The moisture content of activated carbon is often required to define and express its properties in relation to the net weight of the carbon.

The moisture content of activated carbon packed in typical shipping containers will usually increase during transportation and storage. Users of activated carbon in applications where low moisture content is important should be aware of this effect.

1.1 These test methods provide two procedures for the determination of the moisture content of activated carbon. The procedures may also be used to dry samples required for other tests. The oven-drying method is used when water is the only volatile material present and is in significant quantities, and the activated carbon is not heat-sensitive (some activated carbons can ignite spontaneously at temperatures as low as 150C). The xylene-extraction method is used when a carbon is known or suspected to be heat sensitive or to contain nonwater-miscible organic compounds instead of or in addition to water. The oven-drying method described in these test methods may be used as the reference for development of instrumental techniques for moisture determination in activated carbon.

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 appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.