampling plan and measured results (acceptance numbers C tied to lot sizes).

Typical use and users

This standard is used by fertilizer manufacturers (production and quality control laboratories), independent testing laboratories, customs and quarantine inspectors, procurement and quality assurance teams, research institutes studying fertilizer physical properties, and regulatory authorities responsible for enforcing product quality requirements.

Related standards

GOST 21560.5-82 is part of the GOST series of standards for mineral fertilizers. Closely related documents include other parts of the GOST 21560 series addressing sampling, granulometry and mechanical strength (for example, GOST 21560.0-82, GOST 21560.1-82, GOST 21560.2-82) and other fertilizer-testing standards (for moisture, chemical composition and particle size). National or international methods for fertilizer physical testing (later GOST R/ISO standards) may also be referenced for complementary test methods.

Keywords

GOST 21560.5-82; mineral fertilizers; looseness; friability; flowability; sampling plan; sieve test; quality control; fertilizer testing; Gosstandart; 65.080.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST 21560.5-82 is a Soviet / interstate standard titled "Mineral fertilizers — Method for determination of looseness" that defines a laboratory method to measure the propensity of fertilizer granules to produce fines or pass through a standard sieve under specified handling conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling procedures for bulk and bagged fertilizers, apparatus and test setup (sieve dimensions, drop height, probe and weighing equipment), detailed test steps, number of repetitions, calculation of looseness/friability and acceptance decision rules for consignments.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fertilizer manufacturers and their QC labs, independent testing laboratories, regulatory inspectors, customs/quality control personnel, and researchers concerned with physical properties of fertilizer products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was adopted in 1982 and entered into force 01 January 1983. Records indicate it remains listed as an active (in‑force) standard in available catalogues, though users should verify the current legal/technical status with the national standards body or an authoritative standards database in their country because later harmonized or replacement national/ISO standards may exist.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is one part of the GOST 21560 family of standards that specify physical and testing requirements for mineral fertilizers (other parts address granulometry, strength, sampling and related test methods).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Fertilizers, mineral fertilizers, looseness, friability, flowability, sieve test, sampling plan, GOST 21560.5-82, quality control, Gosstandart.