ASTM E832-81 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E832-81(2024) — Standard Specification for Laboratory Filter Papers. This specification defines requirements and test procedures for two types of laboratory filter papers used in chemical analysis, grouped into classes by flow rate and precipitate-retention characteristics. It establishes performance limits for properties such as ash content, wet bursting strength, water flow rate, and precipitate retention to ensure suitability for analytical work.

Abstract

This standard provides complete evaluation procedures for laboratory filter papers used in chemical analysis. It covers two primary types of filter paper and divides products into seven classes according to flow rate and the type of precipitate filtered. Testable requirements include alpha‑cellulose content, ash (ignition residue), pH, wet‑burst strength, maximum water flow rate, and precipitate retention. SI units are specified as the normative measurement system within the document.

General information

• Status: Active / reapproved (designation shown as ASTM E832‑81 with 2024 reapproval).
• Publication date: 01 November 2024 (listed as ASTM E832‑81(2024) / reapproval date shown in ASTM product listings).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 71.040.20 — Laboratory ware and related apparatus.
• Edition / version: Designation E832‑81 (original adoption 1981); current reapproval/issue referenced as ASTM E832‑81(2024).
• Number of pages: 3–4 pages (official document listings commonly show a 3–4 page specification depending on print/format).

Scope

This specification covers two types of filter paper for use in chemical analysis and provides procedures for the complete evaluation of those papers. It specifies required properties and acceptance limits, and states that values are to be regarded in SI units as the standard. The scope identifies the grouping of papers into classes by filtration rate and the nature of precipitates they are intended to retain, and it defines test methods for determining ash content, wet bursting strength, flow rate, and precipitate retention.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification into two types (by intended analytical use) and seven classes (by flow rate / precipitate type).
• Alpha‑cellulose (purity) minimum limits for certain grades to ensure paper stability and chemical compatibility.
• Ash (ignition residue) limits to identify suitability for quantitative analysis where low mineral content is required.
• Wet bursting (wet‑strength) requirements for papers intended for use with wet filtrations or vacuum applications.
• Maximum water flow rate and standard test procedure(s) to assign classes and predict performance.
• Precipitate retention tests to confirm the paper’s ability to hold analytical precipitates of specified character.
• Use of SI units as the normative measurement system throughout the specification.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by analytical and research laboratories, quality control departments, filter‑paper manufacturers, procurement/specifications engineers, and regulatory or testing bodies that evaluate or purchase laboratory filtration media. Typical applications include routine qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses, environmental and water testing prefiltration, education and teaching laboratories, and any laboratory process that requires documented, repeatable filtration performance and low ash/low‑contamination filter media.

Related standards

Historical and related documents include earlier designations and related ASTM documents (the specification was redesignated from earlier D‑series documents such as D1100 in the history of the standard). The specification is typically referenced alongside manufacturer product standards and internal laboratory test methods for filter paper grades; users also compare this document with supplier technical datasheets (e.g., Whatman/Cytiva, Sartorius, Ahlstrom) when selecting specific filter grades for analytical tasks.

Keywords

filter paper; laboratory filter; quantitative filter paper; qualitative filter paper; ash content; wet burst; flow rate; precipitate retention; ASTM E832; laboratory apparatus; alpha‑cellulose.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E832‑81(2024) is the ASTM specification that defines performance, classification, and test procedures for laboratory filter papers intended for chemical analysis, including both qualitative and quantitative uses.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two types of laboratory filter paper, groups products into classes by flow rate and precipitate retention, and specifies measurable properties and test methods (ash content, wet bursting strength, maximum water flow rate, precipitate retention) using SI units as the normative system.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical and QC laboratories, filter paper manufacturers and suppliers, procurement/specification engineers, and testing or regulatory authorities involved in selecting or certifying laboratory filtration media.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is listed in current ASTM catalogs as E832‑81(2024), indicating a 2024 reapproval/issue. Users should always confirm they have the latest reapproval or edition (ASTM periodically reapproves or revises legacy designations); the ASTM product listing and authorized distributors show the 2024 designation as the current listing for E832‑81. If exact compliance timing matters, consult the publisher’s record for formal status and revision history.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E832 is a single‑number ASTM designation (originally from earlier D‑series numbering in the standard’s history). It sits within the ASTM Annual Book section covering laboratory apparatus and related materials (Book Volume 14.04) and is used alongside other laboratory and materials standards rather than as a numbered technical series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Filter paper, laboratory filter, ash content, wet burst, flow rate, precipitate retention, alpha‑cellulose, analytical filtration, ASTM E832.