ASTM E1070-17a

Standard Test Method for Determination of Phosphorus in Iron Ores by Phospho-Molybdenum-Blue Spectrophotometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method for the analysis of iron ore concentrates and agglomerates is primarily intended as a referee method to test for compliance with compositional specifications. It is assumed that users of this test method 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 shall be followed, such as those described in Guide E882.  
5.2 The determination of this element is needed for international trade and primary iron and steel making.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of phosphorus in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the range from 0.005 % to 1.0 % phosphorus.  
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 test method has been evaluated in accordance with Practice E1601 and Guide E1763. Unless otherwise noted in the precision and bias section, 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 and health 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: 14-Nov-2017
• 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

• Replaces: ASTM E1070-17 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Phosphorus in Iron Ores by Phospho-Molybdenum-Blue Spectrophotometry
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• 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)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

Overview

ASTM E1070-17a, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Phosphorus in Iron Ores by Phospho-Molybdenum-Blue Spectrophotometry," defines a precise chemical analysis protocol for measuring phosphorus content in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates. Developed and maintained by ASTM International, this test method ensures reliable determination of phosphorus levels for quality control, specification compliance, and international trade purposes in the iron and steel industry. The standard is intended for use by trained laboratory analysts in properly equipped facilities, following appropriate safety, health, and quality control procedures.

Key Topics

• Test Method Range: Determines phosphorus concentrations from 0.005% to 1.0% in iron ores and related materials.
• Principle: Utilizes the formation of a phospho-molybdenum-blue complex, measured spectrophotometrically at 725 nm, for precise quantification.
• Sample Preparation: Details specific procedures for sample drying, fusion using sodium peroxide, and dissolution before spectrophotometric analysis.
• Calibration and Standardization: Provides guidance on the preparation of calibration standards and the establishment of a calibration curve for accurate measurement.
• Precision and Bias: The procedure has been validated through interlaboratory studies ensuring repeatable and unbiased results, especially critical for referee analysis.
• Quality Control: Recommends compliance with good laboratory practices including proper waste disposal and the use of quality control protocols as per ASTM E882.
• Units: All values and results are reported strictly in SI units for global consistency.

Applications

• Iron Ore Quality Assurance: Used as a referee method for confirming compliance with compositional specifications, especially phosphorus content, in iron ore concentrates and agglomerates.
• International Trade: Essential for verifying phosphorus levels for export or import, meeting industry standards that affect material valuation and suitability.
• Primary Iron and Steel Production: Supplies reliable phosphorus content data necessary for process control during primary steelmaking, given phosphorus's impact on material properties.
• Laboratory Analysis: Supports laboratories conducting chemical analysis of metals and ores, ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility needed for client and regulatory assurance.
• Research and Development: Facilitates R&D activities focused on improving processing, refining, or beneficiation of iron ores by providing accurate data on phosphorus content.

Related Standards

ASTM E1070-17a references and aligns with several important ASTM standards, including:

• 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 E60: Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials by Spectrophotometry.
• 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.
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water.

These related standards provide definitions, guidelines for laboratory equipment, sampling, safety protocols, quality control, and interlaboratory validation, ensuring comprehensive support for accurate phosphorus determination in iron ores.

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By adhering to ASTM E1070-17a, laboratories and industry professionals can ensure the accurate determination of phosphorus in iron ores, supporting global trade, steelmaking processes, and compliance with international standards. This method is widely recognized for its reliability and alignment with best laboratory practices in the field of analytical chemistry for metals and ores.

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: E1070 − 17a
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Phosphorus in Iron Ores by Phospho-
Molybdenum-Blue Spectrophotometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1070; 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 E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Consid-
erations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and
1.1 This test method covers the determination of phospho-
Related Materials
rus in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the range
E60 Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related
from 0.005 % to 1.0 % phosphorus.
Materials by Spectrophotometry
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
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
1.3 This test method has been evaluated in accordance with Ores and Related Materials for Determination of Chemi-
cal Composition and Physical Properties
Practice E1601 and Guide E1763. Unless otherwise noted in
the precision and bias section, the lower limit in the scope of E882 Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the
Chemical Analysis Laboratory
each method specifies the lowest analyte content that may be
analyzed with acceptable error (defined as a nominal 5 % risk E1601 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method
of obtaining a 50 % or larger relative difference in results on
the same test sample in two laboratories). E1763 Guide for Interpretation and Use of Results from
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
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- method, refer to Terminology E135.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4. Summary of Test Method
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 Thesampleisfusedinazirconiumcruciblewithsodium
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
peroxide (Na O ). The melt is dissolved in water and HCl. In
2 2
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
a suitable aliquot, the molybdenum blue complex is formed by
the addition of ammonium molybdate-hydrazine sulfate solu-
2. Referenced Documents
tion. The absorbance of the phospho-molybdenum-blue com-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
plex is measured at 725 nm.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
5. Significance and Use
Determine Conformance with Specifications
5.1 Thistestmethodfortheanalysisofironoreconcentrates
and agglomerates is primarily intended as a referee method to
test for compliance with compositional specifications. It is
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on
Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct
assumed that users of this test method will be trained analysts
responsibility of Subcommittee E01.02 on Ores, Concentrates, and Related Metal-
capable of performing common laboratory procedures skill-
lurgical Materials.
fully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2017. Published December 2017. Originally
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E1070 – 17. DOI: a properly-equipped laboratory and that proper waste disposal
10.1520/E1070-17A.
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, PA19428-2959. United States
E1070 − 17a
procedures will be followed. Appropriate quality control prac- 8.8 Sodium Sulfite Solution (100 g/L)—Dissolve 10 g of
tices shall be followed, such as those described in Guide E882. sodium sulfite (Na SO ) in water and dilute to 100 mL with
2 3
water.
5.2 The determination of this element is needed for inter-
national trade and primary iron and steel making. 8.9 Standard Phosphorus Solution—Dry anhydrous diso-
dium phosphate (Na HPO ) at 105 °C for 2 h and after
2 4
6. Interferences desiccation, dissolve 0.2292 g of the reagent in 200 mL of
water. Dilute to 1 L with water in a volumetric flask and mix.
6.1 Elements normally found in iron ores do not interfere
This solution, A, provides 1 mL = 50 µg P. Transfer 10.00 mL
excepting arsenic giving positive interference (0.01 %
ofsolutionAintoa50-mLvolumetricflask,dilutetomarkwith
As = 0.001 % P).
water, and mix. This solution, B, provides the standard
phosphorus solution for calibration 1 mL = 10 µg P.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Zirconium Crucible, 50 mL capacity.
9. Hazards
7.2 Spectrophotometer—Visible spectrophotometer capable
9.1 For precautions to be observed in this method, refer to
of measuring absorbance at the 725 nm wavelength using a
Practices E50.
1-cm path length cell in accordance with Practice E60.
10. Sampling and Sample Preparation
8. Reagents and Materials
10.1 Collect and prepare gross samples in accordance with
8.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
Practice E877.
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
10.2 Pulverize the laboratory sample to pass a No. 100
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
(150-µm) sieve.
Analytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society, where
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used, NOTE 1—To facilitate decomposition, some ores, such as specular
hematite, require grinding to pass a No. 200 (75-µm) sieve.
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficient
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of
11. Calibration and Standardization
the determination.
11.1 Therecommendedrangeofphosphoruscontentisfrom
8.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
0.005 mg to 0.10 mg phosphorus in 50 mL of color solution
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming
using cell depth of 1 cm.
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
11.2 Into a series of five 150-mL beakers, transfer 10.0 mL
sample.
of fusion blank solution (8.4) and then transfer (0, 0.50, 2.50)
mLof standard B phosphorus solution (8.9); 1.00 mLand 2.00
8.3 Ammonium Molybdate Solution(20 g/L)—To 500 mLof
mL of standard A phosphorus solution (8.9) correspondi
...

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: E1070 − 17 E1070 − 17a
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Phosphorus in Iron Ores by Phospho-
Molybdenum-Blue Spectrophotometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1070; 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 phosphorus in iron ores, concentrates, and agglomerates in the range from
0.005 % to 1.0 % phosphorus.
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 test method has been evaluated in accordance with Practice E1601 and Guide E1763. Unless otherwise noted in the
precision and bias section, 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 and health 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
E60 Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials by Spectrophotometry
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
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 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology E135.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sample is fused in a zirconium crucible with sodium peroxide (Na O ). The melt is dissolved in water and HCl. In a
2 2
suitable aliquot, the molybdenum blue complex is formed by the addition of ammonium molybdate-hydrazine sulfate solution. The
absorbance of the phospho-molybdenum-blue complex is measured at 725 nm.
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 May 1, 2017Nov. 15, 2017. Published July 2017December 2017. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20112017 as
E1070 – 11.17. DOI: 10.1520/E1070-17.10.1520/E1070-17A.
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
E1070 − 17a
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method for the analysis of iron ore concentrates and agglomerates is primarily intended as a referee method to test
for compliance with compositional specifications. It is assumed that users of this test method 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 shall be followed, such
as those described in Guide E882.
5.2 The determination of this element is needed for international trade and primary iron and steel making.
6. Interferences
6.1 Elements normally found in iron ores do not interfere excepting arsenic giving positive interference (0.01 % As = 0.001 %
P).
7. Apparatus
7.1 Zirconium Crucible, 50 mL capacity.
7.2 Spectrophotometer—Visible spectrophotometer capable of measuring absorbance at the 725 nm wavelength using a 1-cm
path length cell in accordance with Practice E60.
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 sufficient 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 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.
8.3 Ammonium Molybdate Solution (20 g/L)—To 500 mL of water, add cautiously and slowly 300 mL of H SO and cool. Add
2 4
20 g of ammonium molybdate (NH ) Mo O ·4H O. Stir to dissolve and dilute to 1 L with water.
4 6 7 24 2
8.4 Fusion Blank—Dissolve 4 g of Na O in 40 mL of water in a 250-mL beaker. Add 30 mL of HCl. Boil for 2 min. Cool and
2 2
dilute to 100 mL with water in a volumetric flask. Prepare fresh as needed.
8.5 Hydrazine Sulfate (1.5 g/L)—Dissolve 0.15 g of hydrazine sulfate NH ·NH ·H SO in water and dilute to 100 mL with
2 2 2 4
water. Prepare fresh as needed.
8.6 Molybdate (5 g/L) Hydrazine Sulfate (0.15 g/L) Solution—Add 50 mL of ammonium molybdate solution (20 g/L) to 100
mL of water. Add 20 mL of hydrazine sulfate solution (1.5 g/L) and dilute to 200 mL with water.
8.6.1 This solution should be prepared within 30 min of use in a quantity appropriate for the number of tests being made.
8.7 Sodium Peroxide (Na O )—Use caution when using peroxide.
2 2
8.8 Sodium Sulfite Solution (100 g/L)—Dissolve 10 g of sodium sulfite (Na SO ) in water and dilute to 100 mL with water.
2 3
8.9 Standard Phosphorus Solution—Dry anhydrous disodium phosphate (Na HPO ) at 105 °C for 2 h and after desiccation,
2 4
dissolve 0.2292 g of the reagent in 200 mL of water. Dilute to 1 L with water in a volumetric flask and mix. This solution, A,
provides 1 mL = 50 μg P. Transfer 10.00 mL of solution A into a 50-mL volumetric flask, dilute t
...