EN 10351:2011

• Abstract:

  This European Standard specifies an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry routine method for the analysis of unalloyed and low alloyed steels, whose iron content shall be at least 95 %.; This method is applicable to the elements listed in Table 1 within the ranges shown.; Table 1 - Application ranges; (...); In all cases, the ranges specified can be extended or adapted (after validation) for the determination of other mass fractions, provided that the iron content in the samples under concern is above 95 %.; Other elements may be included. However such elements and their mass fractions should be carefully checked, taking into account the possible interferences, the sensitivity, the resolution and the linearity criteria of each instrument and each wavelength.; Depending also on the sensitivity of each instrument, suitable dilutions of the calibration and the test sample solutions may be necessary.; Moreover, even if the method described is "multi elemental", it is not absolutely necessary to carry out the determination of all the elements of its scope simultaneously: the measurement conditions have to be optimised by each laboratory, depending on the performances of each apparatus available.; NOTE 1 The accuracy of the method is unsatisfactory for phosphorus contents from 0,05 to 0,1 %.; NOTE 2 The trueness of the method couldn't be checked for vanadium contents below 0,05 %.; NOTE 3 The precision of the method is unsatisfactory for aluminium (total) contents below 0,02 %.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 01-Mar-2011
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Sep-2011
• ICS: 77.140.10 - Heat-treatable steels
• ICS: 77.140.45 - Non-alloyed steels
• Technical Committee: ECISS/TC 102 - Methods of chemical analysis for iron and steel
• Drafting Committee: ECISS/TC 102/WG 3 - Determination of environmentally sensitive elements in steel
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 13-Aug-2021
• Completion Date: 02-Sep-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 10351:2011 - Chemical analysis of ferrous materials - Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric analysis of unalloyed and low alloyed steels - Determination of Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al (total) and Sn [Routine method]

• Refers: ISO 5725-3:1994 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 3: Intermediate measures of the precision of a standard measurement method
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 5725-2:1994 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 2: Basic method for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility of a standard measurement method
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 5725-1:1994 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 1: General principles and definitions
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 1042:1998 - Laboratory glassware — One-mark volumetric flasks
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 648:2008 - Laboratory glassware — Single-volume pipettes
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Refers: CEN/TR 10345:2008 - Guideline for statistical data treatment of inter laboratory tests for validation of analytical methods
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 15649-3:2009 - Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water - Part 3: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class A devices
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: ENV 14237:2002 - Textiles in the healthcare system
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 1414:1996/A1:2000 - Touch and close fasteners - Cycling procedure for subsequent testing
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 14284:2022 - Steel and iron - Sampling and preparation of samples for the determination of chemical composition (ISO 14284:2022)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 10351:2011 specifies a routine analytical method using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‑OES) for the chemical analysis of unalloyed and low‑alloy steels containing at least 95 % iron. The standard defines applicable mass‑fraction ranges for the determination of: Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al (total) and Sn and describes sample preparation, calibration and measurement procedures for reliable multi‑element ICP‑OES analysis.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and limits
  • Iron content of sample ≥ 95 %.
  • Application ranges (mass fraction minima and maxima) are given for each element (e.g., Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al total, Sn).
  • Ranges may be extended after validation; other elements can be added subject to interference and sensitivity checks.
• Sample preparation
  • Dissolution with nitric and hydrochloric acids, filtration and ignition of insoluble residue, removal of silica with hydrofluoric acid, and fusion with orthoboric acid + potassium carbonate before final dissolution.
  • Use of class A calibrated volumetric glassware and strict reagent purity.
• ICP‑OES measurement
  • Nebulisation into ICP, selection of wavelengths, possible use of an internal reference element (e.g., Cd, Fe, Sc, Y used during validation).
  • Instrument performance criteria referenced in Annex A; laboratories must optimise measurement conditions for their equipment.
• Quality, calibration and validation
  • Calibration procedures, suitable dilutions, and checks for interferences, resolution, linearity and sensitivity.
  • Notes on method limitations: accuracy for P (0.05–0.1 %) is unsatisfactory; trueness not checked for V < 0.05 %; precision unsatisfactory for Al (total) < 0.02 %.
• Referenced standards
  • Sampling and sample prep: EN ISO 14284
  • Precision & validation guidance: ISO 5725 series and CEN/TR 10345

Applications and users

• Practical for metallurgical laboratories, steel producers, quality control and inspection labs performing routine multi‑element chemical analysis of steels.
• Used for incoming material inspection, product certification, process control and traceability of alloying/impurity elements in unalloyed and low‑alloy steels.
• Relevant for labs implementing ICP‑OES workflows, method validation or inter‑laboratory comparisons in the iron and steel sector.

Related standards

• EN ISO 14284 - Sampling and preparation of samples for chemical composition
• ISO 5725‑1/2/3 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods
• CEN/TR 10345 - Statistical treatment for inter‑laboratory validation

Keywords: EN 10351:2011, ICP‑OES, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, chemical analysis of ferrous materials, unalloyed steels, low alloyed steels, Mn P Cu Ni Cr Mo V Co Al Sn, steel testing.

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.@Chemische Analyse von Eisenwerkstoffen - Analyse von unlegierten und niedrig legierten Stählen mittels optischer Emissionsspektrometrie mit induktiv gekoppeltem Plasma - Bestimmung von Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al (gesamt) und Sn [Routineverfahren]Analyse chimique des matériaux ferreux - Analyse des aciers non alliés et faiblement alliés par spectrométrie d'émission optique avec source à plasma induit - Détermination de Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al (total) et Sn [Méthode de routine]Chemical analysis of ferrous materials - Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric analysis of unalloyed and low alloyed steels - Determination of Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al (total) and Sn [Routine method]77.040.30Kemijska analiza kovinChemical analysis of metalsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 10351:2011SIST EN 10351:2011en,fr,de01-november-2011SIST EN 10351:2011SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 10351
March 2011 ICS 77.140.10; 77.140.45 English Version
Chemical analysis of ferrous materials - Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric analysis of unalloyed and low alloyed steels - Determination of Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al (total) and Sn [Routine method]
Analyse chimique des matériaux ferreux - Analyse des aciers non alliés et faiblement alliés par spectrométrie d'émission optique avec source à plasma induit - Détermination de Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al (total) et Sn [Méthode de routine]
Chemische Analyse von Eisenwerkstoffen - Analyse von unlegierten und niedrig legierten Stählen mittels optischer Emissionsspektrometrie mit induktiv gekoppeltem Plasma -Bestimmung von Mn, P, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, Al (gesamt) und Sn [Routineverfahren] This European Standard was approved by CEN on 15 January 2011.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 10351:2011: ESIST EN 10351:2011

Plasma optical emission spectrometer — Suggested performance criteria to be checked . 20Annex B (normative)
Synoptic of the operations related to Clause 9 . 24Annex C (informative)
Test samples used for the validation precision test . 25Annex D (informative)
Detailed results obtained from the validation precision test . 26Annex E (informative)
Graphical representation of the precision data . 35Bibliography . 44 SIST EN 10351:2011

In all cases, the ranges specified can be extended or adapted (after validation) for the determination of other mass fractions, provided that the iron content in the samples under concern is above 95 %. Other elements may be included. However such elements and their mass fractions should be carefully checked, taking into account the possible interferences, the sensitivity, the resolution and the linearity criteria of each instrument and each wavelength. Depending also on the sensitivity of each instrument, suitable dilutions of the calibration and the test sample solutions may be necessary. Moreover, even if the method described is "multi elemental", it is not absolutely necessary to carry out the determination of all the elements of its scope simultaneously: the measurement conditions have to be optimised by each laboratory, depending on the performances of each apparatus available. NOTE 1 The accuracy of the method is unsatisfactory for phosphorus contents from 0,05 to 0,1 %. NOTE 2 The trueness of the method couldn't be checked for vanadium contents below 0,05 %. NOTE 3 The precision of the method is unsatisfactory for aluminium (total) contents below 0,02 %. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. CEN/TR 10345:2008, Guideline for statistical data treatment of inter laboratory tests for validation of analytical methods SIST EN 10351:2011

= 1,19 g/ml) 4.2 Hydrochloric acid, solution 1 + 1 Add 500 ml of hydrochloric acid (4.1) to 500 ml of water. 4.3 Nitric acid, HNO3 (ρρρρ20 = 1,33 g/ml) 4.4 Nitric acid, solution 1 + 1 Add 500 ml of nitric acid (4.3) to 500 ml of water. 4.5 Hydrofluoric acid, HF (ρρρρ20 = 1,13 g/ml) WARNING — Hydrofluoric acid is extremely irritating and corrosive to skin and mucous membranes producing severe skin burns which are slow to heal. In the case of contact with skin, wash well with water, apply a topical gel containing 2,5 % (mass fraction) calcium gluconate, and seek immediate medical treatment. 4.6 Sulphuric acid, H2SO4 (ρρρρ20 = 1,84 g/ml) 4.7 Sulphuric acid, solution 1 + 1 SIST EN 10351:2011

15 min to 20 min. Cool the crucible and add 20 ml of hydrochloric acid solution (4.2) to the solidified melt. Heat gently, in order to dissolve the fusion products. Allow the crucible to cool and add this solution quantitatively to the filtrate in the 200 ml volumetric flask. If an internal reference element is used add, with a calibrated pipette, 10 ml of the internal reference element solution (4.19). NOTE 1 Depending on the instrument performances, the volume and/or the concentration of the internal reference element solution may be different. Dilute to the mark with water and mix. NOTE 2 Depending on the instrument performances, suitable dilutions of the sample solution and of the calibration solutions may be necessary. 8 Calibration process 8.1 Steps The calibration process is subdivided into calibration and drift compensation by re-calibration. SIST EN 10351:2011

------ 20 mg [2,0 %]
20 ml 2 mg [0,2 %]
2 ml 0,02 mg [0,002 %]
a 0,2 mg [0,02 %] b P (4.16)
------ 0,05 mg [0,005 %] c 0,1 mg [0,01 %] d 0,5 mg [0,05 %]
e 1 mg [0,1 %]
1 ml Cu (4.12)
------ 0,5 mg [0,05 %]
f 8 mg [0,8 %]
8 ml 0,05 mg [0,005 %]
g 1 mg [0,1 %]
1 ml Ni (4.15)
------ 20 mg [2,0 %]
20 ml 5 mg [0,5 %]
5 ml 0,05 mg [0,005 %]
h 0,5 mg [0,05 %]
i Cr (4.10)
------ 0,05 mg [0,005 %] j 0,5 mg [0,05 %]
k 16 mg [1,6 %]
16 ml 5 mg [0,5 %]
5 ml Mo (4.14)
------ 0,05 mg [0,005 %] l 0,5 mg [0,05 %]
m 8 mg [0,8 %]
8 ml 1 mg [0,1 %]
1 ml V (4.18)
------ 0,02 mg [0,002 %] n 4 mg [0,4 %]
4 ml 0,2 mg [0,02 %]
o 1 mg [0,1 %]
1 ml Co (4.11)
------ 0,02 mg [0,002 %] p 0,1 mg [0,01 %] q 1 mg [0,1 %]
1 ml 0,05 mg [0,005 %] r Al (4.9)
------ 0,03 mg [0,003 %] s 0,1 mg [0,01 %] t 3 mg [0,3 %]
3 ml 0,5 mg [0,05 %]
u Sn (4.17)
------ 1 mg [0,1 %]
1 ml 0,05 mg [0,005 %] v 0,01 mg [0,001 %]
w 0,1 mg [0,01 %] x a 2 ml of a 0,01 g/l manganese standard solution m 5 ml of a 0,1 g/l molybdenum standard solution b 2 ml of a 0,1 g/l manganese standard solution n 2 ml of a 0,01 g/l vanadium standard solution c 5 ml of a 0,01 g/l phosphorus standard solution o 2 ml of a 0,1 g/l vanadium standard solution d 1 ml of a 0,1 g/l phosphorus standard solution p 2 ml of a 0,01 g/l cobalt standard solution e 5 ml of a 0,1 g/l phosphorus standard solution q 1 ml of a 0,1 g/l cobalt standard solution f 5 ml of a 0,1 g/l copper standard solution r 5 ml of a 0,01 g/l cobalt standard solution g 5 ml of a 0,01 g/l copper standard solution s 3 ml of a 0,01 g/l aluminium standard solution h 5 ml of a 0,01 g/l nickel standard solution t 1 ml of a 0,1 g/l aluminium standard solution i 5 ml of a 0,1 g/l nickel standard solution u 5 ml of a 0,1 g/l aluminium standard solution j 5 ml of a 0,01 g/l chromium standard solution v 5 ml of a 0,01 g/l tin standard solution k 5 ml of a 0,1 g/l chromium standard solution w 1 ml of a 0,01 g/l tin standard solution l 5 ml of a 0,01 g/l molybdenum standard solution x 1 ml of a 0,1 g/l tin standard solution
The synoptic of the operations described in this paragraph is given in Annex B. 9.2 Adjustment of the apparatus Start the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer and let it stabilise in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions before taking any measurements. At the wavelengths of the analytical lines specified in Table 3, adjust all relevant instrumental parameters, as well as the pre-spraying and the integrating times, according to the instrument manufacturer’s instructions while aspirating (for each element) the highest concentration calibration solution. Table 3 — Wavelengths for determinations related with unalloyed and low alloyed steels Element Wavelength (nm) Mn 257,6 or 293,1 P 178,2 Cu 324,7 or 327,4 Ni 231,6 Cr 205,6 or 206,6 or 267,7
Mo 202,0 or 281,6 V 309,3 or 310,2 or 311,1 Co 228,6 or 230,8 Al 394,4 or 396,2
Sn 189,9 Cd 214,1 Fe 271,4 Sc 361,4 Y 371,0
NOTE 1 Depending on the instrument configuration these parameters may include the outer, intermediate or central gas flow-rates, the torch position, the entrance slits, the exit slits and the photomultiplier tubes voltage. NOTE 2 Other wavelengths may be used, provided that interferences, sensivity, resolution and linearity criteria have been carefully investigated. SIST EN 10351:2011
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