ASTM E507-21

Standard Test Method for Determination of Aluminum in Iron Ores by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended as a referee method for compliance with compositional specifications for impurity content. It is assumed that all who use this procedure will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory practices skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper waste disposal procedures will be followed. Follow appropriate quality control practices such as those described in Guide E882.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of aluminum in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the mass fraction (%) range from 0.1 to 5.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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: 30-Sep-2021
• ICS: 71.040.50 - Physicochemical methods of analysis
• ICS: 73.060.10 - Iron ores
• Technical Committee: E01 - Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Drafting Committee: E01.02 - Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metallurgical Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E135-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E135-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E50-17 - Standard Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM E882-10(2016)e1 - Standard Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM E882-10(2016) - Standard Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM E50-11(2016) - Standard Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Refers: ASTM E135-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM E135-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM E135-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM E135-14b - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM E50-11 - Standard Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E135-11b - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2011

Overview

ASTM E507-21: Standard Test Method for Determination of Aluminum in Iron Ores by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry establishes a reliable laboratory procedure for quantifying aluminum content in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates. Developed by ASTM International, this test method covers aluminum measurement in the mass fraction range of 0.1% to 5% using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). It is designed as a referee method, providing consistent results for compliance with compositional specifications regarding impurities in iron ores.

Laboratories using this standard must ensure their analysts have proper training and that all laboratory practices, safety, and environmental measures are met. Compliance with applicable quality control practices, such as those described in ASTM E882, is also emphasized.

Keywords: ASTM E507, aluminum determination, iron ores, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, impurity content, laboratory analysis

Key Topics

• Scope of Determination

  • Applicable to iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates with 0.1–5% aluminum content by mass.
  • Utilizes SI units exclusively.

• Test Method Summary

  • The sample is decomposed and dissolved, and any insoluble residue is recovered and added back.
  • The solution is introduced to the flame of a nitrous oxide-acetylene burner.
  • Measurement of absorbed energy at the aluminum resonance line is carried out via atomic absorption spectrometry.
  • Calibration is performed against standard aluminum solutions to ensure accuracy.

• Quality and Interference

  • No interference from elements typically found in iron ores.
  • Method relies on properly calibrated and stable flame atomic absorption spectrometers.
  • Quality control and precision are established through referenced ASTM practices, particularly for analytical chemistry laboratories.

• Safety and Environmental Responsibility

  • Users must observe laboratory safety, health, and environmental practices.
  • Proper waste disposal and adherence to local regulations are required.

Applications

The ASTM E507-21 standard has direct practical value for laboratories and organizations involved in:

• Mining and Mineral Processing

  • Routine and referee analysis of raw iron ore materials, quality control of mined products, and assessment of processed ore batches.

• Metallurgical Operations

  • Compliance verification for impurity specifications before further processing or smelting.

• Materials Testing Laboratories

  • Providing accurate, repeatable measures of aluminum content in various iron ore samples for research and certification purposes.

• Regulatory and Contractual Compliance

  • Enabling iron ore suppliers and purchasers to certify shipments meet required compositional standards, reducing disputes and supporting transparent trade.

Using flame atomic absorption spectrometry in accordance with this standard ensures high sensitivity and selectivity for aluminum without significant influence from other ore constituents. The methodology supports both routine quality control and reference analysis, making it integral to any comprehensive iron ore analytics program.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards support or complement the application of ASTM E507-21, including:

• ASTM D1193 - Specification for Reagent Water: Ensures purity of water used in testing.
• ASTM E29 - Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data: Guides data reporting and rounding practices.
• ASTM E50 - Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials: Addresses safety and apparatus protocols.
• ASTM E135 - Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials: Clarifies key terminology.
• ASTM E276 - Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis: Relevant to sample preparation requirements.
• ASTM E882 - Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory: Supports comprehensive quality management.

Adherence to these related standards ensures method consistency, reliable results, and alignment with international best practices within iron ore analysis and analytical chemistry.

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: E507 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Aluminum in Iron Ores by Flame Atomic
Absorption Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E507; 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 and Related Materials
E663 Practice for FlameAtomicAbsorptionAnalysis (With-
1.1 This test method covers the determination of aluminum
drawn 1997)
in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the mass
E882 Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the
fraction (%) range from 0.1 to 5.
Chemical Analysis Laboratory
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3. Terminology
standard.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
method, refer to Terminology E135.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 The sample is dissolved in HCl with the addition of a
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
small amount of HNO . After evaporation and dehydration,
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
any insoluble residue is filtered, treated for the recovery of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
aluminum, and added to the main solution. The solution is
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
aspirated into the flame of a nitrous oxide-acetylene burner.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
The absorbed energy at the resonance line of the spectrum of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
aluminum is measured by atomic absorption spectrometry and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
compared with that of the calibration solutions.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 This test method is intended as a referee method for
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
compliance with compositional specifications for impurity
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
content. It is assumed that all who use this procedure will be
Determine Conformance with Specifications
trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Consid-
practices skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be
erations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and
performed in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper
Related Materials
wastedisposalprocedureswillbefollowed.Followappropriate
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
quality control practices such as those described in Guide
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E882.
E276 Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis at
4.75 mm (No. 4) Sieve and Finer for Metal-Bearing Ores
6. Interferences
6.1 None of the elements normally found in iron ores
interfere with this test method.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on
Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee E01.02 on Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metal-
7. Apparatus
lurgical Materials.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally 7.1 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, meeting the following
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E507 – 13. DOI:
criteria:
10.1520/E0507-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E507 − 21
7.1.1 Minimum Sensitivity—The absorbance of the highest 9. Hazards
calibration solution (see 8.4) must be at least 0.3.
9.1 For precautions to be observed in this method, refer to
7.1.2 Curve-Linearity—Thedifferencebetweenthereadings
Practice E50.
of the two highest calibration solutions must be more than 1.4
10. Sample Preparation
times the difference between the readings for the zero solution
and the lowest calibration solution.
10.1 The analytical sample shall be pulverized to pass a
7.1.3 Minimum Stability—The coefficient of variation of a
150 µm sieve (see Test Method E276).
number of measurements of the highest calibration solution
NOTE 3—To facilitate decomposition, some ores, such as specular
andofthezerocalibrationsolutionmustbelessthan1.5 %and
hematite, require grinding to pass a 75 µm sieve.
0.5 %, respectively.
11. Procedure
NOTE 1—Use of digital readout devices or printers, or both, is
advisable.
11.1 Transfer approximately 1.0 g of the sample to a small
NOTE 2—Instrument parameters will vary with each instrument. The
weighing bottle previously dried at about 150 °C. Dry the
following parameters were successfully used in several laboratories and
bottle and contents for1hat105°Cto110°C.Capthe bottle
they can be used as guidelines. Solutions were aspirated into a nitrous
and cool to room temperature in a desiccator. Momentarily
oxide-acetylene flame of a premix burner.
release the cap to equalize the pressure and weigh the capped
Hollow cathode lamp, mA 25
bottle and sample to the nearest 0.1 mg. Repeat the drying and
Wavelength, nm 396.15
Nitrous oxide flow rate, L/min 13.8
weighing until there is no further loss of mass. Transfer the
Acetylene flow rate, L/min 6.6
sample to a 250 mL beaker and reweigh the capped bottle to
the nearest 0.1 mg. The difference between the two masses is
8. Reagents and Materials
the mass of the sample taken for analysis.
8.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
11.2 Carryareagentblankthroughallstepsoftheprocedure
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
starting with 11.3.
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
11.3 Decomposition of Sample—Moisten the sample with a
Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where
few milliliters of water, add 25 mL of HCl, cover and digest
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used,
below the boiling point until no further attack is apparent.Add
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
2mLofHNO and digest for several minutes. Remove the
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of 3
cover and evaporate the solution to dryness. Heat the salts on
the determination.
a hot plate at 105 °C to 110 °C for 15 min. Add 5 mL of HCl,
8.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
cover the beaker, and warm for several min. Add 50 mL of
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming
water and warm until soluble salts are in solution. Filter on a
to Type I of Specification D1193.
fine-textured paper, and collect the filtrate in a 250 mL beaker.
8.3 Aluminum, Standard Solution (1 mL = 0.5 mg Al)—
Transfer the res
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E507 − 13 E507 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Aluminum in Iron Ores by Flame Atomic
Absorption Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E507; 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
1.1 This test method covers the determination of aluminum in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the mass fraction (%)
range from 0.1 to 5.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E276 Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) Sieve and Finer for Metal-Bearing Ores and Related
Materials
E663 Practice for Flame Atomic Absorption Analysis (Withdrawn 1997)
E882 Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology E135.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sample is dissolved in HCl with the addition of a small amount of HNO . After evaporation and dehydration, any insoluble
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E01.02 on Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metallurgical Materials.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2013Oct. 1, 2021. Published November 2013October 2021. Originally approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 20092013
as E507 – 09.E507 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/E0507-13.10.1520/E0507-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E507 − 21
residue is filtered, treated for the recovery of aluminum, and added to the main solution. The solution is aspirated into the flame
of a nitrous oxide-acetylene burner. The absorbed energy at the resonance line of the spectrum of aluminum is measured by atomic
absorption spectrometry and compared with that of the calibration solutions.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended as a referee method for compliance with compositional specifications for impurity content. It is
assumed that all who use this procedure will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory practices skillfully and
safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper waste disposal procedures will
be followed. Follow appropriate quality control practices such as those described in Guide E882.
6. Interferences
6.1 None of the elements normally found in iron ores interfere with this test method.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, meeting the following criteria:
7.1.1 Minimum Sensitivity—The absorbance of the highest calibration solution (see 8.4) must be at least 0.3.
7.1.2 Curve-Linearity—The difference between the readings of the two highest calibration solutions must be more than 1.4 times
the difference between the readings for the zero solution and the lowest calibration solution.
7.1.3 Minimum Stability—The coefficient of variation of a number of measurements of the highest calibration solution and of the
zero calibration solution must be less than 1.5 % and 0.5 %, respectively.
NOTE 1—Use of digital readout devices or printers, or both, is advisable.
NOTE 2—Instrument parameters will vary with each instrument. The following parameters were successfully used in several laboratories and they can be
used as guidelines. Solutions were aspirated into a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame of a premix burner.
Hollow cathode lamp, mA 25
Wavelength, nm 396.15
Nitrous oxide flow rate, L/min 13.8
Acetylene flow rate, L/min 6.6
8. Reagents and Materials
8.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all
reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where such
specifications are available. Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high purity
to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
8.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined by
conforming to Type I of Specification D1193.
8.3 Aluminum, Standard Solution (1 mL = 0.5 mg Al)—Dissolve 0.5000 g of high-purity aluminum in 25 mL of HCl, cool, transfer
to a 1-L volumetric flask, dilute to volume, and mix.
8.4 Aluminum Calibration Solutions—Transfer (5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, and 50.0)-mL50.0) mL portions of the standard aluminum
solution to 200-mL200 mL volumetric flasks. Dilute to about 100 mL, add 6 mL of HCl and 60 mL of the background solution,
dilute to volume, and mix. These calibration solutions contain (12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 125) μg/mL Al, respectively.
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. DC, www.chemistry.org. For suggestions on the testing
of reagents not listed by the American Chemical Society, see the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC),
Rockville, MD.MD, http://www.usp.
E507 − 21
8.5 Iron, Background Solution (10 g/L)—Dissolve 10 g of high-purity iron in 50 mL 50 mL of HCl and oxidize by the dropwise
addition of HNO . Evaporate to a syrupy consistency. Add 20 mL 20 mL of HCl and dilute to 200 mL with water. Add 20 g 20 g
of NaCl dissolved in 200 mL 200 mL water and dilute to 1 L 1 L with water.
8.6 Zero Calibration Solution—Transfer 60 mL of the background solution to a 200-mL200 mL volumetric flask, add 6 mL of
HCl, dilute to volume, and mix.
9. Hazards
9.1 For precautions to be observed in this method, refer to Practice E50.
10. Sample Preparation
10.1 The analytical sample shall be pulverized to pass a 150-μm150 μm sieve (see Test Method E276).
NOTE 3—To facilitate decomposition, some ores, such as specular hematite, require grinding to pass a 75-μm75 μm sieve.
11. Procedure
11.1 Transfer approximat
...