Designation: D4724 − 11

Standard Test Method for

Entanglements in Untwisted Filament Yarns by Needle
Insertion1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4724; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 3.2 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test
1.1 This test method covers two options for the measure- method, refer to Terminology D123.
ment of entanglements in untwisted filament yarns using
needle insertion options for instrument (A) and manual (B) 4. Summary of Test Method
techniques. 4.1 A summary of each option is in the section for that
1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units (in option.
parentheses) are to be regarded separately as standard. The
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; 5. Significance and Use
therefore, each system must be used independently of the other 5.1 Option 1 of this test method for the determination of the
without combining values in any way. degree of untwisted filament yarn entanglement, as measured
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the instrumentally, is used for acceptance testing of commercial
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the shipments; however, caution is advised because information on
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- between-laboratory precision is lacking. Comparative tests, as
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- directed in 5.1.1, may be advisable.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.1.1 If there are differences of practical significance be-
tween the reported test results for two or more laboratories,
2. Referenced Documents comparative tests should be performed by those laboratories to
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, samples used
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles for each comparative test should be as homogeneous as
D2258 Practice for Sampling Yarn for Testing possible, drawn from the same lot of material as the samples
D4849 Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers that results in disparate results during initial testing, and
randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory. Other
3. Terminology fabrics with established test values may be used for this
purpose. The test results from the laboratories involved should
3.1 Definitions:
be compared appropriate statistical analysis and a probability
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to yarns and fibers,
level chosen by the two parties before testing begins, at a
refer to Terminology D4849.
probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is
3.1.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
found, either its cause must be found and corrected or future
entanglement, filament yarn.
test results must be adjusted in consideration of the known
bias.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles 5.2 Option 2 for this test method is intended for use when
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.58 on Yarns and Fibers. the supply of yarn is limited.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2011. Published January 2011. Originally
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D4724–10. DOI: 5.3 The instrumental option of this test method is based on
10.1520/D4724-11.
2
the total randomization of the entanglements in the yarn;
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
therefore, the distance measured between the point of insertion
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on of a pin in the middle of the yarn and the point at which an
the ASTM website. entanglement is encountered, by movement of the yarn or the

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D4724 − 11
pin until it is stopped at a preset level of force, is representative 9. Apparatus
of the distance between two entanglements at some location in 9.1 Automatic Needle Pull Entanglement Testers, rapid
the yarn. automatic pin insertion detector (RAPID)3 and Rothschild
5.4 Entanglements are used frequently instead of twist to automatic yarn entanglement testers NPT.3
ensure the integrity of filament yarns. Such entanglements 9.2 Standard Laboratory Weights, ranging from 1 to 100 g.
generally give somewhat less protection during weaving or 9.3 Stopwatch, with 1⁄5-s divisions.
knitting than twist, but with proper care, will perform quite
9.4 Speed Indicator, tachometer, 0 to 1000 rpm range.
satisfactorily.
9.5 Magnetic Whorl Tensioning Device, optional.
6. Sampling and Test Specimens
10. Procedure
6.1 Primary Sampling Unit—Consider shipping containers 10.1 Test the yarn in the standard atmosphere for testing
of yarn to be the primary sampling unit. textiles, as directed in Practice D1776.
NOTE 1—A realistic specification or other agreement between the 10.2 Calibrate the entanglement tester and tensiometer as
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability prescribed by the instrument manufacturer.
between shipping containers, packages within a shipping container, and
successive lengths from a package to provide a plan that, at the specified 10.3 Mount the test package on a suitable holder.
level for the property of interest, has a meaningful producer’s risk, 10.4 Yarn Pretension—Calculate the pretension by using
consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting quality level. one of the equations below:
6.2 Laboratory Sample Unit—For each primary sampling YP ~ g ! 5 ~ D ^ 0.5! 0.75 (1)
unit, take laboratory sampling units as directed in Practice YP ~ cN! 5 ~ T ^ 0.5! *0.70 (2)
D2258. Do not rewind or transfer material from packages taken
from shipping containers to another packages. 10.5 Trip Level Tension—Calculate the trip level by using
one of the equations below:
6.3 Test Specimen—For acceptance testing, use laboratory TLT~ g ! 5 ~ D ^ 0.35! *3.5 (3)
units as a source of specimens. Make 20 observations on each
TLT ~ cN! 5 ~ T ^ 0.35! *3.31 (4)
laboratory sampling unit.
where:
7. Conditioning YP = Yarn pretension,
TLT = trip level tension, c/tex (gf/d),
7.1 Preparation of Test Package—Before preconditioning T = linear density, tex,
or conditioning the test package, remove at least 100 m or 110 D = linear density, denier, and
yds of yarn from the test package to avoid testing nonrepre- F = filament count.
sentative yarn.
10.6 Set the RAPID instrument as follows:
7.2 Preconditioning—Normally, preconditioning is not nec- 10.6.1 Measuring Speed—10–20 m/min.
essary unless the test packages are received with higher than 10.6.2 Observations/Package—20.
the normal moisture level. If preconditioning is necessary, treat 10.6.3 No-Show Length—Refer to the manufacturer’s
the packages as directed in Practice D1776. manual.
10.6.4 Present the loose end of the yarn to the inlet gun (see
7.3 Conditioning—Condition the test packages as directed Fig. 1). The instrument will string up, automatically strip some
in Practice D1776. yarn, start the measurement cycle, and discard the tested yarn
to waste.
OPTION 1—INSTRUMENTAL MEASUREMENT OF
10.6.4.1 If there is no entanglement in the “No-Show”
THE DEGREE OF ENTANGLEMENT OF
length, the instrument will do the following:
UNTWISTED FILAMENT YARN (1) If the “Pin Miss Ignored Limit” has not been exceeded,
rotate the pinwheel, reinsert the needle in the yarn, and
8. Summary of Option continue testing. The test is aborted and a “No-Show” re-
8.1 A yarn is passed at constant speed and constant preten- corded.
sion through the thread path of the instrument. After a required (2) If the “Pin Miss Ignored Limit” has been exceeded, enter
yarn length has run through, the yarn is pierced by a needle, a “Freeze” state and request confirmation of pin insertion. The
and advanced automatically until a preset needle tension is operator will restart the test if the pin did not pierce the yarn
attained. Then, the needle is withdrawn, and the yarn length (increasing the “Pin Miss Count” by 1, or the operator will
acknowledge pin piercing by pressing the “Confirm” button
from insertion to this critical point is measured automatically.
designating this a true no entanglement section, which adds the
This cycle of yarn advance, piercing by the needle, and length
length to the results.
measurement is repeated for a predetermined number of times.
The individual measured pulled yarn lengths and the total of
these yarn lengths are automatically recorded. 3
Apparatus is commercially available.

2
 D4724 − 11

FIG. 1 Yarn String-Up Diagram for Rapid Automatic Pin Insertion Detector (RAPID)

10.7 Set the Rothschild instrument as follows: (2) Record a “No-Show” in the software (and on the
10.7.1 Measuring Speed—10–20 m/min. printout).
10.7.2 Forwarding Time—5 s. (3) Reinsert the needle into the yarn and wind until a node
10.7.3 Observations/Package (decade counter)—20. (entanglement) is detected.
10.7.4 No-Show Length—500 mm or as specified by user. (4) The first entanglement after a “No-Show” is ignored.
This is an optional setting and the length should be established (5) The needle is withdrawn, and the yarn is advanced the
based on the product or end-use of the product. specified length of the entanglement and is reinserted into the
10.7.5 Feed the yarn from the package through the preten- yarn and the test continues. This is to ensure that an accurate
sion device. The yarn then is threaded across the needle reference between entanglement is established.
piercing section and through the measuring head. Then, yarn 10.7.6 Remove the yarn from the take-up wheel frequently
goes to a yarn speed roll and is taken up to the “Take-up” wheel to avoid excessive waste build-up. Use care if a sharp blade is
(see Fig. 2) or can bypass the “Take-up” wheel and go into the used. To avoid any build-up, the yarn may be placed in the
aspirator after the yarn speed roll, to prevent buildup on the aspirator after the last wrap on the “Yarn speed roll.”
take-up wheel. The software initializes a specified length for
stripping and starts the test. 11. Calculations
10.7.5.1 If there is no entanglement in the “No-Show” 11.1 In the following way the tester computer will calculate
length, the instrument will do the following: the average number of entanglements per metre using:
(1) Stop the yarn and withdraw the needle. The total count of entanglements measured must equal 100.

FIG. 2 Yarn String-Up Diagram for Rothschild Needle Insertion Entanglement Apparatus

3
 D4724 − 11
The Distances between Entanglements (DE) must be re- attached to one end of a flexible cord and a tensioning weight
corded individually. to the other end of the cord. The weight is allowed to drop
The average Distance between Entanglements (DEavg) is vertically and gradually until the hook is stopped by an
calculated using Eq 5: entanglement in the yarn. The needle is then moved in the
100 opposite direction along the length of the specimen until it
( DE
i51
i encounters another entanglement. The distance between the
DEavg 5
100
(5) hook and needle is recorded as the distance between entangle-
ments. See Fig. 3.
The standard deviation in this average value is calculated
using Eq 6: 14. Apparatus
100
14.1 Weight, 2.5 6 0.01 g.
DEstdev 5 ! ( ~ DE 2 DE
i51
i

99
!2
avg
(6) 14.2 J-Shaped Hook, approximately 25 mm long.
14.3 Cord, or thread, flexible, No. 50 cotton.
The average number of entanglements per meter (EPM) is
calculated using Eq 7: 14.4 Illuminated Magnifier3, with a lens capable of 3x to
10x magnifications.
1
EPM 5 (7) 14.5 Horizontal Test Board, equipped with a sliding metric
DEavg
scale, movable black plastic perforated card 25 by 75 by 1.6
The standard deviation in the average number of entangle- mm (1.0 by 3.0 by 1⁄16 in.), and yarn clamp.
ments is calculated using Eq 8:
14.6 Air Jet Suction.
DEstdev
EPMstdev 5 (8) 14.7 Pick Needle.
~ DEavg! 2
The half length of the 95% confidence interval (CI95) is 14.8 Tensiometer.
calculated using Eq 9:
15. Procedure
2
C195 5 t· '0.2·s (9) 15.1 Test the yarn in the standard atmosphere for testing
=n
textiles, as directed in Practice D1776.
where:
15.2 Place the yarn package on a suitable stand under the
DE = Distance between Entaglements, and table supporting the test apparatus.
EPM = average number of entanglements/m.
15.3 Feed the yarn through the test apparatus.
11.2 Calculate the average entanglements/m for the lot.
15.4 Open the main air valve completely for the air jet
12. Report suction device and strip off the outside layer of yarn.
12.1 State that the packages were tested as directed in 15.5 Attach the J-hook to one end of the cord, or thread, and
Option 1 of Test Method D4724. Describe the material or feed the other end through the guide at the left side of the test
product sampled and the method of sampling used. board. Cut the cord to a length that allows it to hang at least
12.2 The report shall include the following information: 750 mm above the floor. Attach the weight to the free end of
12.2.1 Nominal linear density. the cord.
12.2.2 Pretension level used.
15.6 Adjust tension on the yarn to 0.1 cN (0.01 gf/d) using
12.2.3 Trip level tension used.
a valve at the air jet. Do this while the air jet is pulling against
12.2.4 Measuring speed.
the yarn that is held stationary by a clamp on the right side of
12.2.5 Transport time.
the test board.
12.2.6 The distances between entanglements for each speci-
men. 15.7 Place the magnifier over the control test area.
12.2.7 No show distance and any no shows encountered for 15.8 Slide the plastic card under the yarn.
each specimen.
12.2.8 The EMC for each package and the average for the 15.9 Push the pick needle through the center of the yarn and
lot. make an opening wide enough for the J-hook. Extend the pick
12.2.9 The instrument used. needle into a hole in the card.
12.2.10 Any modifications to the test. 15.10 Insert the hook into the opening next to the pick
needle and let the hook move gently to the left until it catches
OPTION 2—MANUAL MEASUREMENT OF DEGREE on an entanglement (hard node) and its mass holds it in the
OF FILAMENT ENTANGLEMENT yarn.
13. Summary of Option 15.11 With the pick needle still in the yarn, pull it from the
13.1 A stationary needle is inserted in the yarn. A hook is card and gently move it to the right until resistance due to
placed in the same opening made by the needle. The hook is another entanglement (hard node) is encountered.

4
 D4724 − 11

FIG. 3 Entanglement Tester (Manual Method)

15.12 Move the card out of the way, measure the distance 17.2 The report shall include the following information for
between the hook, and pick needle (two entanglements) to the the laboratory sampling unit and for the lot as applicable to a
nearest mm. material specifications or contract order:
15.13 Remove the hook and pick needle, open the clamp 17.2.1 Normal linear density.
and allow yarn to pass through the air jet for approximately 10 17.2.2 Yarn tension.
s. 17.2.3 Number of observations, if more than 20.
15.14 Repeat 15.5-15.13 until 20 observations have been 17.2.4 Entanglement value for each package and the aver-
made on each test package. age for all the packages.

16. Calculation 18. Precision and Bias

16.1 Calculate the average distance between entanglements 18.1 Summary—See Table 1 for Probability values. In
for each package to the nearest millimetre. comparing two rates of entanglements/m, the entanglements
16.2 Calculate the entanglements/m for each package to the measured over the same length of opportunity should be
nearest 0.1 unit using Eq 10: compared using the critical difference in Table 2. If the rates of
entanglements include bias due to systematic sampling or
EPM 5 1000/L (10)
testing errors, the critical differences in Table 2 will be overly
where: optimistic. When the two counts being compared are measured
EPM = entanglements/m, over difference lengths, Table 2 is no longer valid and help
1000 = number of mm/m, and should be sought from a competent statistician.
L = average distance between entanglements in mm.
18.2 Interlaboratory Test Data—A interlaboratory test was
16.3 Calculate the average entanglements/m for all the run in 1997 in which randomly drawn samples of five materials
packages. were tested in each of four laboratories. Each laboratory used
two operators, each of whom tested two specimens of each
17. Report material. Since the data represents counts, components of
17.1 State that the test packages were tested as directed in variance were not calculated. Instead, the data was analyzed by
Option 2 of Test Method D4724. Describe the materials or nonparametric statistical methods to determine bias and inter-
products sampled and the method of sampling used. actions among laboratories and operators.

5
 D4724 − 11
TABLE 1 Values of Student’s t for One-Sided and Two-Sided Limits and the 95 % ProbabilityA
df One-Sided Two-Sided df One-Sided Two-Sided df One-Sided Two-Sided
1 6.314 12.706 11 1.796 2.201 22 1.717 2.074
2 2.920 4.303 12 1.782 2.179 24 1.711 2.064
3 2.353 3.182 13 1.771 2.160 26 1.706 2.056
4 2.132 2.776 14 1.761 2.145 28 1.701 2.048
5 2.015 2.571 15 1.753 2.131 30 1.697 2.042
6 1.943 2.447 16 1.746 2.120 40 1.684 2.021
7 1.895 2.365 17 1.740 2.110 50 1.676 2.009
8 1.860 2.306 18 1.734 2.101 60 1.671 2.000
9 1.833 2.262 19 1.729 2.093 120 1.658 1.980
10 1.812 2.228 20 1.725 2.086 — 1.645 1.960
A
Values in this table were calculated using Hewlett Packard HP 67/97 Users’ Library Programs 03848D, “One-Sided and Two-Sided Critical Values of Student’s t” and
00350D, “Improved Normal and Inverse Distribution.” For values at other than the 95 % probability level, see published tables of critical values of Student’s t in any standard
statistical test (2), (3), (4), and (5).

TABLE 2 Values of b for Critical Differences in Entanglement 18.3 Critical Differences—Two rates of entanglements mea-
Counts, a and b, for Two-Sides Tests at a the 95 % Probability sured over the same test length should be considered signifi-
Level
cantly different at the 95 % probability level, if the smallest
r=a+b b r=a+b b r=a+b b r=a+b b
rates is less then or equal to the tabulated value of b in Table
8 0 24 6 39 12 53 18
11 1 27 7 41 13 55 19
2.
14 2 29 8 43 14 57 20
16 3 32 9 46 15 60 21
18.4 Bias—The procedure of this test method produces a
19 4 34 10 48 16 62 22 test value that cannot be defined only in terms of a test method.
22 5 36 11 50 17 64 23 There is no independent, referee method by which bias may be
determined. This test method has no know bias.
NOTE 2—Because the interlaboratory tests included only four 19. Keywords
laboratories, estimates of between laboratory precision may be underes-
timated to a considerable extent and should be used with special caution. 19.1 entanglement; yarn

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