ASTM E1618-06e1
(Guide)Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in samples from a fire scene can support the field investigator’opinion regarding the origin, fuel load, and incendiary nature of the fire.
4.1.1 The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in a fire scene does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that a fire was incendiary in nature. Further investigation may reveal a legitimate reason for the presence of ignitable liquid residues.
4.1.2 Due to the volatility of ignitable liquids and to variations in sampling techniques, the absence of detectable quantities of ignitable liquid residues does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that ignitable liquids were not present at the fire scene.
Materials normally found in a building, upon exposure to the heat of a fire, will form pyrolysis and combustion products. Extracted ion profiling and target compound identification techniques described herein may facilitate the identification of an ignitable liquid in the extract by reducing interference by components generated as products of pyrolysis.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the identification of residues of ignitable liquids in extracts from fire debris samples. Extraction procedures are described in the referenced documents.
1.2 Although this test method is suitable for all samples, it is especially appropriate for extracts that contain high background levels of substrate materials or pyrolysis products. This guide is also suitable for the identification of single compounds, simple mixtures, or non-petroleum based ignitable liquids.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
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Designation: E1618 – 06
Standard Test Method for
Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris
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Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1618; 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.
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´ NOTE—Editorial changes were made in November 2006.
1. Scope able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent
Extraction
1.1 This test method covers the identification of residues of
E1387 Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Ex-
ignitable liquids in extracts from fire debris samples. Extrac-
tracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography
tion procedures are described in the referenced documents.
E1388 Practice for Sampling of Headspace Vapors from
1.2 Although this test method is suitable for all samples, it
Fire Debris Samples
is especially appropriate for extracts that contain high back-
E1412 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
ground levels of substrate materials or pyrolysis products.This
from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concen-
test method is also suitable for the identification of single
tration With Activated Charcoal
compounds, simple mixtures, or non-petroleum based ignitable
E1413 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
liquids.
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dy-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
namic Headspace Concentration
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
E2154 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
only.
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Headspace Concentration with Solid Phase Microextrac-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tion (SPME)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3. Summary of Test Method
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 The sample is analyzed with a gas chromatograph (GC)
2. Referenced Documents which is interfaced to a mass spectrometer (MS) and a data
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system (DS) capable of storing and manipulating chromato-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
graphic and mass spectral data.
E1385 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
3.2 Post-run data analysis generates extracted ion profiles
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Steam
3 (mass chromatograms) characteristic of the chemical com-
Distillation
poundtypescommonlyfoundinignitableliquids.Additionally,
E1386 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
specific chemical components (target compounds) may be
identified by their mass spectra and retention times. Semi-
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quantitative determination of target compounds which are
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE30onForensic
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
identified by mass spectra and retention time may be used to
Current edition approved June 1, 2006. Published June 2006. Originally
develop target compound chromatograms (TCCs).
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as E1618 – 01. DOI:
3.2.1 The total ion chromatogram (TIC), extracted ion
10.1520/E1618-06E01.
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profiles(EIP)forthealkane,alkene,alcohol,aromatic,cycloal-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
kane, ester, ketone and polynuclear aromatic compound types,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
or target compound chromatograms (TCC), or combination
the ASTM website.
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thereof, are evaluated by visual pattern matching against
Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
on www.astm.org. known reference ignitable liquids.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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E1618 – 06
3.2.2 Ignitable liquids may be grouped into one of seven and comparing it against a library of mass spectra available to
major classifications or one miscellaneous class, as described the data system. This capability is considered an aid to the
in this test method. analyst, who will use it in conjunction with chromatographic
data and known reference materials to identify unknown
4. Significance and Use
components.
4.1 The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in
5.4 Syringes:
samples from a fire scene can support the fi
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