Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the identification of residues of ignitable liquids in extracts from fire debris samples. Extraction procedures are described in the referenced documents.
1.2 While this test method is suitable for all samples, it is especially appropriate for extracts that contain high background levels of substrate materials or pyrolysis products. This guide is also suitable for the identification of single compounds, simple mixtures, or non-petroleum based ignitable liquids.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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Status
Historical
Publication Date
09-Sep-2001
Technical Committee
Drafting Committee
Current Stage
Ref Project

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ASTM E1618-01 - Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E 1618 – 01
Standard Test Method for
Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris
1
Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1618; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E 1413 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Flam-
mable or Combustible Liquid Residues from Fire Debris
1.1 This test method covers the identification of residues of
2
Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration
ignitable liquids in extracts from fire debris samples. Extrac-
E 1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
tion procedures are described in the referenced documents.
2
Documentation
1.2 While this test method is suitable for all samples, it is
E 1492 Guide for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
especially appropriate for extracts that contain high back-
2
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Laboratory
ground levels of substrate materials or pyrolysis products. This
guide is also suitable for the identification of single com-
3. Summary of Test Method
pounds, simple mixtures, or non-petroleum based ignitable
3.1 The sample is analyzed with a gas chromatograph (GC)
liquids.
which is interfaced to a mass spectrometer (MS) and a data
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
system (DS) capable of storing and manipulating chromato-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
graphic and mass spectral data.
only.
3.2 Post-run data analysis generates extracted ion profiles
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
(mass chromatograms) characteristic of the chemical com-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
poundtypescommonlyfoundinignitableliquids.Additionally,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
specific chemical components (target compounds) may be
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
identified by their mass spectra and retention times. Semi-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
quantitative determination of target compounds which are
2. Referenced Documents identified by mass spectra and retention time may be used to
develop target compound chromatograms (TCCs).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1 The total ion chromatogram (TIC), extracted ion
E 1385 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Flam-
profiles(EIP)forthealkane,alkene,alcohol,aromatic,cycloal-
mable or Combustible Liquid Residues from Fire Debris
2 kane, ester, ketone and polynuclear aromatic compound types,
Samples by Steam Distillation
or target compound chromatograms (TCC), or combination
E 1386 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Flam-
thereof, are evaluated by visual pattern matching against
mable or Combustible Liquid Residues from Fire Debris
2
known reference ignitable liquids.
by Solvent Extraction
3.2.2 Ignitable liquids may be grouped into one of eight
E 1387 Test Method for Flammable or Combustible Liquid
major petroleum classifications or one miscellaneous class, as
Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas
2 described in this test method.
Chromatography
E 1388 Practice for Sampling of Headspace Vapors from
4. Significance and Use
2
Fire Debris Samples
4.1 The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in
E 1412 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Flam-
samples from a fire scene can support the field investigator’s
mable or Combustible Liquid Residues from Fire Debris
2 opinion regarding the origin, fuel load, and incendiary nature
Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration
of the fire.
4.1.1 The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in a
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE30onForensic fire scene does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that a fire
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
was incendiary in nature. Further investigation may reveal a
Current edition approved September 10, 2001. Published November 2001.
legitimate reason for the presence of ignitable liquid residues.
Originally published as E 1618 – 94. Last previous edition E 1618 – 97.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

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E 1618
4.1.2 Due to the volatility of ignitable liquids and to programming, various data handling functions, including input
variations in sampling techniques, the absence of detectable and storage of sample data files, generation of extracted ion
quanti
...

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