Moulding characteristics of BTL-9 Sand sample received from Punjab State Industries Department, Chandigarh

Abstract

This investigation was undertaken to assess the suitability of sand sample designated BTL-9 received from the Department of Industries, Govt. of Punjab for foundry moulding purposes. The sand sample is reported to have been collected from a source at Vadala Granthian, 2 miles and 4 furlongs from Batala on Quadian Road. As received, sample was pale brown in colour. Method employed: Standard methods as specified by the American Foundry men’s Society for testing sands were followed throughout the investigation using Hungarian Sand Testing Equipment. Refractories of the sand were assessed by the following method: The sand was loosely filled in a combination boat and placed in a VARITEMP electric furnace at the hot zone. Tests were conducted starting with a temperature of 1000°C and with subsequent increments of 50°C till sintering of the sand grains took place. The boat was kept for four minutes at each temperature, subsequently taken out and cooled to room temperature. After cooling, sand grains were visually examined to assess the approximate sintering range. Moulding characteristics of the sand were studied by preparing sand mixtures with the ‘as received’ sand at various moisture contents. Standard 20” HVK-I type muller was used for preparing the sand mixtures. The sand mixtures after mulling were passed through I.S.340 mesh sieve and were kept in air tight containers for atleast three hours prior to testing. Moistures content of the mixture was calculated by the loss in weight method and was reported as percentage of the wet sand mixture. The green and dry tests were performed by preparing A.F.S. standard 50 m,m x 50 m.m diameter specimens. For dry tests, specimens were dried in an oven for an hour and a half between 105°C and 110°C and cooled in a desiccators to room temperature before testing.