ASTM E1547-09(2023)

Standard Terminology Relating to Industrial and Specialty Chemicals

SCOPE
1.1 This standard covers terminology relating to industrial and specialty chemicals. It is intended to provide an understanding of terms commonly used in test methods, practices, and specifications throughout the industry.  
Note 1: The boldface numbers following each definition refer to E15 standards in which the definition appears. Lightface numbers refer to the E15 subcommittee having jurisdiction.  
1.2 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2023
• ICS: 01.040.71 - Chemical technology (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 71.060.01 - Inorganic chemicals in general
• ICS: 71.080.01 - Organic chemicals in general
• Technical Committee: D16 - Aromatic, Industrial, Specialty and Related Chemicals
• Drafting Committee: D16.05 - Editorial and Nomenclature

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E70-24 - Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E410-17a - Standard Test Method for Moisture and Residue in Liquid Chlorine
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM E410-17 - Standard Test Method for Moisture and Residue in Liquid Chlorine
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM E70-07(2015) - Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E222-10 - Standard Test Methods for Hydroxyl Groups Using Acetic Anhydride Acetylation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D891-09 - Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity, Apparent, of Liquid Industrial Chemicals (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E410-08 - Standard Test Method for Moisture and Residue in Liquid Chlorine
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2008

Overview

ASTM E1547-09(2023) – Standard Terminology Relating to Industrial and Specialty Chemicals defines and standardizes terminology widely used across the industrial and specialty chemicals sector. Developed by ASTM International, this terminology standard ensures a common language for describing chemicals, test methods, sampling practices, and quality control procedures. This document promotes clarity and consistency in international communications, regulatory compliance, test method development, and technical documentation involving industrial chemicals.

ASTM E1547 is developed according to globally recognized standards principles, reflecting best practices established by the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. It supports organizations in conforming to internationally accepted terminology, facilitating trade, and enhancing quality assurance in chemical-related operations.

Key Topics

ASTM E1547-09(2023) covers essential terms and definitions used throughout the industrial and specialty chemicals industry, including:

• Accuracy & Precision: Definitions and distinctions between accuracy, precision, bias, and error in the context of chemical analysis and laboratory measurements.
• Sample Handling: Detailed terminology for various sampling methods and sample types, such as composite samples, gross samples, all-levels samples, drain samples, and more.
• Physical Properties: Standardized meanings for density, specific gravity (including apparent specific gravity and Baumé gravity), melting points (initial and final), and more.
• Analytical Terms: Explanations of terms like bromine number, hydroxyl number, moisture, residue, standard deviation, and variance.
• Statistical Concepts: Clear definitions of coefficient of variation, significance level, repeatability, reproducibility, and within-laboratory variability.
• Material States & Descriptions: Clarifies states of matter (solid, simple liquid, slurry), and terms relevant to compositional and structural analysis in industrial contexts.

These definitions provide a foundation for accurate technical communication and help unify the diverse terminology used across different chemical sectors, test labs, and regulatory frameworks.

Applications

ASTM E1547-09(2023) has broad practical value across the global industrial and specialty chemicals supply chain:

• Quality Assurance: Chemical producers and laboratories use the defined terms to ensure consistency in sampling, testing, and reporting results.
• Regulatory Compliance: The standard aids compliance with international, national, and industry-specific regulations by aligning terminology with recognized best practices.
• Documentation & Communication: Facilitates clear communication in safety data sheets, product specifications, laboratory reports, and international trade documentation.
• Test Methods: Provides the vocabulary necessary for understanding, developing, and interpreting ASTM test methods for industrial chemicals.
• Supply Chain Integration: Ensures that manufacturers, suppliers, customers, and auditors share a common understanding of analytical requirements, reducing errors and disputes.

By applying the correct terminology as defined by ASTM E1547, organizations enhance their credibility, technical documentation, and global market access.

Related Standards

Several referenced ASTM standards complement E1547 and further define analytical practices in the chemicals industry, including:

• ASTM E70: Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode.
• ASTM E180: Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Specialty Chemicals.
• ASTM E200: Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage of Standard and Reagent Solutions for Chemical Analysis.
• ASTM E300: Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals.
• ASTM E223/E224: Test Methods for Analysis of Sulfuric Acid and Hydrochloric Acid.
• ASTM D891: Test Methods for Specific Gravity, Apparent, of Liquid Industrial Chemicals.

Organizations seeking comprehensive coverage of chemical terminology, testing, and sampling practices should consult these related ASTM standards for best results.

Keywords: ASTM E1547, industrial chemicals, specialty chemicals, chemical terminology, chemical sampling, analytical testing, specific gravity, melting point, laboratory precision, standard reference, quality control, chemical industry standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: E1547 − 09 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Terminology Relating to
Industrial and Specialty Chemicals
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1547; 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 E223 Test Methods for Analysis of Sulfuric Acid
E224 Test Methods for Analysis of Hydrochloric Acid
1.1 This standard covers terminology relating to industrial
E234 Test Method for Total Bromine Number of Unsatu-
and specialty chemicals. It is intended to provide an under-
rated Aliphatic Chemicals (Withdrawn 2008)
standing of terms commonly used in test methods, practices,
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
and specifications throughout the industry.
E324 Test Method for Relative Initial and Final Melting
NOTE 1—The boldface numbers following each definition refer to E15
Points and the Melting Range of Organic Chemicals
standards in which the definition appears. Lightface numbers refer to the
E326 Test Method for Hydroxyl Groups by Phthalic Anhy-
E15 subcommittee having jurisdiction.
dride Esterification (Withdrawn 2001)
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
E335 Test Method for Hydroxyl Groups by Pyromellitic
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Dianhydride Esterification (Withdrawn 2002)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
E347 Test Method for Ash in Polybasic Acids (Withdrawn
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2003)
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
E410 Test Method for Moisture and Residue in Liquid
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Chlorine
E1899 Test Method for Hydroxyl Groups Using Reaction
2. Referenced Documents
with p-Toluenesulfonyl Isocyanate (TSI) and Potentiomet-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ric Titration with Tetrabutylammonium Hydroxide
D891 Test Methods for Specific Gravity, Apparent, of Liquid
3. Terminology
Industrial Chemicals
E12 Terminology Relating to Density and Specific Gravity 3.1 Definitions:
of Solids, Liquids, and Gases (Withdrawn 1996)
accuracy—the agreement between an experimentally deter-
E70 Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the
mined value and the accepted reference value. In chemical
Glass Electrode work, this term is frequently used to express freedom from
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
bias, but in other fields it assumes a broader meaning as a
Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Spe- joint index of precision and bias. To avoid confusion, the
cialty Chemicals (Withdrawn 2009)
term bias will be used in appraising of the systematic error
E200 Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage of test methods for industrial chemicals. See also bias. E180,
of Standard and Reagent Solutions for Chemical Analysis
E15.04
E201 Test Method for Calculation of Volume and Weight of
ash—the residual inorganic matter obtained on ignition of a
Industrial Chemical Liquids (Withdrawn 2001)
sample in air at a specified temperature. E347, E15.51
E222 Test Methods for Hydroxyl Groups Using Acetic
Baumé gravity—a unit of density based on specific gravity
Anhydride Acetylation
and defined by the following equation:
Baume´ gravity 5 145 2 @145/sp gr# at 15.5/15.5°C ~60/60°F! (1)
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D16 on
Aromatic, Industrial, Specialty and Related Chemicals and is the direct responsi-
See also density and specific gravity. E223, E224, E324,
bility of Subcommittee D16.05 on Editorial and Nomenclature.
E15.51
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E1547 – 09 (2017).
bias—a constant or systematic error as opposed to a random
DOI: 10.1520/E1547-09R23.
error. It manifests itself as a persistent positive or negative
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
deviation of the method average from the accepted reference
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on value. See also accuracy. E180, E15.04
the ASTM website.
bromine number, total—number of centigrams of bromine
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. equivalent to the total unsaturation present in 1 g of sample.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1547 − 09 (2023)
It is a measure of the total ethylenic unsaturation present in lot (solid sample)—a discrete quantity of material. It may
the designated aliphatic compound. E234, E15.22 contain a single batch or several batches or be the product of
continuous process broken into units on the basis of time or
coefficient of variation—a measure of relative precision
shipment. It is very desirable that individual batches in a lot
calculated as the standard deviation of a series of values
be specifically identified so that they may become individual
divided by their average. It is often multiplied by 100 and
or stratified units for inspection. E300, E15.05
expressed as a percentage. E180, E15.04
melting point, final—the temperature at which the last crystal
density—the mass of a unit volume of a material at a specified
disappears into the melt. E324, E15.23
temperature. The units shall be stated, such as grams per
millilitre, grams per cubic centimetre, pounds per cubic foot,
melting point, initial—the temperature at which positive
or other. The form of the expression shall be the following:
evidence of liquefaction is observed. E324, E15.23
Density at x . . .
moisture—the volatile substances evolved during volatiliza-
tion and purging of the sample-residue flask and absorbed on
where x = temperature of the material, in , for
the desiccant contained in the absorption tubes under the
example, °C. See also Baumé
conditions of the test. E410, E15.57
gravity and specific gravity. E201, E15.23
95 % limit (difference between two results)—the maximum
density (of gases)—the mass of a unit volume of a gas at a
absolute difference expected for approximately 95 % of all
stated temperature and pressure. The units shall be stated.
pairs of results from laboratories similar to those in the
The form of expression shall be the following:
interlaboratory study. E180, E15.04
Density at x, y
pH—defined formally as the negative logarithm to the base 10
where:
of the conventional hydrogen ion activity. The pH of an
x = temperature of the gas units, for example, °C, and
aqueous solution is derived from E, the electromotive force
y = pressure of the gas (units, for example, kPa). E12,
(emf) of the cell:
E15.23
reference ? ? solution ? glass electrode
density, apparent—the weight in air of a unit volume of a
(where the double vertical line represents a liquid
material at a specified temperature. The units shall be stated.
The form of expression shall be the following: junction)
when the electrodes are immersed in the solution, and E ,
s
Apparent density at x
the electromotive force obtained when the electrodes are
where x = temperature of the material, in , for
immersed in a standard solution (whose assigned pH is des-
example, °C. E201, E15.23
ignated pH(S)), by the following equation:
duplicates—two independent determinations performed by E 2 E F
~ !
s
pH 5 pH~S!1 (3)
one analyst in a short period of time, for example, one day.
~RTln10!
E180, E15.04
where:
−1
error—in a statistical sense, any deviation of an observed F = faraday, 96 487 C·mol ,
−1 −1
value from the true, but generally unknown, value. When
R = gas constant, 8.314 33 J·K ·mol , and
expressed as a fraction or percentage of the value measured, T = absolute temperature, (t °C + 273.15). E70, E15.23
it is called a relative error. All statements of precision or bias
precision—the degree of agreement of repeated measurements
should indicate clearly whether they are expressed in abso-
of the same property. Precision statements in ASTM meth-
lute or relative sense. E180, E15.04
ods for industrial chemicals will be derived from the
error, random—the chance variation encountered in all ex-
estimated standard deviation or coefficient of variation of a
perimental work despite the closest possible control of
series of measurements and will be expressed in terms of the
variables. It is characterized by the random occurrence of
repeatability, the within-laboratory, between days variability,
both positive and negative deviations from the mean value
and the reproducibility of the method. E180, E15.04
for the method, the algebraic average of which will approach
range—the absolute value of the algebraic difference between
zero in a long series of measurements. E180, E15.04
the highest and the lowest values in a set of data. E180,
hydroxyl number—the milligrams of potassium hydroxide
E15.04
equivalent to the hydroxyl content of 1 g of sample. In the
repeatability—the precision of a method expressed as the
case of a pure compound, the hydroxyl number is inversely
agreement attainable between independent determinations
proportional to the hydroxyl equivalent weight:
performed at essentially the same time (duplicates) by one
equivalent weight g/equivalent 5 56100/hydroxyl number (2)
~ !
analyst using the same apparatus and techniques. E180,
E222, E326, E335, E1899, E15.22
E15.04
increments (solid sample)—portions of material selected
from various parts of a lot, which may be tested individually
or composited and tested as a unit. E300, E15.05 This term or definition is specific to the standard under the test conditions.
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