ASTM E832-81(2019)

Standard Specification for Laboratory Filter Papers

ABSTRACT
This specification provides complete evaluation procedures for two types of laboratory filter papers used in chemical analysis. The filter papers covered in this specification are grouped into two types according to which type of analysis each is used for, and seven classes according to flow rate and the type of precipitate it filters. The products should be made of materials and manufactured by methods which will ensure that each product would conform to the required values of ash content, wet bursting strength, maximum water flow rate, and precipitate retention.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers two types of filter paper for use in chemical analysis and provides procedures for the complete evaluation of the filter papers.  
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 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-Jun-2019
• ICS: 71.040.20 - Laboratory ware and related apparatus
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E832-81(2013) - Standard Specification for Laboratory Filter Papers
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D4042-93(2019) - Standard Test Method for Sampling and Testing for Ash and Total Iron in Steel Mill Dispersions of Rolling Oils
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D6830-02(2022) - Standard Test Method for Characterizing the Pressure Drop and Filtration Performance of Cleanable Filter Media
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C204-23 - Standard Test Methods for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air-Permeability Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C25-19 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C1797-23 - Standard Specification for Ground Calcium Carbonate and Aggregate Mineral Fillers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C1084-19 - Standard Test Method for Portland-Cement Content of Hardened Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C641-23 - Standard Test Method for Iron Staining Materials in Lightweight Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D3231-18 - Standard Test Method for Phosphorus in Gasoline
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C1506-17 - Standard Test Method for Water Retention of Hydraulic Cement-Based Mortars and Plasters
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C114-22 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D8010-18 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Soluble Alkali Content in Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C941-23 - Standard Test Method for Water Retentivity of Grout Mixtures for Preplaced-Aggregate Concrete in the Laboratory
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D4940-15(2020) - Standard Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis of Water Soluble Ionic Contamination of Blast Cleaning Abrasives
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D613-23 - Standard Test Method for Cetane Number of Diesel Fuel Oil
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019

Overview

ASTM E832-81(2019): Standard Specification for Laboratory Filter Papers establishes comprehensive evaluation procedures and quality requirements for laboratory filter papers utilized in chemical analysis. This internationally recognized ASTM standard defines two main types of filter papers, categorized by their suitability for qualitative and quantitative analytical purposes. It details classification based on flow rate and the size or type of precipitate the paper is designed to filter, ensuring that laboratory filter papers meet stringent criteria for laboratory performance, reliability, and quality control.

Key Topics

• Types and Classes of Laboratory Filter Paper

  • Type I - For qualitative analysis (low ash content)
    • Classes:
      • AA: Very coarse, gelatinous precipitates, very fast flow
      • A: Coarse, gelatinous precipitates, fast flow
      • B: Medium precipitates, medium flow
      • C: Fine precipitates, slow flow
      • D: Hardened surface for scraping, fine precipitates, slow flow
  • Type II - For quantitative analysis (ashless paper)
    • Classes:
      • E: Coarse, gelatinous precipitates, fast flow
      • F: Medium precipitates, medium flow
      • G: Fine precipitates, slow flow

• Performance and Quality Requirements

  • Minimum alpha-cellulose content: 95%
  • pH range: 5.0 to 8.0
  • Controlled ash content (Type II: ≤0.01%)
  • Wet bursting strength specific to class
  • Maximum water flow rate and retention of specific precipitates

• Evaluation and Testing Procedures

  • pH determination
  • Alpha-cellulose quantification
  • Ash content analysis
  • Measurement of water flow rate and retention efficiency
  • Wet bursting strength testing
  • Visual inspection for imperfections

• Manufacturing and Packaging

  • Papers must be made from suitable materials and converted into circles, sheets, or custom sizes as required.
  • Packaging in uniform units with appropriate labeling for traceability.

Applications

The ASTM E832-81(2019) standard is vital for industries and laboratories that require reliable laboratory filter papers for analytical chemistry and research operations. Key application areas include:

• Chemical analysis: Ensuring accurate filtration in qualitative and quantitative determinations.
• Environmental testing: Supporting reliable filtering of samples prior to spectrometric or gravimetric analysis.
• Quality control laboratories: Standardizing sample preparation to maintain method performance and result consistency.
• Clinical and research labs: Facilitating proper separation of particulates, supporting high-precision laboratory workflows.
• Industrial process monitoring: Filtering samples for trace metal or residue analysis.
• Educational and training labs: Providing standardized, verifiable materials for practical instruction.

By following this specification, end users can select laboratory filter papers tailored to their specific analytical needs, optimize sample processing, and minimize the risks of contamination or analytical errors due to substandard materials.

Related Standards

For comprehensive laboratory quality assurance, reference and alignment with the following standards is recommended:

• TAPPI T 413: Ash in Paper - Measurement of ash content.
• TAPPI T 429: Alpha-Cellulose in Paper - Quantification of cellulose purity.
• TAPPI T 509: Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH) of Paper Extracts.
• ASTM D774/D774M: Test Method for Bursting Strength of Paper (withdrawn reference).

These documents provide complementary test methods and baseline property requirements for the manufacture and verification of laboratory filter papers, supporting compliance with global laboratory standards and trade regulations.

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Keywords: laboratory filter papers, ASTM E832, filter paper specification, analytical chemistry filtration, qualitative filter paper, quantitative filter paper, ashless filter paper, laboratory quality standards, sample analysis, filter paper testing.

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:E832 −81 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Laboratory Filter Papers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E832; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3.1.1.1 Class AA, for very coarse and gelatinous
precipitates, very fast flow rate.
1.1 Thisspecificationcoverstwotypesoffilterpaperforuse
3.1.1.2 Class A, for coarse and gelatinous precipitates, fast
in chemical analysis and provides procedures for the complete
flow rate.
evaluation of the filter papers.
3.1.1.3 Class B, for medium-size precipitates, medium flow
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
rate.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1.1.4 Class C, for fine precipitates, slow flow rate.
standard.
3.1.1.5 Class D, hardened to facilitate scraping, for fine
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
precipitates, slow flow rate.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1.2 Type II—to be used for quantitative analysis (ashless
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
papers):
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.1.2.1 Class E, for coarse and gelatinous precipitates, fast
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
flow rate.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3.1.2.2 Class F, for medium-size precipitates, medium flow
rate.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.2.3 Class G, for fine precipitates, slow flow rate.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Manufacture
D774/D774M Test Method for Bursting Strength of Paper
(Withdrawn 2010) 4.1 The papers shall be made from such materials and by
suchmethodsastoensurecompliancewiththerequirementsof
2.2 TAPPI Standards:
Section 10, and shall be clean and free of imperfections that
T 413 Ash in Paper
would affect their performance.
T 429 Alpha-Cellulose in Paper
T 509 HydrogenIonConcentration(pH)ofPaperExtracts—
4.2 The papers shall be converted into circles, sheets, or any
Cold Extraction Method
required sizes.
3. Types and Classes 5. General Requirements
3.1 The types and classes of filter paper are as follows:
5.1 All classes of filter paper shall comply with the require-
3.1.1 Type I—To be used for qualitative analysis (low ash ments given in Table 1 and Table 2 and Section 11.
content):
5.2 The ash content of the Type II circles shall not exceed
0.01 %.
5.3 Class D filter papers shall have a surface hard enough to
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Commmittee E41 on
permit scraping collected precipitates off the sheet.
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E41.01 on
Laboratory Ware and Supplies.
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally
6. Sampling
approvedin1950.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2013asE832 – 81(2013).DOI:
10.1520/E0832-81R19. 6.1 If testing is required, the sample of each class shall be
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
representative of the shipment, and specimens shall be taken at
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
random from at least 3 % of the total packages.
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 7. Retests
www.astm.org.
7.1 If the results of the tests indicate noncompliance with
Available from TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI),
15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org. the requirements of Table 1 and Table 2, or other factors
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
E832−81 (2019)
TABLE 1 General Requirements
10.1.1.1 Crucibles, 20-mL platinum, with tightly fitting
Property Requirement covers. One for each sample.
alphacellulose content, min,% 95
10.1.1.2 Heat Source—An electric muffle furnace with an
pH value 5.0 to 8.0
operating temperature of approximately 925 °C is
recommended, but a gas burner yielding a similar temperature
is sufficient.
TABLE 2 Wet Bursting Strength
10.1.1.3 Test Specimens, having a mass of at least 6 g,
Water Flow Rate and Retention of Precipitates
representative of the sample obtained as prescribed in Section
Maximum
Wet Bursting Retention of Pre-
Class
Water Flow 6, and cut in the shape of whole circles of the same diameter or
Stength min, cipitates—Filtrate
Rate,
small strips measured for area.
aug points Clear from:
aug, s
10.1.2 Procedure:
AA 3.0 10 ferric hydroxide
10.1.2.1 Heat the crucibles with their respective covers to
A 3.0 20 ferric hydroxide
B 3.5 40 lead sulfate
approximately 925 °C. Cool in a desiccator and weigh to the
C 4.0 150 barium sulfate
nearest 0.1 mg. Add the specimen into crucible.
D 45.0 300 barium sulfate
E 3.0 20 ferric hydroxide 10.1.2.2 Heatthecoveredcrucibleplustestspecimengradu-
F 3.5 40 lead sulfate
ally until smoking ceases, remove cover, then continue heating
G 4.0 150 barium sulfate
until the maximum temperature of 925 °C is reached and
maintain for 2 h. Replace the cover and cool the covered
crucible in a desiccator until temperature equilibrium with the
described within this specification, take another representative
surrounding air is reached. Weigh the crucible and contents to
sample of the shipment, selecting the specimens from different
the nearest 0.1 mg. Ignition is considered to be complete when
packages than those from which the first sample was taken.
the weight of the covered crucible and ash does not change by
7.2 Then test the second sample for compliance with this
more than 0.2 mg after reheating at 925 °C for 30 min.
specification.
10.1.2.3 Blank—Carry a tare crucible with cover through all
operations in exactly the same manner as the crucibles con-
7.3 If the results of the retests indicate noncompliance with
this specification, immediately consult the manufacturer for taining specimens, as a check on possible loss of mass of the
crucibles themselves.
assistance in rectifying the problem.
10.1.2.4 Test at least two specimens per sample.
8. Packaging and Marking
10.1.3 Calculation and Report—Calculate and report the
8.1 Flat circles of filter paper shall be packaged in units of
ash,correctedfortheresultsoftheblanktest,totwosignificant
100 circles of the same diameter. Prefolded or fluted circles
figures. Determine the weight percentage of the paper dried at
shall be packaged according to trade custom.
105 °C.
10.1.4 Precision—Duplicate determinations shall agree as
8.2 Each unit or package shall be marked with the manu-
follows:
facturer’s name, size of circles, or catalog and lot number.
Rounded to Reproducibility,%
9. Test Methods
Ash,% Nearest
0.025 0.001 0.003
9.1 The most important tests to be performed are:
0.025 to 0.01 0.005 0.01
0.1 0.01 0.02
9.1.1 pH Value—Determine in accordance with TAPPI
Method T 509.
10.2 Retention of Precipitates:
9.1.2 Alpha-Cellulose—Determine in accordance with
10.2.1 Apparatus:
TAPPI Method T 429. This test may or may not be used for lot
10.2.1.1 Glass Funnels, 60°, having stems about 6 in. long.
to lot determination.
10.2.2 Reagents:
9.1.3 Ash Content—Determine in accordance with Section
10.2.2.1 Alcohol (95 %)—Ethanol or formula No. 30.
10.1 or TAPPI Method T 413, applicable
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