9095B - 1 Revision 2

November 2004

METHOD 9095B

PAINT FILTER LIQUIDS TEST

1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1.1 This method is used to determine the presence of free liquids in a representative

sample of waste.

1.2 The method is used to determine compliance with 40 CFR 264.314 and 265.314.

2.0 SUMMARY OF METHOD

2.1 A predetermined amount of material is placed in a paint filter. If any portion of the

material passes through and drops from the filter within the 5-min test period, the material is

deemed to contain free liquids.

3.0 INTERFERENCES

3.1 Filter media were observed to separate from the filter cone on exposure to alkaline

materials. This development causes no problem if the sample is not disturbed.

3.2 Temperature can affect the test results if the test is performed below the freezing

point of any liquid in the sample. Tests must be performed above the freezing point and can,

but are not required to, exceed room temperature of 25 o

C.

4.0 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

4.1 Conical paint filter -- Mesh number 60 +/- 5% (fine meshed size). Available at local

paint stores such as Sherwin-Williams and Glidden.

4.2 Glass funnel -- If the paint filter, with the waste, cannot sustain its weight on the

ring stand, then a fluted glass funnel or glass funnel with a mouth large enough to allow at least

1 in. of the filter mesh to protrude should be used to support the filter. The funnel should be

fluted or have a large open mouth in order to support the paint filter yet not interfere with the

movement, to the graduated cylinder, of the liquid that passes through the filter mesh.

4.3 Ring stand and ring, or tripod.

4.4 Graduated cylinder or beaker -- 100-mL.

5.0 REAGENTS

5.1 None.
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November 2004

6.0 SAMPLE COLLECTION, PRESERVATION, AND HANDLING

A 100-mL or 100-g representative sample is required for the test. If it is not possible to

obtain a sample of 100 mL or 100 g that is sufficiently representative of the waste, the analyst

may use larger size samples in multiples of 100 mL or 100 g, i.e., 200, 300, 400 mL or g. 

However, when larger samples are used, analysts shall divide the sample into 100-mL or 100-g

portions and test each portion separately. If any portion contains free liquids, the entire sample

is considered to have free liquids. If the sample is measured volumetrically, then it should lack

major air spaces or voids.

7.0 PROCEDURE

7.1 Assemble test apparatus as shown in Figure 1.

7.2 Place sample in the filter. A funnel may be used to provide support for the paint

filter. If the sample is of such light bulk density that it overflows the filter, then the sides of the

filter can be extended upward by taping filter paper to the inside of the filter and above the

mesh. Settling the sample into the paint filter may be facilitated by lightly tapping the side of the

filter as it is being filled.

7.3 In order to assure uniformity and standardization of the test, material such as

sorbent pads or pillows which do not conform to the shape of the paint filter should be cut into

small pieces and poured into the filter. Sample size reduction may be accomplished by cutting

the sorbent material with scissors, shears, a knife, or other such device so as to preserve as

much of the original integrity of the sorbent fabric as possible. Sorbents enclosed in a fabric

should be mixed with the resultant fabric pieces. The particles to be tested should be reduced

smaller than 1 cm (i.e., should be capable of passing through a 9.5 mm (0.375 inch) standard

sieve). Grinding sorbent materials should be avoided as this may destroy the integrity of the

sorbent and produce many "fine particles" which would normally not be present.

7.4 For brittle materials larger than 1 cm that do not conform to the filter, light crushing

to reduce oversize particles is acceptable if it is not practical to cut the material. Materials such

as clay, silica gel, and some polymers may fall into this category.

7.5 Allow sample to drain for 5 min into the graduated cylinder.

7.6 If any portion of the test material collects in the graduated cylinder in the 5-min

period, then the material is deemed to contain free liquids for purposes of 40 CFR 264.314 and

265.314.

8.0 QUALITY CONTROL 

8.1 Duplicate samples should be analyzed on a routine basis.

9.0 METHOD PERFORMANCE

9.1 No data provided.

10.0 REFERENCES

10.1 None provided.
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November 2004

FIGURE 1

PAINT FILTER TEST APPARATUS
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November 2004

METHOD 9095B

PAINT FILTER LIQUIDS TEST