FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS EAS 148-6 
First  Edition  
2018-mm-dd 
 
 Reference number  
FDUS EAS 148-6: 2017 
© UNBS 201 8 
  
Cements  — Test methods  — Part 6: Determination of fineness  
 FDUS EAS 148 -6:2017 
ii                © UNBS  2018  - All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsib le for its correct application  
© UNBS 2018  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prior  written 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: +256 41 7 333 2 50/1/2 
Fax: +256 41 4 286 123  
E-mail: info@unbs.go.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 FDUS EAS 148 -6:2018 
© UNBS  2018  - All rights reserved                 iii National foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda, as am ended.  UNBS is mandated to co -
ordinate the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Po int on TBT Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of represe ntatives of 
consumers, traders, academicians, manufacturers, government and other stakeholders.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the c omments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
This Uganda Standard, US EAS 148 -6: 2017, Cement — Test methods — Part 6: Determination of fineness , 
is identical with and h as been reproduced from an East African Standard, EAS 148 -6: 2017 , Cement — Test 
methods — Part 6: Determination of fineness , and adopted as a Uganda Standard.  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS/TC 3, Building and cons truction .  
This standard cancels and replaces US 100 -6:2016, Cement — Test methods — Part 6: Determination of 
fineness (2nd Edition) , which has been technically revised.  
.  
  EAS 148 -6: 20 17 
ICS 91.100.10  
© EAS 2017                                                                                                                Second  Edition 2017   
 
EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Cements  — Test methods  — Part 6: Determination of fineness  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
ii © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 Copyright notice  
This EAC document is copyright -protected by EAC. While the reproduction of this document by 
participants in the EAC standards development process is permitted without prior permission from EAC, 
neither this document  nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form for 
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Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be addressed 
as shown bel ow or to EAC’s member body in the country of the requester:  
© East African Community  2017 — All rights reserved  
East African Community  
P.O.Box 1096  
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Tanzania  
Tel: 255 27 2504253/8  
Fax: 255 27 2504481/2504255  
E-mail: eac@eachq.org  
       Web: www.eac -quality.net  
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be persecuted  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Sieving method  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 1 
3.1 Principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  1 
3.2 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  2 
3.3 Material for checking the sieve  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  2 
3.4 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  2 
3.4.1  Determination of the cement residue  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 2 
3.4.2  Checking the sieve  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  2 
3.5 Expression of results  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  3 
4 Air Permeability Method (Blaine Method)  ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
4.1 Princi ple ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  3 
4.2 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  3 
4.2.4  Manometer  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  6 
4.2.5  Manometer liquid  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 6 
4.2.6  Timer  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  6 
4.2.7  Balance(s)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  6 
4.2.8   Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  6 
4.3 Materials  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  6 
4.4 Test conditions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 7 
4.5 Compacted cement bed  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  7 
4.5.1  Basis  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  7 
4.5.2  Preparation of the sample  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  7 
4.5.3  Determination of density  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  7 
4.5.4  Formation of the bed  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  7 
4.6 Air permeability test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  8 
4.6.1  Basis  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  8 
4.6.2  Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  8 
4.7 Calibration of apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  9 
4.7.1  Determination  of the bed volume  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  9 
4.7.2  Determination of the apparatus constant  ................................ ................................ .........................  10 
4.7.3  Recalibration  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  11 
4.8 Special cements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 11 
4.9 Simplification of the calculations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 11 
4.9.1  Basic equation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 11 
4.9.2  Effect of specified porosity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  12 
4.9.3  Effect of controlled temperature  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  12 
4.9.4 Effect of density of cement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  12 
4.10  Expression results  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  12 
5 Air-jet sieving method  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  13 
5.1 Principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  13 
5.2 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  13 
5.3 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  15 
5.4 Checking the sieve  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  15 
5.5 Expression of the results  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  15 
5.6 Repeatability and reproducibility  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 16 
 
 EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
iv © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
In order to achieve this objective, the Community established an East African Standards Committee mandated 
to develop and issue East African St andards.   
The Committee is composed of representatives of the National Standards Bodies in Partner States, together 
with the representatives from the private sectors and consumer organizations. Draft East African Standards 
are circulated to stakeholders th rough the National Standards Bodies in the Partner States. The comments 
received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in accordance with the procedures 
of the Community.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace  with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
EAS 148-6: 2015 was prepared by Technical Committee EASC/TC/026, Cement, l ime, clay and related 
products.  
In the preparation of this East African Standard, reference was made to the following standard:  
EN 196 -6: 2005; Methods testing cement — Part 6: Determination of fineness.  
Assistance de rived from the above source is hereby a cknowledged with thanks.  
This second cancels and replaces the first edition (EAS  148-6:2000 ) which has been technically revised.  
EAS 148 consists of the following parts, under the general title Cement  — Test methods : 
Part 1: Determination of strength  
Part 2: Chemical analysis of cement  
Part 3: Determination of setting times and soundness  
Part 4: Quantitative Determination of constituents  
Part 5: Pozzolanicity test for pozzolanic cement  
Part 6: Determination of fineness  
Part 7: Method of taking and preparing samples of cement  
Part 8: Heat of hydration — Solution method   
 EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  EAS 148 -6:2017 
 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  1 
 Cement  — Test methods  — Part 6: Determination of fineness  
1 Scope  
This East African Standard describes three methods for determining the fineness of cement and applies to all  
the cements defined in EAS 18 -1. 
The sieving method serves only to demonstrate the presence of coarse cement particles. This method is 
primarily suited to checking and controlling the production process.  
The air –jet sieving method measures the retention on sieving and is suitable for particles which substantially 
pass a 2.0 - mm test sieve. It may be used to determine the particle size distribution of agglomerates of very 
fine particles. This method may be used with test sieves in a range of aperture sizes , for example 63 µm and 
90 µm. 
The air permeability method (Blaine) measures the specific surface (mass related surface) by comparison with 
a reference cement sample. The determination of the specific surface serves primarily to check the 
consistency of th e grinding process of one and the same plant. This method only enables a limited 
assessment to be made of the properties of the cement in use. 
 
NOTE  The air permeability method may not give significant results for cement containing ul trafine materials.  
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document  (including any amendments) applies.  
EAS 18 –1, Cement  — Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cement  
ISO 383, Laboratory glassware — Interchangeable conical ground joint s 
ISO 565,  Test sieves — Metal wire cloth, perforated  metal  plate and electroformed sheet — Nominal sizes of 
openings.  
ISO 3310 -1, Test sieves — Tech nical requirements and testing — Part 1: Test sieves of metal wire cloth  
ISO 4803, Laboratory glassware — Borosilicate glass tubing  
3 Sieving method  
3.1 Princi ple 
The fineness of cement is measured by sieving it on standard sieves. The proportion of cement of which the 
grain sizes are larger than the specified mesh size is thus determined.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
2 © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 A reference sample having a known proportion of material coarser than the  specified mesh size is used for 
checking the specified sieve.  
3.2 Apparatus  
3.2.1  Test sieve,  comprising a firm, durable, non -corrodible, cylindrical frame of 150 mm – 200 mm nominal 
diameter and 40 mm – 100 mm depth, fitted with, for example 90 m, mesh sieve cloth of woven stainless 
steel, or other abrasion -resisting and non -corrodible metal wire.  
The sieve cloth shall conform to the requirements of ISO 565 and ISO 3310 -1. A tray fitting beneath the sieve 
frame and a lid fitting above it shall be provide d to avoid loss of material during sieving.  
NOTE  Sieving may be carried out manually or on a sieving machine.  
3.2.2  Balance,  capable of weighing up to 25 g to the nearest 0.01 g  
3.3 Material for checking the sieve  
3.3.1  A reference material of known sieve residue shall be provided for checking the sieve.  
3.3.2  The material shall be stored in sealed, airtight containers to avoid changes in its characteristics due to 
absorption or deposition from the atmosphere. The containers shall be marked with the sieve r esidue of the 
reference material.  
3.4 Procedure  
3.4.1  Determination of the cement residue  
3.4.1.1  Agitate the sample of cement to be tested by shaking for 2 min in a stoppered jar to disperse 
agglomerates. Wait 2 min. Stir the resulting powder gently using  a clean dry rod in order to distribute the fines 
throughout the cement.  
3.4.1.2  Fit the tray under the sieve. Weigh (25 ± 0.5) g of cement to the nearest 0.01g and place it in the 
sieve, being careful to avoid loss. Disperse any agglomerates. Fit the lid over the sieve. Agitate the sieve by 
swirling, planetary and linear movements until no more fine material passes through it.  
3.4.1.3  Remove and weigh the residue. Express its mass as a percentage, R1 of the quantity first placed 
in the sieve to the neares t 0.1 %. Gently brush all the fine material off the base of the sieve into the tray.  
3.4.1.4  Repeat the whole procedure using a fresh 25 g sample to obtain R2. Then calculate the residue of 
the cement R as the mean of R1 and R2 as a percentage, expressed t o the nearest 0.1 %.  
3.4.1.5  When the results differ by more than 1 % absolute, repeat the whole procedure a third time and 
calculate the mean of the three values.  
3.4.1.6  Sieving by the manual process requires a skilled and experienced operator.  
3.4.2  Checking the sieve  
3.4.2.1  Sieves should be cleaned and checked for damage after each sieving for example that the mesh 
is taut and is not dented or perforated. In addition, check the sieve after every 100 sievings as follows:  
3.4.2.2  Agitate the sample of re ference material, to be used for checking the sieve, by shaking or 2 min in 
a stoppered jar to disperse agglomerates. Wait 2 min. Stir the resulting powder gently using a clean dry rod to 
distribute the fines throughout the reference material.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  3 
 3.4.2.3  Fit the tray under the sieve. Weigh approximately (25 ± 0.5) g of the reference material (3.3) to 
the nearest 0.01 g and place it in the sieve, being careful to avoid loss. Sieve the material in accordance with 
3.4.1  including the repeat determination of resid ue to yield two values P1 and P2 expressed to the nearest 0.1 
%. 
3.4.2.4  The two values of P1 and P2 for a satisfactory sieve should differ by not more than 0.6 %. Their 
mean
P  characterizes the state of the sieve.  
3.4.2.5  Given the kn own residue on the sieve of the reference material, R0, calculate R0/P as the sieve 
factor , F, expressed to the nearest 0.01. The residue, R, determined as in 3.4.1  shall be corrected by 
multiplying by F, which may have a value of 1.00  0.20.  
3.4.2.6  When  factor F exceeds the permitted value, 1.00 ± 0.20, the sieve shall be discarded.  
NOTE  Any other checking procedure , such as the optical methods described in ISO 3310 -1 may be used. All sieves 
will wear slowly and consequently their sieve factor, F, will s lowly change.  
3.5 Expression of results  
3.5.1  Report the value of R, to the nearest 0.1 %, as the residue, the sieve mesh size and details of the 
cement tested.  
3.5.2  The standard deviation of the repeatability is about 0.2 % and of the reproducibility is about 0.3 %.  
NOTE  Where there is local difficulty in obtaining ISO sieves, the same procedure can be followed with the nearest 
available standard sieve but the report should state on which standard sieve mesh the cement residue has been 
determined.  
4 Air Permeability  Method (Blaine Method)  
4.1 Principle  
4.1.1  The fineness of cement is measured as specific surface by observing the time taken for a fixed 
quantity of air to flow through a compacted cement bed of specified dimensions and porosity. Under 
standar dized conditions the specific surface of cement is proportional to t where t is the time for a given 
quantity of air to flow through the compacted cement bed. The number and size range of individual pores in 
the specified bed are determined by the cement particle size distribution, which also determines the time for 
the specified airflow.  
4.1.2  The method is comparative rather than absolute and therefore a reference sample of known specific 
surface is required for calibration of the apparatus.  
4.2 Apparatu s 
4.2.1  Permeability cell .  
The cell shall be a rigid right cylinder of the dimensions and tolerances shown in Figure 1 (a). It shall be of 
austenitic stainless steel or other abrasion -resisting, non -corrodible material. The top and bottom faces shall 
be flat and normal to the axis of the cylinder, as shall the upper surface of the ledge at the bottom of the cell. 
The outer surface of the cylinder shall be tapered to form an airtight fit with the conical socket of the 
manometer (ISO 383 Joint 19/34).  
4.2.2  Perforated disc.   
The disc shall be of non -corrodible metal, perforated with 30 - 40 holes of 1 - mm diameter, and shall have the 
dimensions and tolerances shown in Figure 1(b). When in position on the ledge in the cell, its plane surfaces 
shall be normal to  the axis of the cell.  
 EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
4 © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 4.2.3  Plunger .  
The plunger is a piston, capable of sliding freely in the measuring cell by means of a clearance to be applied 
in such a way that, when the cap of the plunger comes to rest on the upper face of the cell cylinder, a di stance 
of (15  1) mm will be maintained between the upper face of the perforated disc and the lower face of the 
piston.  
4.2.3.1  This piston  shall be provided with a flat connected to an annulus around the head to enable air to 
escape.  
Dimensions in millim etres  
 
a) Cell        b) Perforated disc  
 
 * Recommended  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  5 
 c) Plunger         d) Manometer  
 
Key 
1   Piston  
2   Flat for air vent  
3   Cell 
4   Compacted cement disc  
5   Filter paper disc  
6   Perforated disc  
7   Manometer  
8,9,10,11   Etched lines  
12   Conical joint for cell  
13   Stopcock  
14   Rubber tube  
15   spirator bulb  
 
Key Recommended  
mm Key Obligatory  
mm 
A Minimum dimension 
between conical joint and 
stopcock  
 G Cell diameter at 
base of cell  12.7 
  
B Dimension between 
upper arm of T -joint and 
lowest etched line on arm 
of manometer tube  135
  E Diameter 
plunger/piston  G - 0.1 
C Dimension between 
upper arm of T -joint and 
base of U -tube 275
  H Height of cement 
bed 15 
  
D Dimension between 
centre lines of  arms of U -
tube 23
  F Dimension/depth 
between tip of 
plunger and 
shoulder  J-H 
J Inner dimension/height of 
the cell  50
   
K Width of cell ledge  0.8
   
L Thickness perforated 
disc 0.9 
  
M Diameter of arms of  
manometer tube  9.0 
  
Figure 1 — Blaine permeability apparatus  
4.2.3.2  The plunger shall be of austenitic stainless steel or other abrasion -resisting and non -corrodible 
material; it shall have the dimensions and tolerances shown in Figure 1(c ). A plunger shall only be used with a EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
6 © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 cell of the specified dimensions and tolerances such that, when used together, the specified distance between 
the upper face of the perforated disc and the lower face of the piston is satisfied.  
4.2.4  Manometer  
4.2.4 .1 The manometer shall be a rigidly and vertically mounted U -tube of borosilicate glass tubing 
conforming to ISO 4803 arranged as in Figure 1(d) and having the dimensions and tolerances shown in that 
figure.  
4.2.4.2  One arm of the manometer shall be provid ed at the top with a conical socket conforming to ISO 
383: 1976, Joint 19/34 to form an airtight fit with the conical surface of the cell. The same arm shall also have 
four etched lines and a T -joint whose positions shall have the dimensions and tolerances  shown in Figure 
1(d). The side branch of the T -joint shall lead to an airtight stopcock beyond which shall be attached a suitable 
aspiration device such as the rubber tube and bulb shown in Figure 1(d) . 
4.2.4.3  Fill the manometer tube with the liquid ( 4.2.5) to wet the inner surface. Empty the tube and refill it 
so that the manometer liquid is level with the lowest etched line (11 in Figure 1(d)). This manometer liquid 
shall be changed (or cleaned) after servicing or before a new calibration.  
NOTE  Other fo rms of cell and plunger and other arrangements of the joint between cell and manometer may be used 
provided that they can be shown to give the same results as the specified apparatus.  
4.2.5  Manometer liquid  
The manometer shall be filled to the level of the  lowest etched line (11 in Figure1 (d)) with a non -volatile, non -
hygroscopic liquid of low viscosity and density, such as dibutyl phthalate or light mineral oil.  
4.2.6  Timer  
Timer , having a positive starting and stopping mechanism, readable to 0.2 s or bet ter, and accurate to 1 % or 
better over time intervals up to 300 s.  
4.2.7  Balance(s)  
Balance(s), capable of weighing about 3 g to the nearest 0.001 g (for the cement) and about 50 g - 110 g to 
the nearest 0.01 g (for the mercury).  
4.2.8   Apparatus  
Apparatu s, to determine the density of cement, for example pycnometer or Le Chatelier flask  
4.3 Materials  
4.3.1  Mercury , of reagent grade or better  
4.3.2  Reference cement , of known specific surface  
NOTE  Results may vary when using cements of different types or whe n using cements of the same type from 
different suppliers.  
4.3.3  Light oil , to prevent formation of mercury amalgam on the inner surface of the cell.  
4.3.4  Circular discs of filter paper , of medium porosity having a smooth circumference adapted to the 
dime nsions of the cell.  
4.3.5  Light grease , for ensuring an airtight joint between cell and manometer, and in the stopcock.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  7 
 4.4 Test conditions  
The laboratory in which the air permeability test is carried out shall be maintained at a temperature of (20 ± 2) 
ºC and a relative humidity not exceeding 65 %. All materials for test and calibration shall be a laboratory 
temperature when used and shall be protected from absorption of atmospheric moisture during storage.  
4.5 Compacted cement bed  
4.5.1  Basis  
4.5.1.1  The compacted cement bed comprises a reproducible arrangement of cement particles with a 
specified volume (see 4.5.4) of air included between the particles. This air volume is defined as a fraction of 
the total volume of the bed and is termed the porosity, e . 
4.5.1.2  It follows that the volume fraction occupied by the cement particles is (1 - e). If V is the total 
volume of the bed, the absolute volume of cement is V (1 - e) in cubic centimetres (cm3), and the mass of 
cement, m is ρ x V (1 - e) in grams (g) where ρ is the solid density of the cement particles in grams per cubic 
centimetre (g/cm3). 
4.5.1.3  Thus, knowing ρ, a mass of cement can be weighed to produce a desired porosity, e, in the 
compacted bed of total volume V. The de termination of ρ is described in 4.5.3  and that of V in 4.7.1.  
4.5.2  Preparation of the sample  
Agitate the sample of cement of be tested by shaking for 2 min in a stoppered jar to disperse agglomerates. 
Wait 2 min. Stir the resulting powder gently using a clean dry rod in order to distribute the fines throughout the 
cement.  
4.5.3  Determination of density  
Determine the density of the cement using a device such as a pycnometer (4.2.8). Use a non -reactive liquid in 
the determination. The quantity of cement use d will depend on the nature of the apparatus but shall be such 
that the value of ρ determined is accurate to 0.01 g/cm3. Verify this accuracy by a repeat determination and 
record the mean of the two determinations to the nearest 0.01 g/cm3 as the density.  
4.5.4  Formation of the bed  
To give a cement bed of porosity e = 0.500 weigh a qua ntity of cement, m1, calculated from  
m1 = 0.500 V, in grams  (g)              (1) 
where  
 is the density of the cement in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm3) (4.5.3);  and 
V is the volume of the cement bed (cm3) (4.7.1).  
This mass, correctly compacted, wil l produce a bed of porosity 0.500. Place the perforated disc (4.2.2)  on the 
ledge at the bottom of the cell (4.2.1) and place on it a new filter paper disc (4.3.4) . Ensure that the filter paper 
disc fully covers the perforated disc and is flat by pressing with a clean dry rod. Place the weighed quantity of 
cement, m1, in the cell taking care to avoid loss. Tap the cell to level the cement. Place a second new filter 
paper disc on the levelled cement. Insert the plunger (4.2.3)  to make contact with the filter  paper disc. Press 
the plunger gently but firmly until the lower face of the cap is in contact with the cell. Slowly withdraw the 
plunger about 5 mm, rotate it through 90º and gently but firmly press the bed once again until the plunger cap 
is in contact w ith the cell. The bed is now compacted and ready for the permeability test. Slowly withdraw the 
plunger.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
8 © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 NOTE  Too rapid and vigorous  pressing may change the particle size distribution and therefore change the specific 
surface of the bed. The maximum pressu re should be that comfortably exerted by a thumb on the plunger.   
4.6 Air permeability test  
4.6.1  Basis  
The specific surface, S, is given in 4.9.1  but is conveniently expressed, in square centimetres per gram (cm2 
/g), as  
 ηt
ee
ρkS


10 13
 (2) 
where  
K is the apparatus constant (4.7.2);  
e is the porosity of the bed;  
t is the measured time in seconds (s);  
 is the density of cement in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm3) (4.5.3);  
 is the viscosity of air at the test temperature taken from Table 1, in Pas cal second (Pa.s).  
With the specified porosity of  e = 0.500 and temperature of (20  2) C 
)/2( t 52.43K  g cm
ρS
 (3) 
4.6.2  Procedure  
4.6.2.1  Insert the conical surface of the cell into the socket at the top of the manometer, using if  
necessary a little light grease (4.3.5) to ensure an airtight joint. Take care not to disturb the cement bed.   
4.6.2.2  Close the top of the cylinder with a suitable plug. Open the stopcock and with gentle aspiration 
raise the level of the manometer liqui d to that of the highest etched line (8 in Figure 1(d)). Close the stopcock 
and observe that the level of manometer liquid remains constant. If it falls, remake the cell/manometer joint 
and check the stopcock. Repeat the leakage test until the improved sea ling produces a steady level of the 
liquid. Open the stopcock and by gentle aspiration adjust the level of the liquid, to that of the highest etched 
line.  
4.6.2.3  Close the stopcock. Remove the plug from the top of the cylinder. The manometer liquid will 
begin to flow. Start the timer as the liquid reaches the second etched line (9 in Figure 1(d)) and stop it when 
the liquid reaches the third etched line (10 in Figure 1(d)). Record the time, t, to the nearest 0.2 s and the 
temperature to the nearest 1 C. 
4.6.2. 4 Repeat the procedure on the same bed and record the additional values of time and temperature. 
Prepare a fresh bed of the same cement with a second sample following the procedure of 4.5.4  or, where 
there is little cement available, by breaking up t he first bed and reforming it as in 4.5.4 . Carry out the 
permeability test twice on the second bed, recording the values of time and temperature as before.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  9 
 4.7 Calibration of apparatus  
4.7.1  Determination of the bed volume  
4.7.1.1 Determination by mercury volume  
4.7.1.1.1  Owing to the need for clearance between the cell and the plunger, the volume of the compacted 
cement bed varies for each cell -plunger combination. The volume of the compacted cement bed shall be 
established for a given cell -plunger clearan ce. This volume is to be determined as follows.  
4.7.1.1. 2 Apply a very thin film of light mineral oil (4.3.3) to the cell interior. Place the perforated disc on the 
ledge in the cell. Place two new filter paper discs on the perforated disc and ensure that each covers the base 
of the cell whilst lying flat by pressing with a rod.  
4.7.1.1. 3 Fill the cell with mercury (4.3.1). Remove any air bubbles with a clean dry rod. Ensure that the cell 
is full by pressing a glass plate on the mercury surface until it is flush with the cell top. Empty the cell, weigh 
the mercury to the nearest 0.01 g, m2, and record the temperature. Remove one filter paper disc. Using a trial 
quantity of 2.90 g of cement (see Note 1) form a compacted cement bed (see Note 2) using the metho d 
described in 4.5.4  and place on it a new filter paper disc. Refill the cell with mercury, removing air bubbles and 
levelling the top as before. Remove the mercury, weigh it to the nearest 0.01 g, m3, and check the 
temperature.  
The bed volume V is given b y 
)3(3 2cm
Hgm m
V


 (4) 
where  
Hg is the density of mercury at the test temperature taken from Table 1.  
Repeat the procedure with fresh cement beds until two values of V are obtained differing by less than 0.005 
cm3. Record the mean of these two value s as V. 
WARNING —Care should be taken to avoid spilling or splashing the mercury and any contact between 
it and the operator's skin and eyes . 
NOTE 1  It is not necessary either to use the reference cement (4.3.2) or to achieve particular bed porosity in the 
determination of the bed volume.  
NOTE 2  The compacted bed of cement should be firm. If it is too loose or if the cement cannot be compacted to the 
point where the lower face of the cap is in contact with the cell (see 4.5.4), the trial quantity of cement should be adjusted.  
4.7.1.2  Determination of measurement  
4.7.1.2.1  Apparatus  
4.7.1.2.1.1  Depth gauge , accurate to 0.01 mm  
4.7.1.2.1.2  Internal micrometer , accurate to 0. 01 mm  
4.7.1.2.2  Procedure  
4.7.1.2.2.1  Calibrate the cement bed volume by dimensional measurements in a room maintained at a 
temperature of (20  ± 2) oC and with relative humidity not exceeding 65  %. 
4.7.1.2.2. 2 Carry out all dimension measurements to the nearest 0.01 mm.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
10 © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 4.7.1.2.2. 3 Place two filter paper discs on the perforated disc placed  at the bottom of the cell. Measure the 
inner dimension (height: J) or the cell with a depth gauge. Repeat five times and record the mean to the 
nearest 0.01 mm.  
4.7.1.2.2. 4 Stand the plunger on its cap and, using the depth gauge, measure the length of plu nger inside 
the cell ( F) as the “depth” from the tip to the shoulder. Repeat five times  and record the mean to the nearest 
0.01 mm.  
4.7.1.2.2. 5 Measure the cell diameter ( G) at the bottom (where the cement bed is formed) with the internal 
micrometer to obt ain its radius (r =G/2) .Repeat five times and record to the nearest 0 .01 mm. 
4.7.1.2.2. 6 Calculate the cement bed height (H) to the nearest 0 .01 mm as J – F. 
4.7.1.2.2. 7 The bed volume ( V), in cubic centimetres (cm3), is given by:  
V = H x r2 x 3.14/1000   (5) 
Where  
H is the cement bed height, in millimetres (mm);  
r is the radius of the cell, in millimetres (mm);  
Record the result in cubic centimetres (cm3) to the nearest 0.001  cm3. 
4.7.2  Determination of the apparatus constant  
From a supply of reference cem ent of known specific surface (4.3.2) prepare a compacted cement bed and 
measure its permeability by the procedures given in 4.5.2, 4.5.3, 4.5.4 , and 4.6.2 . Record the time , t, and the 
temperature of test. Using the same bed repeat twice the procedure of 4.6.2 and record the two further values 
of time and of temperature. Repeat the whole on two further samples of the same reference cement. For each 
of the three samples calculate the means of the three times and temperatures. For each sample calculate  
oo OO
t eη e PS
K310) (1 

 (6) 
where  
So is the specific surface of the reference cement in square centimetres per gramme (cm2/g); 
o is the density of the reference cement in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm3); 
to is the mean of the three measured  times in seconds ( s); 
o is the air viscosity of the mean  of the three temperatures, in Pascal seconds (Pa.s) (Table 1).  
With the specified porosity of e = 0.500  
oo 10
1.414
tη
S K oo
 
 (7) 
Take the mean of the three values of K as the constant K for the apparatus.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  11 
 4.7.3  Recalibration  
Repeated use of the apparatus may cause changes in the cement bed volume and in the apparatus constant 
(because of the wear of cell, plunger and perforated disc). These changes can be determined with the help of 
so-called secondary reference cem ent whose specific surface has been measured.  The cement bed volume 
and the apparatus constant shall be recalibrated with the reference cement:  
a) after 1000 tests;  
b) when another type of filter paper or a new perforated disc is used;  
c) when systematic deviations  of the secondary reference cement results are noted; and  
d) when another type of manometer fluid and/or a new manometer tube have been introduced their 
apparatus constant only shall be recalibrated with reference cement.  
4.8 Special cements  
4.8.1  Certain ce ments having unusual particle size distributions and, in particular, fine cements of higher 
strength grades may prove difficult to form into a compacted bed of porosity e = 0.500 by the method of 4.5.4 . 
Should thumb pressure on the plunger cap fail to brin g it in contact with the top of the cell or it, after making 
contact and removing the pressure the plunger moves upwards, the porosity of e = 0.500 shall be considered 
unattainable.  
4.8.2  For such cases the porosity required for a well -compacted bed shall be determined experimentally. 
The mass of cement, m4, weighed to make the bed as in 4.5.4  then becomes, in grams ( g); 
m4 = (1 - e1)1V                (8) 
where  
e1 is the porosity determined experimentally.  
 
4.9 Simplification of the calculations  
4.9.1  Basic equation   
The specific surface , S, of the cement under test is calculated, in square centimetres per gram (cm2/g), from 
equation (9);   
o
o o 1010
e3e
e)(1) (1o
3S
tt
ηη e
ρρSo o



 (9) 
where  
So is the specific surface of the reference  cement in square centimetres per gram (cm2/g) (4.3.2);  
e is the porosity of the bed of cement under test;  
eo is the porosity of the bed of reference cement (4.7.2);  
t is the measured time for the cement under test in seconds (s);  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
12 © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 to is the mean  of three times measured on the reference cement in s econds (s) (4.7.2);  
 is the density of the reference cement under test in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm3)(4.5.3 ); 
o is the density of the reference  cement in grams per cubic centimetre  (g/cm3) (4.7.2 ); 
 is the air viscosity at the test temperature  taken from Table 1, in Pascal seconds (Pa.s);  
o is the air viscosity at the mean of the three temperatures (Table 1) for the reference cement in Pascal 
seconds (Pa.s).  
4.9.2  Effect of specified porosity  
Use of the specified porosity, e = 0.500, for both th e reference and test cements simplifies equation (9) to  
o
1010
S
tt
ηη
ρρS
oo o


 in square centimetres per gram (cm2/g) (10) 
In the case of cements requiring a porosity other than e = 0.500, Equation (10) cannot be used unless a 
reference cement has been te sted at that porosity.  
4.9.3  Effect of controlled temperature  
As will be seen in Table 1, the value of 
η10 ranges from 0.013 454 at 18 C - 0.013 524 at 22 C. 
Under the specified laboratory conditions a value of 0.013 49 can be taken to apply with an extreme error 
of 0.5 % and a more probable error of 0.3 % or less. This further simplification leads to the following 
equation:  
O
ooS
tt
ρρS 
 in square  centimetres per gram (cm2/g) (11) 
4.9.4  Effect of density of cement  
The only rema ining possibility of simplification is the elimination of the density ( ) terms. This has previously 
been done where the only cements in question were pure Portland cements for which a value of 
  of 3.15 was 
assumed to apply. That assumption is  known to produce errors of up to 1 %. With the increasing use of CEM 
II, III and IV cements (see FD EAS 18 -1) much greater errors are certain.  
4.10 Expression results  
4.10.1  Where the porosity is e = 0.500, the four times and temperatures resulting from t he procedure of 4.6.2 
shall be examined to check that the temperatures all fall within the specified range of (20  2) C. If they do, 
the mean of the four times shall be inserted in equation 3 or equation 11 and the resulting value of S, to the 
nearest 10  cm2/g, shall be reported as the specific surface of the cement.  
4.10. 2 A difference of 1 % between the means of the fineness measurements carried out on two different 
powder beds from one and the same sample is acceptable.  
4.10. 3 The standard deviation of  the repeatability is approximately 50 cm2/g and of the reproducibility is 
approximately100 cm2/g. 
4.10. 4 Where the porosity is not e = 0.500, equation 9 shall be used and the result to the nearest 10 cm2/g 
reported as the specific surface of the cement.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  13 
 4.10.5 If, owing to a breakdown in control or for other reasons, the four temperatures do not lie within the 
specified range of (20  2) C, a value of S shall be calculated for each combination of time and temperature 
using Equation 3 (where e= 0.500) or E quation 9 (where e ≠ 0.500). The mean of the four values of  S shall be 
reported, to the nearest 10 cm2/g, as the specific surface of the cement.  
NOTE   To report the specific surface of the cement in SI units to the nearest square metre per kilogramme (m2/kg), it 
is recommend ed to take the resulting value of S and divide it by 10.  
Table 1— Density of mercury ρHg, viscosity of an air ƞ and
η10  as function of the temperaturesa 
Temperature  
˚C Density of mercury ρHg 
g/cm3 Viscosity on air  
η 
Pa s 
η10 
16 13.560  0.000 018 00  0.013 416  
17 13.560  0.000 018 05  0.013 435  
18 13.550  0.000 018 10  0.013 454  
19 13.550  0.000 018 15  0.013 472  
20 13.550  0.000 018 19  0.013 487  
21 13.540  0.000 018 24  0.013 506  
22 13.540  0.000 018 29  0.013 524  
23 13.540  0.000 018 34  0.013 543  
24 13.540  0.000 018 39  0.013 561  
a Intermediate values shall be obtained by linear interpolation. 
 
5 Air-jet sieving method  
5.1 Principle  
The method determines the retention on sieving of particles which substa ntially pass a 2.0 -mm test sieve. 
The method can be used to determine the particle size distribution of the agglomerates of very fine particles. 
This method customarily uses test sieves with aperture sizes 63 µm or 90 µm. 
NOTE  Sieves  with other aperture s izes may be used, preferably conforming to ISO 565.  
5.2 Apparatus  
5.2.1  Air-jet sieving apparatus  of the general form shown in Figure 2. The apparatus  shall be set to give a 
pressure difference of 2 kPa - 2.5 kPa across the sieve.  
5.2.2  Test sieves,  200 mm  diameter, aperture sizes for example 63 µm and 90  µm  
NOTE  The effective operation of some makes of air -jet apparatus can necessitate non -standard sieve frames and 
additional gaskets. In this case the sieving medium and general method of construction shou ld comply with the 
requirements of this standard.  
5.2.3  Trays or other suitable containers  of sufficient size to contain the test portion  
5.2.4  Balance , capable of weighing up to 25 g to the nearest 0.01g  
5.2.5  Soft brush , for cleaning the mesh of the siev es, for example a camel hair brush  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
14 © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 5.2.6  Mallet , if there is a tendency for material to adhere to the lid of the apparatus. A rubber or plastic 
tipped mallet is preferred  
5.2.7  Ventilated drying oven  (optional),  thermostatically controlled to maintain a te mperature of (105 ± 5) 
º C 
 
 
 
Key 
1 Housing  
2 Dish 
3 Sieve drum  
4 Lid 
5 Slit-nozzle  
6 Sieve  
7 Test sample  
8 Oversize material  
9 Undersize material  
10 Air jet  
11 Air discharge  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  15 
 12 Pressure gauge socket, with dust hood  
Figure 2 — Air jet sieving apparatus  
5.3 Procedure  
5.3.1  If necessary, dry the laboratory sample to constant weight in the oven (5.2.7). Weigh to the nearest 
0.01 g (25 ± 0.5) g of the cement ( m). Fit the test sieve with the aperture size for example  90 µm into the 
apparatus and transfer all of  the test portion onto the sieve mesh. Take care not to lose any of the test portion.  
5.3.2  Fit the lid and switch on the apparatus. Check that the vacuum created is above the minimum value 
stated in the manufacturer’s instructions, and that the slit nozzl e is rotating properly.  
5.3.3  If the material adheres to the lid of the apparatus, gently tap the centre of the lid with the mallet.  
5.3.4  If the material agglomerates under the action of the air -jet, interrupt the sieving process, break up the 
agglomerate s with the soft brush.  
5.3.5  After (5.0 ± 0.2) min, switch off the apparatus and carefully remove the sieve. Transfer the material 
retained on the sieve into a tray or other suitable container. Carefully clean the mesh of the sieve over the tray 
using the soft brush.  
5.3.6  Determine the mass of the residue, including the material brushed from the sieve mesh, and record 
the mass to the nearest 0.01 g.  
5.3.7  Refit the sieve into the apparatus and transfer all of the residue back to the sieve. Repeat the 
weigh ing and sieving stages until the sieving end -point has been achieved, and record the end -point mass to 
the nearest 0.01 g. The sieving end -point is defined as being when not more than 0.2 % of the mass of the 
original test portion pas ses through the sieve in 3 min.  
Express its mass as a percentage, R1 of the quantity first placed in the sieve to the nearest 0.1 %.  
5.3.8  Repeat the whole procedure using a fresh 25 - g sample to obtain R2. Then calculate the residue of 
the cement R as th e mean of  R1 and R2 as a percentage, expressed to the nearest 0.01 %.  
5.4 Checking the sieve  
Sieves should be cleaned and checked for damage after each sieving for example that the mesh is taut and it 
is not dented or perforated. In addition, check the sie ve after every 100 sievings (see 3.4.2).  
5.5 Expression of the results  
The mass retained on each sieve expressed as per cent by mass  (%), m (Pe.g 63 or 90 ), is given by the following 
equation:  
mRe.g(Pm10090)or63
 
where  
m is the mass of the cement in grams (g);  
R is the mass of the residue retained on the test sieve in grams (g).  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
16 © EAC 2017  – All rights  reserved  
 5.6 Repeatability and reproducibility  
The precision of the method increases (standard deviation decreases) with the aperture size of the sieve. 
Typical values for determination of the residue on a 63 - µm sieve are the following:  
a) the standard deviation of repeatability is 0.1 %; and  
b) the standard deviation of reproducibility 1.0 %.  EAS 148 -6: 201 7 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved  17 
 Bibliography  
[1] EN 196 -6: 2005; Methods testing cement — Part 6: Determinat ion of finenessEAS 148 -6: 201 7   
 
© EAC 2017  – All rights reserved