ASTM E878-20

Standard Test Method for Determination of Titanium in Iron Ores and Related Materials by Diantipyrylmethane Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended to be used for compliance with compositional specifications for titanium content. It is assumed that all who use these procedures will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures 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. Appropriate quality control practices must be followed such as those described in Guide E882.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of titanium in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the compositional range from 0.01 % to 6.0 % titanium.
Note 1: As used in this test method (except as related to the term relative standard deviation), percent  or “%” refers to mass fraction (mas/mass) of the form g/100 g.  
1.2 Units—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 test method has been evaluated in accordance with Practice E1601 and Guide E1763. Unless otherwise noted in Section 13, the lower limit in the scope of each method specifies the lowest analyte content that may be analyzed with acceptable error (defined as a nominal 5 % risk of obtaining a 50 % or larger relative difference in results on the same test sample in two laboratories).  
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: 31-Oct-2020
• 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 E1601-19 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• 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) - Standard Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• 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 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 E1601-12 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2012

Overview

ASTM E878-20 is an international standard developed by ASTM International that specifies the test method for determining titanium content in iron ores and related materials. By employing diantipyrylmethane ultraviolet spectrophotometry, this method covers the quantitative analysis of titanium within a compositional range from 0.01% to 6.0%. The standard ensures consistent measurement and compliance with compositional specifications, providing guidance for accurate quality control in mining, metallurgical, and materials testing laboratories.

Key Topics

• Scope of Measurement: Addresses the determination of titanium content in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates.
• Analytical Range: Covers a broad range of titanium concentrations from 0.01% to 6.0% (by mass fraction).
• Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry: Utilizes diantipyrylmethane for color development and quantification of titanium at an absorbance wavelength of approximately 385 nm.
• Sample Preparation: Includes acid decomposition, alkaline sintering, and fusion techniques to ensure thorough liberation of titanium from the sample matrix.
• Quality Assurance: Recommends adherence to Guide E882 for accountability and quality control throughout the chemical analysis process.
• Safety Considerations: Reminds users to implement safety and environmental practices as outlined in relevant ASTM guides and local regulations.

Applications

The ASTM E878-20 standard test method offers practical value across various industries:

• Mineral Exploration and Mining: Used for assessing titanium content to determine ore grade and economic potential during iron ore mining and beneficiation operations.
• Quality Assurance in Iron and Steel Production: Provides manufacturers with a robust method to verify titanium content, ensuring compliance with product specifications and contract requirements.
• Metallurgical Research and Development: Useful for laboratories conducting research on geochemical characterization of iron ores and related materials.
• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Supports environmental monitoring by enabling accurate reporting of titanium levels in mined and processed materials.
• Independent Testing Laboratories: Establishes a recognized reference method for third-party testing and certification of iron ore products.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards are referenced or closely associated with ASTM E878-20 and may be relevant for implementing or supporting this test method:

• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water - outlines the required purity for water used in analytical procedures.
• ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.
• 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 E877: Practice for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Iron Ores and Related Materials for Determination of Chemical Composition and Physical Properties.
• ASTM E882: Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory.
• ASTM E1601: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method.

Summary

By providing accurate and reliable determination of titanium in iron ores, ASTM E878-20 strengthens quality control, enhances regulatory compliance, and supports informed decision-making in the extraction and processing of iron-based materials. Its rigorous procedural framework and cross-referenced quality assurance measures make it a benchmark standard for laboratories and industries dealing with iron ore analysis and certification.

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: E878 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Titanium in Iron Ores and Related
Materials by Diantipyrylmethane Ultraviolet
Spectrophotometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E878; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the determination of titanium in
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the compositional
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
range from 0.01 % to 6.0 % titanium.
Determine Conformance with Specifications
NOTE 1—As used in this test method (except as related to the term
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Consid-
relative standard deviation), percent or “%” refers to mass fraction
erations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and
(mas/mass) of the form g/100 g.
Related Materials
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
standard.
E877 Practice for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Iron
Ores and Related Materials for Determination of Chemi-
1.3 This test method has been evaluated in accordance with
cal Composition and Physical Properties
Practice E1601 and Guide E1763. Unless otherwise noted in
E882 Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the
Section 13, the lower limit in the scope of each method
Chemical Analysis Laboratory
specifies the lowest analyte content that may be analyzed with
E1601 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
acceptable error (defined as a nominal 5 % risk of obtaining a
Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method
50 % or larger relative difference in results on the same test
E1763 Guide for Interpretation and Use of Results from
sample in two laboratories).
Interlaboratory Testing of Chemical Analysis Methods
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
(Withdrawn 2015)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3. Terminology
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Terminology E135.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.1 Relative Standard Deviation (RSD), n—the RSD tells
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
youwhetherthe“regular”standarddeviationisasmallorlarge
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
quantity when compared to the mean for the data set.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4. Summary of Test Method
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 The sample is decomposed by treatment with HCl,
HNO ,andH SO ,orbysinteringwithsodiumperoxide,orby
3 2 4
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on
Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
responsibility of Subcommittee E01.02 on Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metal- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
lurgical Materials. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2020. Published July 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E878 – 12. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/E0878-20. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E878 − 20
fusion with sodium tetraborate and sodium carbonate. Iron is 7.9 Sodium Tetraborate/Sodium Carbonate (Na B O /
2 4 7
reduced in an acid medium with ascorbic acid, the color is Na CO ) Fusion Mixture—Mix1partofNa B O and1partof
2 3 2 4 7
developed with diantipyrylmethane, and the absorbance is Na CO and store in an airtight container.
2 3
measured at 385 nm.
7.10 Titanium Calibration Solution:
7.10.1 Solution A (1 mL = 0.1 mg Ti)—Transfer 0.1670 g of
5. Significance and Use
TiO (previously calcined at 900 °C) to a platinum crucible,
5.1 This test method is intended to be used for compliance add3gto4gofK S O , cover, and fuse at a temperature of
2 2 7
with compositional specifications for titanium content. It is 600 °C until a clear melt is obtained. Place the cooled crucible
assumed that all who use these procedures will be trained andcoverintoa250-mLbeaker,add50mLto60mLofH SO
2 4
analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures
(1 + 9), and heat to dissolve the melt. Wash crucible and cover
skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed with H SO (1 + 9) and remove, adding the washings to the
2 4
in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper waste
250-mLbeaker.Transfer the solution of a 1-Lvolumetric flask,
disposal procedures will be followed. Appropriate quality dilute to volume with H SO (1 + 9), and mix.
2 4
control practices must be followed such as those described in
7.10.2 Solution B (1 mL = 0.02 mg Ti)—Transfer50.0mLof
Guide E882. titanium Solution A to a 250-mL volumetric flask, dilute to
volume with H SO (1 + 9), and mix.
2 4
6. Interferences
8. Hazards
6.1 None of the elements normally found in iron ores
8.1 For precautions to be observed in this test method, refer
interfere.
to Practices E50.
7. Reagents and Materials
9. Sampling and Sample Preparation
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
9.1 Sampling—The gross sample shall be collected and
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
prepared in accordance with Practice E877.
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
9.2 Sample Preparation—Pulverizethelaboratorysampleto
Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where
pass a 150-µm (No. 100) sieve.
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used,
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficient
NOTE 2—To facilitate decomposition, some ores such as specular
purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the
hematite require grinding to pass a 75-µm (No. 200) sieve.
determination.
10. Procedure
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
10.1 If the procedure is based on acid decomposition, use
to water shall mean reagent water conforming toType I or II of
steps in 10.2. If the procedure is based on alkaline sintering,
Specification D1193. Type III or IV may be used if they effect
use steps in 10.3. If the procedure is based on alkaline fusion,
no measurable change in the blank or sample.
use steps in 10.4.
7.3 Ascorbic Acid Solution (10 g/100 mL)—Dissolve 10 g
10.2 Acid Decomposition:
of ascorbic acid (C H O ) in water and dilute to 100 mL.
6 8 6
10.2.1 Weigh approximately the amount of the test sample
Prepare fresh as needed.
specified in the Table 1 below into a small weighing bottle
7.4 Diantipyrylmethane Solution (15 g/L) (C H N O ·
23 24 4 2
previously dried at 150 °C. Dry the bottle and contents for 1 h
H O)—Dissolve 15 g of the reagent in about 300 mL of water
at 105 °C to 110 °C. Cap the bottle and cool to room
and 30 mL of H SO (1 + 1) and dilute to 1 L with water. If a
2 4
temperature in a desiccator. Momentarily release the cap to
residue remains, filter and store the filtrate in a brown bottle.
equalize the pressure and weigh the capped bottle and sample
7.5 Ferric Ammonium Sulfate (100 g/L)—Dissolve 100 g of
to the nearest 0.1 mg. Repeat the drying and weighing until
ferric ammonium sulfate NH Fe(SO ) · 12H O in 800 mL of
there is no further loss of mass. Transfer the test sample to a
4 4 2 2
water containing 5 mLof H SO (1 + 1) and dilute to 1 Lwith
250-mLbeakerandreweighthecappedbottletothenearest0.1
2 4
water.
mg. The difference between the two masses is the mass of the
test sample taken for analysis.
7.6 Potassium Pyrosulfate (K S O ).
2 2 7
10.2.2 Carry a reagent blank through all steps of the
7.7 Sodium Peroxide (Na O ).
2 2
procedure, starting with 10.2.3.
7.8 Sodium Tetraborate (Anhydrous) (Na B O )—Dry the
2 4 7
commercial sodium tetraborate at 60 °C to 70 °C, then at 160
TABLE 1 Amounts
°C, and finally calcine at 400 °C.
Amount of
H SO
2 4
Mass of test to be added Aliquot,
Ti content, % sample, g in 10.2.3,mL mL
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
0.01–0.1 1.0 20 20
Chemical Society, Washington, DC, www.chemistry.org. For suggestions on the
0.1–0.3 1.0 20 10
testing of reagents not listed by the American Chemical Society, see the United
0.3–1.0 0.5 10 5
States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, 1.0–6.0 0.1 10 5
Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD, http://www.usp.org.
E878 − 20
10.2.3 Decomposition of Sample—Moisten the test sample 1000 °C to 1050 °C. Remove the crucible and swirl cautiously
with a few milliliters of water, add 30 mL of HCl, cover, an
...

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: E878 − 12 E878 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Titanium in Iron Ores and Related
Materials by Diantipyrylmethane Ultraviolet
Spectrophotometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E878; 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 titanium in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the compositional range
from 0.01 % to 6.0 % titanium.
NOTE 1—As used in this test method (except as related to the term relative standard deviation), percent or “%” refers to mass fraction (wt/wt)(mas/mass)
of the form g/100g.g/100 g.
1.2 Units—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 test method has been evaluated in accordance with Practice E1601 and Guide E1763. Unless otherwise noted in Section
13, the lower limit in the scope of each method specifies the lowest analyte content that may be analyzed with acceptable error
(defined as a nominal 5 % risk of obtaining a 50 % or larger relative difference in results on the same test sample in two
laboratories).
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
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
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 Aug. 1, 2012Nov. 1, 2020. Published August 2012July 2021. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20112012 as
E878 – 11.E878 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/E0878-12.10.1520/E0878-20.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E878 − 20
E877 Practice for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Iron Ores and Related Materials for Determination of Chemical
Composition and Physical Properties
E882 Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory
E1601 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method
E1763 Guide for Interpretation and Use of Results from Interlaboratory Testing of Chemical Analysis Methods (Withdrawn
2015)
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology E135.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 Relative Standard Deviation (RSD), n—the RSD tells you whether the “regular” standard deviation is a small or large
quantity when compared to the mean for the data set.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sample is decomposed by treatment with hydrochloric, nitric,HCl, HNO , and sulfuricH SO acids, , or by sintering with
3 2 4
sodium peroxide, or by fusion with sodium tetraborate and sodium carbonate. Iron is reduced in an acid medium with ascorbic acid,
the color is developed with diantipyrylmethane, and the absorbance is measured at approximately 385 nm.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended to be used for compliance with compositional specifications for titanium content. It is assumed
that all who use these procedures will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures 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. Appropriate quality control practices must be followed such as those described in Guide E882.
6. Interferences
6.1 None of the elements normally found in iron ores interfere.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 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 sufficient high purity
to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming to
Type I or II of Specification D1193. Type III or IV may be used if they effect no measurable change in the blank or sample.
7.3 Ascorbic Acid Solution (10 g/100 mL) (CmL)—Dissolve H O )—Dissolve 10 g of ascorbic acid (C H O ) in water and dilute
6 8 6 6 8 6
to 100 mL. Prepare fresh as needed.
7.4 Diantipyrylmethane Solution (15 g/L) (C H N O N · H O—DissolveO)—Dissolve 15 g of the reagent in about 300 mL
2233 224 4 2 4 2
of water and 30 mL of (HH SO ) (1 + 1) and dilute to 1 L with water. If a residue remains, filter and store the filtrate in a brown
2 4
bottle.
7.5 Ferric Ammonium Sulfate (100 g/L)—Dissolve 100 g of ferric ammonium sulfate FeNH (SO )Fe(SO ·(NH ) SO · 12H O in
2 4 3 4 2 42
800 mL of water containing 5 mL of H SO (1 + 1) and dilute to 1 L with water.
2 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
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. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC),
Rockville, MD.MD, http://www.usp.org.
E878 − 20
7.6 Potassium Pyrosulfate (K(K S O ).
2 2 7
7.7 Sodium Peroxide (Na O ).
2 2
7.8 Sodium Tetraborate (Anhydrous) (Na B O )—Dry the commercial sodium tetraborate at 60 °C to 70 °C, then at 160 °C, and
2 4 7
finally calcine at 400 °C.
7.9 Sodium Tetraborate/Sodium Carbonate (Na B O /Na CO ) Fusion Mixture—Mix 1 part of Na B O and 1 part of Na CO
2 4 7 2 3 2 4 7 2 3
and store in an airtight container.
7.10 Standard Titanium Calibration Solution:
7.10.1 Solution A (1 mL = 0.1 mg Ti)—Transfer 0.1670 g of TiO (previously calcined at 900 °C) to a platinum crucible, add 3
g to 4 g of K S O , cover, and fuse at a temperature of 600 °C until a clear melt is obtained. Place the cooled crucible and cover
2 2 7
into a 250-mL beaker, add 50 mL to 60 mL of H SO (1 + 9), and heat to dissolve the melt. Wash crucible and cover with H SO
2 4 2 4
(1 + 9) and remove, adding the washings to the 250-mL beaker. Transfer the solution of a 1-L volumetric flask, dilute to volume
with H SO (1 + 9), and mix.
2 4
7.10.2 Solution B (1 mL = 0.02 mg Ti)—Transfer 50.0 mL of standard titanium Solution A to a 250-mL volumetric flask, dilute
to volume with H SO (1 + 9), and mix.
2 4
8. Hazards
8.1 For precautions to be observed in this test method, refer to Practices E50.
9. Sampling and Sample Preparation
9.1 Sampling—The gross sample shall be collected and prepared in accordance with Practice E877.
9.2 Sample Preparation—Pulverize the laboratory sample to pass a No. 100 (150-μm)150-μm (No. 100) sieve.
NOTE 2—To facilitate decomposition, some ores such as specular hematite require grinding to pass a No. 200 (75-μm)75-μm (No. 200) sieve.10.4.
10. Procedure
NOTE 3—If the procedure is based on acid decomposition, use steps in 10.1. If the procedure is based on alkaline sintering, use steps in 10.2. If the
procedure is based on alkaline fusion, use steps in 10.3.
10.1 If the procedure is based on acid decomposition, use steps in 10.2. If the procedure is based on alkaline sintering, use steps
in 10.3. If the procedure is based on alkaline fusion, use steps in 10.4.
10.2 Acid Decomposition:
10.2.1 Weigh approximately the amount of the test sample specified in the table below into a small weighing bottle previously
dried at 150 °C.
Amount of
H SO
2 4
Mass of test to be added Aliquot,
Ti content, % portion, g in 10.1.3, mL mL
0.01–0.1 1.0 20 20
0.1–0.3 1.0 20 10
0.3–1.0 0.5 10 5
1.0–6.0 0.1 10 5
Weigh approximately the amount of the test sample specified in the Table 1 below into a small weighing bottle previously dried
at 150 °C. Dry the bottle and contents for 1 h at 105 °C to 110 °C. Cap the bottle and cool to room temperature in a desiccator.
E878 − 20
TABLE 1 Amounts
Amount of
H SO
2 4
Mass of test to be added Aliquot,
Ti content, % sample, g in 10.2.3, mL mL
0.01–0.1 1.0 20 20
0.1–0.3 1.0 20 10
0.3–1.0 0.5 10 5
1.0–6.0 0.1 10 5
Momentarily release the cap to equalize the pressure and weigh the capped bottle and sample to the nearest 0.1 mg. Repeat the
drying and weighing until there is no further loss of mass. Transfer the test sample to a 250-mL beaker and reweigh the capped
bottle to the nearest 0.1 mg. The difference between the two masses is the mass of the test sample taken for analysis.
10.2.2 Carry a reagent blank through all steps of the procedure, starting with 10.1.310.2.3.
10.2.3 Decomposition of Sample—Moisten the test sample with a few milliliters of water, add 30 mL of HCl, cover, and digest
below the boiling point until no further attack is apparent. Add 5 mL of
...