ASTM E1386-23

Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is useful for preparing extracts from fire debris for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (see Test Method E1618).  
4.2 This practice is useful to reduce potential fractionation during separation, such as when attempting to distinguish between various grades of fuel oil.  
4.3 This practice is particularly useful for extraction from nonporous surfaces such as glass, or the interior of burned containers. It is also well suited to the extraction of ignitable liquid residues from samples that are not amenable to extraction using Practice E1412.  
4.4 This practice lacks specificity to separate and isolate ignitable liquids from interfering compounds present in the fire debris.  
4.5 This practice is not suitable for the extraction of extremely volatile compounds and ignitable liquids (for example, acetone, butane, ethanol, propane, some cigarette lighter fluids), which could evaporate during the concentration step.  
4.6 This is a destructive technique. Whenever possible, this technique should only be used when a representative portion of the sample can be preserved for reanalysis. Those portions of the sample subjected to this procedure could be unsuitable for resampling. If sample spoliation is an issue, a nondestructive extraction technique (for example, Practices E1412, E2154) should be used prior to this technique.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the procedure for removing small quantities of ignitable liquid residue from samples of fire debris using solvent to extract the residue.  
1.2 This practice is suitable for extracting ignitable liquid residues over a wide range of concentrations.  
1.3 Alternate separation and concentration procedures are listed in the referenced documents (Practices E1388, E1412, E1413, E2154, and E3189).  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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-Jul-2023
• ICS: 71.040.40 - Chemical analysis
• Technical Committee: E30 - Forensic Sciences
• Drafting Committee: E30.01 - Criminalistics

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1388-24 - Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1732-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1732-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1732-18b - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1732-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1732-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 15-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1732-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1412-16 - Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration With Activated Charcoal
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM E2154-15 - Standard Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME)
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E1618-14 - Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1413-13 - Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1459-13 - Standard Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1732-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1412-12 - Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration With Activated Charcoal
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1388-12 - Standard Practice for Sampling of Headspace Vapors from Fire Debris Samples
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012

Overview

ASTM E1386-23, titled Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction, establishes a systematic procedure for extracting ignitable liquid residues from fire debris using organic solvents. This standard is essential in forensic science laboratories, particularly in the analysis of fire debris to identify potential accelerants or ignitable liquids. The practice is intended to prepare extracts suitable for further analysis, most notably by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in accordance with ASTM E1618.

ASTM E1386-23 is designed for sensitivity, enabling the recovery of even small quantities of ignitable liquids across a wide range of concentrations. However, it should be noted that this technique is destructive, potentially impacting the ability to reanalyze the same sample.

Key Topics

• Extraction Principle: Uses organic solvents (like pentane, methylene chloride, or diethyl ether) to extract ignitable liquid residues from fire debris samples.
• Sample Suitability: Particularly effective for nonporous surfaces, such as glass or the interiors of burned containers, and for samples not suitable for passive headspace extraction.
• Sensitivity and Limitations:
  • Capable of extracting minute quantities of ignitable residues.
  • Not suitable for highly volatile compounds (such as acetone, ethanol, butane, or propane) due to risk of evaporation during concentration.
  • Lack of specificity - may co-extract interfering compounds present in debris.
• Destructive Technique: Typically consumes the analyzed portion of the sample. Preservation of a representative portion for potential re-analysis is advised.
• Quality Assurance:
  • Requires verification and quality control processes, including the use of process blanks and documentation in accordance with related ASTM practices.
  • Emphasizes use of high-purity reagents and appropriate labware to avoid contamination.

Applications

ASTM E1386-23 serves a crucial role in the forensic investigation of fire incidents by enabling the separation and preparation of ignitable liquid residues for confirmatory analytical methods. Typical applications include:

• Forensic Arson Investigation: Extraction and identification of accelerant residues to support fire origin and cause analysis.
• Analysis of Fire Debris: Recovery of ignitable liquids from various fire debris matrices, including glass, metal, and nonporous surfaces.
• Evidence Processing: Utilized when passive headspace or solid phase microextraction (SPME) methods are unsuitable due to sample characteristics.
• Laboratory Protocols: Establishes standardized procedures for extraction to ensure consistency, reproducibility, and admissibility of forensic results.

Related Standards

ASTM E1386-23 is often used in conjunction with the following standards to ensure comprehensive and reliable fire debris analysis:

• ASTM E1618 - Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by GC-MS.
• ASTM E1412 - Practice for Passive Headspace Concentration with Activated Charcoal.
• ASTM E2154 - Practice for Passive Headspace Concentration with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME).
• ASTM E1388 - Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris.
• ASTM E1413 - Practice for Dynamic Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube.
• ASTM E2451 - Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Extracts from Fire Debris.
• ASTM E1492, E1459, E3255 - Evidence handling, labeling, and quality assurance protocols.
• ASTM E1732, E3197 - Terminology for forensic science and fire debris examination.

By adhering to ASTM E1386-23, forensic laboratories can enhance the accuracy, consistency, and legal defensibility of ignitable liquid residue analysis in fire investigations, contributing significantly to public safety and the administration of justice.

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: E1386 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris
Samples by Solvent Extraction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1386; 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 from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Con-
centration onto an Adsorbent Tube
1.1 This practice covers the procedure for removing small
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
quantities of ignitable liquid residue from samples of fire debris
Documentation
using solvent to extract the residue.
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
1.2 This practice is suitable for extracting ignitable liquid
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
residues over a wide range of concentrations.
E1618 Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts
from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass
1.3 Alternate separation and concentration procedures are
listed in the referenced documents (Practices E1388, E1412, Spectrometry
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E1413, E2154, and E3189).
E2154 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Pas-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
sive Headspace Concentration with Solid Phase Microex-
standard.
traction (SPME)
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E2451 Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Ignit-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
able Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
E3189 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concen-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
tration onto an Adsorbent Tube
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
E3197 Terminology Relating to Examination of Fire Debris
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
E3255 Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3. Terminology
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms used in this
practice, refer to Terminology E1732 and Terminology E3197.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1 process blank, n—an analytical control that is derived
E1388 Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors
from the labware, reagents, and solvents used in various stages
from Fire Debris Samples
of this procedure to check for interfering or contamination
E1412 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
products introduced by labware or solvents.
from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concen-
tration with Activated Charcoal
4. Significance and Use
E1413 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
4.1 This practice is useful for preparing extracts from fire
debris for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry (see Test Method E1618).
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of E30.01 on Criminalistics.
4.2 This practice is useful to reduce potential fractionation
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally
during separation, such as when attempting to distinguish
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E1386 – 15. DOI:
between various grades of fuel oil.
10.1520/E1386-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.3 This practice is particularly useful for extraction from
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
nonporous surfaces such as glass, or the interior of burned
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. containers. It is also well suited to the extraction of ignitable
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1386 − 23
liquid residues from samples that are not amenable to extrac- 5.3 Filter paper or filter apparatus, free of extractable
tion using Practice E1412. hydrocarbons.
4.4 This practice lacks specificity to separate and isolate 5.4 Beakers, vials, or other extraction containers, free of
ignitable liquids from interfering compounds present in the fire extractable hydrocarbons.
debris.
5.5 Compressed dry nitrogen, filtered air, or inert gas.
4.5 This practice is not suitable for the extraction of
6. Quality Assurance
extremely volatile compounds and ignitable liquids (for
example, acetone, butane, ethanol, propane, some cigarette
6.1 Before initial use of this technique on questioned
lighter fluids), which could evaporate during the concentration
samples, verify the solvent extraction technique using Test
step.
Method E1618.
6.1.1 Use verification samples which are created to simulate
4.6 This is a destructive technique. Whenever possible, this
questioned samples, composed of different matrices (for
technique should only be used when a representative portion of
example, glass or concrete) spiked with varying concentrations
the sample can be preserved for reanalysis. Those porti
...

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: E1386 − 15 E1386 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris
Samples by Solvent Extraction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1386; 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 practice covers the procedure for removing small quantities of ignitable liquid residue from samples of fire debris using
solvent to extract the residue.
1.2 This practice is suitable for successfully extracting ignitable liquid residues over a wide range of concentrations.
1.3 Alternate separation and concentration procedures are listed in the referenced documents (Practices E1388, E1412, E1413,
E2154and , and E2154E3189).
1.4 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This standard cannot replace
knowledge, skill, or ability acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience and should be used in conjunction
with sound professional judgment.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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. For a specific hazard statement, see 5.5.
1.6 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.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015Aug. 1, 2023. Published June 2015August 2023. Originally approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
E1386 – 10.E1386 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/E1386-15. 10.1520/E1386-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1386 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1388 Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples
E1412 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with
Activated Charcoal
E1413 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration
onto an Adsorbent Tube
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E1618 Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E2154 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace
Concentration with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME)
E2451 Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples
E3189 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concentration onto
an Adsorbent Tube
E3197 Terminology Relating to Examination of Fire Debris
E3255 Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis
3. Summary of Practice
3.1 A sample of fire debris is extracted with an organic solvent. The extract is filtered and concentrated as necessary.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms used in this practice, refer to Terminology E1732 and Terminology E3197.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 process blank, n—an analytical control that is derived from the labware, reagents, and solvents used in various stages of this
procedure to check for interfering or contamination products introduced by labware or solvents.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice is useful for preparing extracts from fire debris for latersubsequent analysis by gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry (GC/MS). (see Test Method E1618).
4.2 This is a very sensitive separation procedure, capable of isolating quantities smaller than 1 μL of ignitable liquid residue from
a sample.
4.2 This practice is particularly useful when the potential for fractionation during separation must be reduced, useful to reduce
potential fractionation during separation, such as when attempting to distinguish between various grades of fuel oil.
4.3 This practice is particularly useful for the extraction offrom nonporous surfaces such as glass, or the interior of burned
containers. It is also particularly well suited to the extraction of ignitable liquid residues from very small samples, very large
samples, or samples that are not suitable for heating.amenable to extraction using Practice E1412.
4.4 This practice is not specific to ignitable liquids and can be hampered by coincident extraction of lacks specificity to separate
and isolate ignitable liquids from interfering compounds present in the fire debris samples.debris.
4.5 This practice may not be useful is not suitable for the extraction of some extremely volatile ignitable liquids, which
maycompounds and ignitable liquids (for example, acetone, butane, ethanol, propane, some cigarette lighter fluids), which could
evaporate during the concentration step.
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.
E1386 − 23
4.6 This is a destructive technique. Whenever possible, this technique should only be used when a representative portion of the
sample can be preserved for reanalysis. Those portions of the sample subjected to this procedure may not be suitablecould be
unsuitable for resampling. If destruction of the sample sample spoliation is an issue, consider using passive headspace
concentration as describeda nondestructive extraction technique (for example, Practices E1412in, E2154Practice) E1412.should be
used prior to this technique.
5. Reagents and Materials
5.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade or better chemicals shall be used in all tests. 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.
5.2 Solvent
...