1.1 This kinetic test guide covers interpretation and cooperative management of a standard laboratory weathering procedure, Test Method D5744. The guide suggests strategies for analysis and interpretation of data produced by Test Method D5744 on mining waste rock, metallurgical processing wastes, and ores.

1.2 The humidity cell test (HCT) enhances reaction product transport in the aqueous leach of a solid material sample of specified mass. Standard conditions allow comparison of the relative reactivity of materials during interpretation of results.

1.3 The HCT measures rates of weathering product mass release. Soluble weathering products are mobilized by a fixed-volume aqueous leach that is performed and collected weekly. Leachate samples are analyzed for pH, alkalinity/acidity, specific conductance, sulfates, and other selected analytes which may be regulated in the environmental drainage at a particular mining or metallurgical processing site.

1.4 This guide covers the interpretation of standard humidity cell tests conducted to obtain results for the following objectives:

1.5 This guide is intended to facilitate use of Test Method D5744 to meet kinetic testing regulatory requirements for metallurgical processing products, mining waste rock, and ores sized to pass a 6.3-mm (0.25-in.) Tyler screen.

1.6 Interlaboratory testing of the standard D5744 humidity cell has been confined to mine waste rock. Application of this guide to metallurgical processing waste (for example, mill process tailings) is not supported by interlaboratory test data. Method B of Test Method D5744, however, has been found useful for testing of metallurgical products, and this guide is also useful for interpretation of those results (1).2

1.7 This guide is intended to describe various procedures for interpreting the results from standard laboratory weathering of solid materials in accordance with Test Method D5744. It does not describe all types of sampling and analytical requirements that may be associated with its application, nor all procedures for interpretation of results.

1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this guide.

1.9 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.

1.10 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.