ASTM E1916-11(2019)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Identification of Mixed Lots of Metals
Standard Guide for Identification of Mixed Lots of Metals
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Equipment and procedures described in this guide are comparative methods and are intended for identification or segregation, or both, of pieces or lots of metals that were mixed or lost their identity during certain manufacturing operations. It is presumed that all pieces or lots of metal have been previously checked and did meet applicable specifications.
4.2 The equipment and procedures described in this guide may also be suitable for identifying or segregating, or both, scrap metals.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the identification or segregation, or both, of mixed metal lots under plant conditions using trained plant personnel.
1.2 The identification is not intended to have the accuracy and reliability of procedures performed in a laboratory using laboratory equipment under optimum conditions, and performed by trained chemists or technicians. The identification is not intended to establish whether a given piece or lot of metal meets specifications.
1.3 Segregation of certain metal combinations is not always possible with procedures provided in this guide and can be subject to errors.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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-2019
- Technical Committee
- E01 - Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
- Drafting Committee
- E01.20 - Fundamental Practices
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2016
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2015
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2015
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2014
- Effective Date
- 15-Feb-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2013
Overview
ASTM E1916-11(2019) - Standard Guide for Identification of Mixed Lots of Metals provides comprehensive guidance for identifying or segregating mixed or unknown lots of metals under plant conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is designed for use by trained plant personnel and leverages comparative, non-laboratory methods, making it a key reference for quality assurance in metal manufacturing and recycling processes. The guide outlines procedures and equipment critical for the reliable sorting of metals, including instances where metal lots have lost their identity during manufacturing or require segregation for recycling.
Key Topics
- Purpose and Limitations:
- Aims to identify or segregate mixed lots of metals, including scrap, directly within industrial plants.
- Not intended to offer laboratory-level accuracy or to formally certify metals against standards - its use is comparative and preliminary.
- Applicable Equipment and Methods:
- Atomic Emission and Spectrometric Equipment: Both bench-type and portable units are used for direct spectrum comparison and metal identification.
- X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometers: Portable/mobile devices for assessing alloy composition and sorting via designation or go/no-go criteria.
- Thermoelectric and Eddy-current Instruments: Useful for segregating, rather than identifying, certain metal types based on their properties.
- Non-instrumental Methods: High-speed grinders, drill presses for comparison of metal cuttings, and magnets for simple sorting tasks.
- Chemical Spot Tests: Employ specialized reagents to distinguish between metal types or groups.
- Calibration and Reference Materials:
- All equipment and methods require careful calibration.
- Reference materials must be reliably sourced, correctly composed, and regularly checked to ensure accuracy.
- Safety Considerations:
- Emphasizes personal protective equipment (PPE), proper grounding, handling of reagents, and adherence to manufacturer safety protocols.
Applications
- In-plant Metal Sorting:
Enables rapid sorting and identification of mixed or unidentified metal lots resulting from manufacturing errors, lost traceability, or process upsets. - Scrap Metal Segregation:
Supports the metal recycling industry by facilitating on-site separation of valuable or specified alloys from scrap streams. - Quality Assurance:
Acts as an initial check to prevent mixing of incompatible alloys before further processing or shipment. - Inventory Management:
Improves warehouse and plant inventory control by ensuring accurate identification and grouping of metals, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Related Standards
- ASTM E50: Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials.
- ASTM E135: Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials.
- ASTM E977: Practice for Thermoelectric Sorting of Electrically Conductive Materials.
- ASM Metals Handbook and Spot Tests in Inorganic Analysis: Additional industry references for procedures and spot-test reagents.
Keywords: mixed metal identification, metal segregation, spectrometric sorting, chemical spot test, eddy-current method, plant metal identification, on-site alloy sorting, metal recycling standards, ASTM E1916, reference calibration materials.
ASTM E1916-11(2019) offers practical tools and guidance to industry professionals seeking efficient and reliable methods for the identification and segregation of metals, supporting safety, quality management, and sustainable manufacturing processes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1916-11(2019) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Identification of Mixed Lots of Metals". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Equipment and procedures described in this guide are comparative methods and are intended for identification or segregation, or both, of pieces or lots of metals that were mixed or lost their identity during certain manufacturing operations. It is presumed that all pieces or lots of metal have been previously checked and did meet applicable specifications. 4.2 The equipment and procedures described in this guide may also be suitable for identifying or segregating, or both, scrap metals. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers the identification or segregation, or both, of mixed metal lots under plant conditions using trained plant personnel. 1.2 The identification is not intended to have the accuracy and reliability of procedures performed in a laboratory using laboratory equipment under optimum conditions, and performed by trained chemists or technicians. The identification is not intended to establish whether a given piece or lot of metal meets specifications. 1.3 Segregation of certain metal combinations is not always possible with procedures provided in this guide and can be subject to errors. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Equipment and procedures described in this guide are comparative methods and are intended for identification or segregation, or both, of pieces or lots of metals that were mixed or lost their identity during certain manufacturing operations. It is presumed that all pieces or lots of metal have been previously checked and did meet applicable specifications. 4.2 The equipment and procedures described in this guide may also be suitable for identifying or segregating, or both, scrap metals. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers the identification or segregation, or both, of mixed metal lots under plant conditions using trained plant personnel. 1.2 The identification is not intended to have the accuracy and reliability of procedures performed in a laboratory using laboratory equipment under optimum conditions, and performed by trained chemists or technicians. The identification is not intended to establish whether a given piece or lot of metal meets specifications. 1.3 Segregation of certain metal combinations is not always possible with procedures provided in this guide and can be subject to errors. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 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.
ASTM E1916-11(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.040.99 - Other methods of testing of metals. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E1916-11(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1916-11, ASTM E977-05(2023), ASTM E135-20, ASTM E977-05(2019), ASTM E135-19, ASTM E50-17, ASTM E50-11(2016), ASTM E135-16, ASTM E135-15a, ASTM E135-15, ASTM E135-14b, ASTM E977-05(2014), ASTM E135-14a, ASTM E135-14, ASTM E135-13a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E1916-11(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: E1916 −11 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Guide for
Identification of Mixed Lots of Metals
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1916; 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 Conductive Materials
1.1 This guide covers the identification or segregation, or
3. Terminology
both, of mixed metal lots under plant conditions using trained
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
plant personnel.
method, refer to Terminology E135
1.2 The identification is not intended to have the accuracy
and reliability of procedures performed in a laboratory using 4. Significance and Use
laboratory equipment under optimum conditions, and per-
4.1 Equipment and procedures described in this guide are
formed by trained chemists or technicians.The identification is
comparative methods and are intended for identification or
not intended to establish whether a given piece or lot of metal
segregation,orboth,ofpiecesorlotsofmetalsthatweremixed
meets specifications.
orlosttheiridentityduringcertainmanufacturingoperations.It
is presumed that all pieces or lots of metal have been
1.3 Segregation of certain metal combinations is not always
possible with procedures provided in this guide and can be previously checked and did meet applicable specifications.
subject to errors.
4.2 The equipment and procedures described in this guide
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
may also be suitable for identifying or segregating, or both,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the scrap metals.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Equipment
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.1 Atomic Emission Spectroscopic or Spectrometric Equip-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- ment:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 5.1.1 Bench type spectroscopes generally with two sample
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the tables and a split viewing field where the spectrum of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- unknownpiececanbevisuallyanddirectlycomparedtothatof
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
a piece of identified metal.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 5.1.2 Mobile spectrometric equipment with a remote sam-
pling device. Two types of such units are described in 5.1.2.1
2. Referenced Documents
and 5.1.2.2.
5.1.2.1 Unitswheretheparticlesremovedbyanarcorspark
2.1 ASTM Standards:
in the remote sampling device are conveyed to the main unit in
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Consid-
astreamofinertgasandanalyzedintheunitwithanarc,spark,
erations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and
or plasma.
Related Materials
5.1.2.2 Unitswherethelightgeneratedfromthearcorspark
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
at the remote sampling device is conveyed to the main unit
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
with fiberoptics, where it is analyzed.
E977 Practice for Thermoelectric Sorting of Electrically
(a) These units generally are programmed to produce an
output that:
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on Analytical
(1) shows the designation of the alloy,
Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct responsibility of
(2) gives the approximate elemental composition of the
Subcommittee E01.20 on Fundamental Practices.
alloy, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published November 2019. Originally
(3) gives a “go” or “no-go” indication based on parameters
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E1916-11. DOI:
10.1520/E1916-11R19.
programmed by the operator.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
(b) These units require careful calibration and depend on
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
the quality and range of the reference materials used for the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. calibration.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1916 − 11 (2019)
5.2 X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometric Equipment: 7.2 No reference material should be used that was identified
5.2.1 The portable and mobile units are supplied with a or analyzed on the same piece or type of equipment it is
source of radiation that can be an X-ray tube or radioactive intended to calibrate.
isotopes, generally a mixture of two or more isotopes to
7.3 Reference materials used for X-ray fluorescence,
provide a larger spectrum coverage.
thermoelectric, or eddy-current instruments should not only
5.2.1.1 These units are generally programmed to produce an
have the appropriate chemical composition, but also have
output that: (1) shows the designation of the alloy, (2) gives the
appropriate metallurgical properties.
approximate elemental composition of the alloy, or (3) gives a
7.3.1 Where the reference materials are to be used to
“go” or “no-go” indication based on parameters programmed
calibrate instruments based on eddy-current, the size and shape
by the operator (see 5.1.2.2(b)).
of the reference sample should be identical in size and shape to
5.3 Miscellaneous Sorting Instruments:
the test pieces.
5.3.1 Allinstrumentsbasedoncomparativemethodsrequire
7.4 Reference materials should also be used for chemical
careful calibration with appropriate reference materials.
spot checks.They should have a considerable surface area, and
5.3.2 Thermoelectric Comparators—Instruments are based
the surface finish should match that of the pieces to be tested.
on the Seeback Effect. These instruments are not for identifi-
cation of alloys, but for segregation of one metal alloy from
8. Hazards
another (see Practice E977).
5.3.3 Eddy-current Instrumentation—These instruments are
8.1 When using grinding wheels, regardless of whether they
not for identification of alloys, but for segregation of identical
are used for surface preparation or for identification of metals
pieces of metal of identical shape and size based on their
by spark testing, proper eye protection should be used at all
metallurgical condition or alloy c
...
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