This guide covers the wet sieve analysis of ceramic whiteware clays. This guide is intended for use in testing shipments of clay as well as for plant control tests. The apparatus to be used include stirring device and sieves. The following procedure shall be followed in the analysis of the ceramic whiteware clays: transferring of duplicate portions of the dried clay sample; agitating of the slurry by means of a mechanical stirrer to ensure complete separation of clay from nonplastic impurities; transferring of the slaked and stirred sample, without loss, to the finest sieve to be employed in the test; washing of the residue remaining on the finest sieve into the pan; nesting the top sieve on the pan, which shall contain a certain amount of clear water; refilling of the pan with the proper amount of water, then nesting the top sieve and its residue on the pan; carefully blotting each sieve on its underside with a soft, damp sponge, and placing the sieve either in a drying oven or under infrared lamps until thoroughly dry; nesting the dried residues and sieves in the proper order, with due care to prevent dusting of the residues; and separating the nested sieves and carefully brushing the residue from each onto a weighing paper.

1.1 This guide covers the wet sieve analysis of ceramic whiteware clays. This guide is intended for use in testing shipments of clay as well as for plant control tests.

1.2 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.

1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 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.