Paper 06-124(04).

pdf, Page 1 of 6
AFS Transactions 2006 American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL USA

Five Minute LOI Test

S. N. Ramrattan, P.G. Ikonomov
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Copyright 2006 American Foundry Society
ABSTRACT
Loss-on-ignition (LOI) is an important thermo-chemical property test for many foundry materials. Applications include new
sands, green sand systems, chemically bonded cores and molds, sand additives, and reclaimed sands. LOI has been an
important quality control measure carried out off-line. The AFS-defined LOI test uses a muffle furnace that is time
consuming, often requiring three hours; a modified method, using a microwave furnace, provides results in about 20 minutes.
With faster testing and analyses LOI can serve as a process control tool.
Now a new, faster LOI method has been developed at Western Michigan University. It uses induction heating and a metallic
crucible. It can produce test results in less than five minutes without sacrifice of accuracy. In addition, the new technique
has a data acquisition system that allows real time analysis of sample mass change as a function of time and temperature that
can be graphically represented. The acquired data can be saved for further analysis, comparison, and record keeping. Test
procedures are explained and the equipment needed is shown in schematic drawings and photos.
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
The loss-on-ignition (LOI) is the difference in weight before and after ignition of the sand sample. LOI is performed at an
AFS-defined temperature or at metalcasting temperature, (e.g. cast iron requires a 2600 F (1427 C)). The main method for
determining LOI involves heating samples to a temperature at which organic materials volatilize and decompose. The
resulting loss in weight from the sample is the LOI measurement. LOI measurement indicates the amount of combustibles in
raw sand. For green molding sand, these combustibles consume water added to activate the clay. In chemically bonded sand,
they absorb binder and reduce its effectiveness. Thus, LOI measurements can provide essential information about the overall
quality of a foundry's sand system.
Foundries depend on a test of combustibles (LOI) to help manage their new sands, green sand systems, chemically bonded
cores and molds, sand additives, and reclaimed sands. Each application has an established control range. The testing
procedures defined by the AFS (Mold & Core Test Handbook) calls for use of either a muffle or microwave furnace.
Unfortunately those tests are considerably slow. The time lag between testing and results can allow certain sand related
defects if high levels of organic materials are present in foundry sand systems. Currently, foundries cannot identify the
organic materials in real time. The presence of excessive organic materials in foundry sands is problematic, because some of
these materials can volatilize at temperatures much lower than that required for the casting process. The outcome is usually
gas porosity defects in the castings. This paper addresses those problems.
PURPOSE
While LOI is a well-recognized test for evaluating foundry materials, it is time consuming, requiring up to three hours for the
LOI test using a muffle furnace. A modified method, using a microwave furnace provides results in about twenty minutes
(Laitar et al., 1995 & 1996). Though the microwave furnace method has reduced testing time to about one-tenth the time
required for the muffle furnace method, twenty minutes can be considered a significant amount of high production molding
lines. Further, these LOI methods cannot be used as on-line process control tools because samples still need to be taken to a
sand testing laboratory.
With respect to quality control of green sand components a recommended test to be run on incoming sand is LOI. It should
be noted that the test procedure could be found in the AFS Mold & Core Test Handbook. Carbonaceous materials should be
checked for volatile combustible matter (VCM), fixed carbon, and ash (Schleg, 2003).
The basic tests commonly used as controls for green sand systems include sand temperature, moisture, compactability,
density and sample weight, permeability, green strength, AFS/25 micron clay, AFS grain fineness, methylene blue clay, and

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AFS Transactions 2006 American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL USA

LOI. These tests relate to the control of the five basic variables in green sand: water, bonding agent, sand, sand additives,
and carbonaceous materials. In addition, LOI test are run on chemically bonded sands (Krysiak, 1990 & 1994).
There is not total agreement between green sand experts on how often to run the basic tests. These basic tests can be
broken down into two classifications: daily tests and weekly tests. The sand technician in the foundry may find it necessary
to run certain tests more or less frequently to produce quality sand systems. The carbonaceous material is an important
constituent of the sand, particularly in iron sands. Many foundries determine the carbonaceous material on a daily or weekly
basis using the combustibles test (Roshan, 1989). In many other foundries LOI is considered a weekly test only because it is
a time consuming procedure.
LOI testing can be an effective quality check of chemical binder additions to sand mixes and has often been discussed as a
control tool for the sand reclamation process. But unlike tests for compactibility or compressive strength, which take little
time and can be done on-line for immediate control, conventional LOI testing results are too slow to be used as an effective
tool in on-line process quality control. An LOI test that is both fast and accurate provides a much needed process control tool
for monitoring carbonaceous materials in the foundry.
PROBLEM TO BE INVESTIGATED
This study examines a new and faster LOI test when compared to the more laborious and time-consuming LOI tests currently
available. This research project focused on quantifying LOI data from the new technique and comparing it to that obtained
from the AFS-defined LOI test. The equipment used for the new LOI test was a redesigned induction power supply. Graphs
showing change in mass as a function of time and temperature are provided for sand systems studied. Real-time plot of those
graphs are generated on a computer screen for monitoring of the test; in addition, the measured data is saved for further
analyses and comparison.
OBJECTIVES
Three key issues required proving:
1.
confirm that the new test is faster,
2.
determine the real time rate of mass change as a function of temperature, and
3.
confirm that the new system can accurately measure LOI.
METHODOLOGY
TESTING APPROACH
In the experiments the same lake sand system was use for all samples. Table 1 provides the raw lake sand properties. Sand
was coated with a chemically bonded shell resin at three different levels (1%, L1; 3%, L2; and
5%, L5) and used as samples for LOI testing. In addition, clay bonded (8% pre-mix) green sand used in a working foundry
was sampled and dried for LOI testing.
An induction power supply is redesigned for heating a metallic crucible within its coils in ambient conditions. Induction
heating provides rapid heating to the metallic crucible and its sand contents. Using a computer data acquisition system, a
non-contact infrared pyrometer is used to constantly monitor and control the temperature of the crucible (Figure 1 and 2).
The induction field within the coil heats the crucible that transfers the heat onto the sand sample. The temperature is
achieved whereby organic materials in the sample decompose and certain components volatilize. The resulting loss in weight
from the sample is the LOI measurement.
Table 1. Raw Sand Properties

Type

Source

459L
(Lake)

MI

AFS/gfn

Shape

62

Rounded

Screens
4

Roundness/Sphericity
(Krumbein)

pH

0.6/0.6

Neutral

Acid
demand
(pH-7)
<1

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AFS Transactions 2006 American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL USA

1
2

7
T
g
F

t,s

on

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Crucible within induction coil

Ceramic support
Linear bearing with frictionless
support system
Induction power supply
Analytical balance
Non-contact pyrometer
Computer data acquisition system

DAC
57.68g

Figure 1. Schematic of induction LOI testing system

Figure 2. Crucible within coils being heated (left) and non-contact pyrometer (right)

To operate the induction LOI tester (Figure 1), the electrical power was switched on, and the temperature control was set to
2,000 F (1093 C) and controlled by a data acquisition system. In addition, the computer and data acquisition system
provide monitoring and plotting graphs of temperature/time versus distortion in real time.
The crucible is positioned within the induction coils and simultaneously engages the data acquisition system that
automatically logged and plotted the sample mass versus time/temperature curve.
The length of the test for these experiments is set for five minutes; however, this can be varied. The test can be automatically
stopped when the LOI curve starts to flat line. A predetermined test temperature can be set or some heat history chosen to
represent a molten metal solidification simulation can be programmed into the test.
Note that all samples were tested in laboratory conditions at Western Michigan University. Ambient conditions were
controlled: temperature at 75F 3F (24 1C) and relative humidity at 50 2%.
INDUCTION LOI TEST PROCEDURE
In performing the induction LOI test, the following procedure was followed:
1.
2.
3.

Turn on the computer data acquisition and induction LOI tester.

Weigh 3.00 g sample (sand dried at 200F (93C)) into crucible using an analytical balance.
Place crucible with sample on ceramic support of the induction LOI tester.

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AFS Transactions 2006 American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL USA

4.
5.
6.
7.

Position crucible with sample into the induction coil.

Test (heating up to 2,000 F (1093 C)) and data acquisition starts, logs data, and stops automatically after five
minutes or no further mass change.
Remove sample and cool.
Interpret the LOI curve for results.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

The induction field within the coil is critical for maintaining uniform heating of the sample and for achieving the LOI test
temperatures. Insufficient induction power can result in a sample failing to achieve a stabilization of weight. Conversely, too
much induction power can overshoot desired testing temperatures and, worst yet, sinter the sand and melt the metallic
crucible. Thus, the controls parameters of data acquisition system for the operation of the induction power system have to be
established prior to starting LOI testing.
Induction power provides rapid heating of a metallic crucible and its sand contents. Though the crucible design is not a focus
of this paper, it should be pointed out that proper coupling between the crucible and the induction field within the coil is
critical for maintaining uniform heating of the sample and for achieving the LOI test temperatures. Figure 3 shows pictures
of various crucible designs that were fabricated and tried. The design furthest left failed because of inappropriate material
selection, the two designs in the middle were not effective since the central core did not couple well with the induction field,
but the design on the right was capable of heating the sample sufficiently.

Figure 3. Various crucible designs

While there have been attempts to cut testing time for chemically bonded and green sand by using smaller samples and
shorter furnace times, accuracy may be lost with a less than representative sample size and incomplete combustion. With the
combination of higher precision in analytic balance measurements and the ability to achieve the combustion temperature
rapidly with induction heating, those shortcomings are resolved. Further, the test is conducted in ambient conditions so
oxygen can get to the sample for rapid oxidation. This plays a role in cutting test time, compared to the relatively static
combination conditions in closed chamber furnaces.
The fast organic removal rate allows quick and accurate LOI testing. The new induction LOI testing system provides
automatic temperature control with sufficient power to achieve and maintain steady state test temperatures. In addition
heating of the crucible provides adequate heat transfer to the sample. Apart from providing an ease of temperature control
during testing the data acquisition system (Figure 4) allows real-time analysis of sample mass change as a function of time
and temperature that can be graphically represented; this provides some additional information when compared to just a
percent LOI obtained in conventional testing. Additionally, the computer data acquisition system can be programmed to
reproduce heat history profiles from previous simulation studies. This allows LOI to be used in shakeout analysis of
chemically bonded sands used to heat treat castings and cores used in semi permanent molds. Further, the acquired data can
be saved for further analysis, comparison, and record keeping. The foundry application of the new LOI test can provide
technicians with technology to get an early handle on quality problems that might just be creeping into the sand system.

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AFS Transactions 2006 American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL USA

Figure 4. Data control and acquisition system

In lieu of a cost comparison among the muffle furnace technique, the microwave furnace technique, and the new induction
technique, the authors offer another consideration. Many foundries have chosen to replace the older technology of
carbon/sulfur determination with a spectrometer. The old equipment possesses an induction power supply that can be
modified to become an induction LOI tester. Within two weeks the system was designed, parts procured, the test system
installed, and tests performed. By making such a modification the induction LOI tester saves on energy costs and there are
no consumables required in testing.
These findings bear out a good correlation between the muffle furnace method and the new induction LOI testing (Table 2
and Figure 5). From an evaluation of the test machines performance and an analysis of LOI test data, a proof-of-principle is
shown. The results from LOI testing show that the new method is faster and just as accurate as the conventional test. The
authors identified a process whereby the total combustibles can be separated from silica sand at a faster rate than the
conventional AFS LOI tests. The test is simple to run, and the required equipment is easily obtained.
Table 2. Properties of the Chemically Bonded Sand

Chemically
Bonded
Sand (Shell)
L1
L3
L5
Green Sand

Hot
Tensile (#)

Cold
Tensile (#)

Density
(g/cm3)

110
400
570
NA

135
460
645
NA

1.74
1.71
1.55
1.50

Muffle
Furnace
LOI (%)
1.3
3.7
6.1
3.5

Induction
LOI (%)
1.5
3.5
6.5
3.2

LIMITATIONS
Only systems with silica sand have been studied. The work in this paper represents three chemically bonded lake sands
(shell) and green sand as examples of an application for LOI tests. Specialty sand, alternative molding media, and reclaimed
sands were not considered in this study. There are numerous other materials from which additional data can be gathered to
learn more about the LOI properties.

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AFS Transactions 2006 American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL USA

LS 1%
3.05

0.00

2.95

1.67

2.9

3.33

2.85

5.00

2.8

6.67

LS 5%
GS
LOI [%]

Weignht [g]

LS 3%
3

2.75
0

50

100

150

200

250

300

(78)

(999)

(1015)

(1019)

(1006)

(1064)

(1046)

350

Tim e [s], (Tem p. [C])

Figure 5. Sample mass versus time/temperature curve showing percent LOI

CONCLUSIONS
The new LOI tests were run and the following are key findings:
The induction LOI test provides a quick method for removing organic material and water of hydration in clay from
silica sand. The induction LOI method provides testing results in less than five minutes.
The induction LOI technique has a data acquisition that allows real time analysis of sample mass change as a
function of time and temperature that is shown on a graph. The acquired data can be saved for further analysis or
record keeping. Further, this allows the LOI test to be an effective process control tool in the foundry industry.
Tests show that there is a strong correlation between the new induction LOI method and the AFS muffle furnace
LOI method when using silica sand.
RECOMMENDATION FOR FUTURE WORK
A complete gage R&R study involving correlation among the three LOI testing techniques needs to be carried out for
validity. Also, the design of the crucible shape needs to be optimized to increase the surface area contact of the sample to
achieve the best heat transfer.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical support of G. Hall, J. Fiala, A. Poot, and P. Thannhauser, all from Western
Michigan University.
REFERENCES
Krysiak. M.B., Reducing Casting Defects--A Basic Green Sand Control Program, Georg Fischer DISA Inc., Holly, MI
(Jan. 1994).
Krysiak, M.B., Pedicini, L.J., Sand Testing Design, 3 parts, Modern Casting, (Feb., Mar., Apr. 1990).
Laitar, R. A., Cavanaugh, J E., Rapid Method For Loss-0n-Ignition Testing, AFS Transactions, vol 103 Paper 95-101 pp.
693-698, (1995).
Laitar, R. A., Cavanaugh, J E., Microwave Technology Brings LOI Testing Up To Speed, Modern Casting, V 86 N 2 P 4041, (Feb. 1996).
Mold & Core Test Handbook, 3rd. Edition, AFS (2000)
Roshan, H. Md., Quality Control of Molding Materials, Foundry Engineering Handbook, Utility Publications Ltd, India
Chapter 13, pp.110-144, (1989).
Schleg, F. P., Technology of Metalcasting, AFS, pp. 49-76, (2003)