This European Standard describes three methods of determining the fineness of cement.
The sieving method serves only to demonstrate the presence of coarse cement particles. This method is
primarily suited to checking and controlling the production process.
The air-jet sieving method measures the retention on sieving and is suitable for particles which substantially
pass a 2,0 mm test sieve. It may be used to determine the particle size distribution of agglomerates of very
fine particles. This method may be used with test sieves in a range of aperture sizes, e.g. 63 μm and 90 μm.
The air permeability method (Blaine) measures the specific surface (mass related surface) by comparison with
a reference cement sample. The determination of the specific surface serves primarily to check the
consistency of the grinding process of one and the same plant. This method only enables a limited
assessment to be made of the properties of the cement in use.
BS EN 196-6:2010 history
2019BS EN 196-6:2018 Methods of testing cement. Determination of fineness
2010BS EN 196-6:2010 Methods of testing cement - Determination of fineness
1992BS EN 196-6:1992 Methods of testing cement - Determination of fineness