ASTM International’s water committee (D19) is working to reinstate a standard used in the desalination (the removal of salts and other materials) of seawater.

The proposed standard (WK80178) will replace a discontinued standard using the Stiff and Davis stability index for reverse osmosis. The Stiff and Davis index is an easy way to calculate calcium carbonate scaling tendencies in brines.

A proposed ASTM International standard will be used to aid physical integrity testing of single-use systems (SUS) in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.

SUS equipment has become a popular alternative to stainless steel equipment that has been generally used for biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. ASTM International’s committee on manufacture of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products (E55) is developing the proposed standard.

ASTM International’s composite materials committee (D30) is developing a proposed standard that will be used in the inspections of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite repairs to buildings and other civil structures.

ASTM International’s gaseous fuels committee (D03) is developing a proposed standard that will help determine the presence of arsine in hydrocarbon gaseous fuels including renewable natural gas  (RNG). Arsine is a toxic gas that is detrimental to fuel quality and can adversely impact public health if it is released into the atmosphere.   

ASTM International’s water committee (D19) is developing a proposed standard that water quality laboratories will use to help ensure that environmental regulations for water are met.

A proposed ASTM International standard will help determine the antimicrobial properties found in materials used for the production of packaging for food containers, personal care products, and other items.

Many synthetic polymeric materials may have inherent antimicrobial properties, while other such materials may contain antimicrobial additives. The proposed standard will be used to quantitatively measure the number of viable bacteria adhering to the flat surfaces of these materials.

Particle size distribution is an important factor in the manufacture of many products, from cement to perfume. A proposed ASTM International standard (WK45240) will set out a general approach to the particle size distribution measurement of powders, suspensions, or slurries using an appropriate wet or dry methodology by the laser diffraction technique.

ASTM’s committee on particle and spray characterization (E29) is developing the proposed standard.

ASTM International’s geosynthetics committee (D35) has approved a new standard that will help engineers, designers, and specifiers who work with vinyl sheet piling. Applications for such piling include the construction of seawalls, retaining walls, and chemical cut-off walls.   

ASTM International’s concrete pipe committee (C13) has approved a new standard that will help in manufacturing circular concrete pipe that is installed using pipe jacking techniques. The type of pipe covered by the new standard is typically used to convey sewage, industrial wastes, stormwater, or utilities.

Engineers, precast concrete pipe manufacturers, and jacking contractors will be the primary users of the new standard (C1885).

ASTM International’s committee on petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants (D02) is developing a proposed standard that will provide an overview of microbial contamination in turbine oil systems.

Power generation facility managers, engineers, and operators will be the primary users of the proposed standard (WK42670).