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IS 10890:1984 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for planetary mixer used in tests of cement and pozzolana. This standard specifies the requirements for the design, construction, and performance of planetary mixers used for preparing cement mortar and paste for testing. It covers material specifications, component dimensions like the bowl and paddle, operating speeds, and clearances to ensure uniformity and repeatability in physical tests of cement and pozzolana.
Specification for planetary mixer used in tests of cement and pozzolana
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Cement, Concrete, Aggregates and RCC
! Regular verification of paddle-to-bowl clearance using a feeler gauge is critical for ensuring consistent mixing action and preventing damage.
! The specified speeds are for the mixer under load; running the mixer empty may show slightly different speeds.
! The scraper attachment is vital for proper mixing by ensuring material on the sides of the bowl is incorporated, and should be kept in good condition.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
cementpozzolanamortar
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM C305-20ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
Specifies the apparatus (mixer, bowl, paddle) and procedure for mixing hydraulic cement pastes and mortars.
EN 196-1:2016CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Methods of testing cement - Part 1: Determination of strength
Specifies the mixer, among other equipment, required for preparing mortar specimens for strength tests.
ISO 679:2009ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Cement — Test methods — Determination of strength
Defines the reference equipment, including the standard mixer, for preparing cement mortar for strength determination.
Key Differences
≠The specified clearance between the paddle and the bowl differs. IS 10890 requires it to be 'of the order of 2.4 mm', whereas ASTM C305 specifies 'approximately 4.0 mm', and EN 196-1 requires '3.0 ± 1.0 mm'.
≠The nominal bowl capacity in EN 196-1 is specified as approximately 5 litres, while IS 10890 and ASTM C305 specify a capacity of approximately 4.75 litres (5 quarts).
≠IS 10890 is a standalone specification for the mixer apparatus only. In contrast, ASTM C305 covers both the apparatus and the mixing procedure, and EN 196-1 details the mixer as part of the complete strength testing method.
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental mixing principle is identical, specifying a planetary motion where the beater rotates on its own axis while simultaneously orbiting inside a stationary bowl.
≈The specified rotation speeds are identical across the standards. Low speed is 62 ± 5 rpm (planetary) and 140 ± 5 rpm (beater); high speed is 125 ± 10 rpm (planetary) and 285 ± 10 rpm (beater).
≈All standards describe a similar basic apparatus consisting of a motor-driven unit with a removable stainless steel bowl and a removable beater/paddle, based on a common design archetype (e.g., Hobart mixer).
≈The intended purpose is the same: to provide a standardized method for preparing hydraulic cement pastes and mortars for consistent physical property testing.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Low Speed (Planetary)
62 ± 5 rpm
62 ± 5 rpm
ASTM C305 / EN 196-1
Low Speed (Beater)
140 ± 5 rpm
140 ± 5 rpm
ASTM C305 / EN 196-1
High Speed (Planetary)
125 ± 10 rpm
125 ± 10 rpm
ASTM C305 / EN 196-1
High Speed (Beater)
285 ± 10 rpm
285 ± 10 rpm
ASTM C305 / EN 196-1
Paddle-to-Bowl Wall Clearance
of the order of 2.4 mm
approximately 4.0 mm
ASTM C305
Paddle-to-Bowl Wall Clearance
of the order of 2.4 mm
3.0 ± 1.0 mm
EN 196-1
Nominal Bowl Capacity
≈ 4.75 litres
≈ 5 litres
EN 196-1
Bowl Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
ASTM C305 / EN 196-1
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
What are the two standard operating speeds for the paddle?+
Low speed is 140 ± 5 rpm and high speed is 285 ± 10 rpm (Table 1).
What is the specified nominal capacity of the mixing bowl?+
The nominal capacity is 4.75 litres (Clause 4.2).
What is the required clearance between the paddle and the bowl?+
The clearance should be approximately 3 mm. It's checked to ensure the paddle does not touch the bowl but is close enough for effective mixing (Clause 6).