Overview
EN ISO 26845:2008 - Chemical analysis of refractories - establishes the general requirements for performing wet chemical analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‑AES) methods for refractory products and raw materials. Prepared by ISO/TC 33 and endorsed by CEN, this standard defines common laboratory practice, terminology and reporting rules that support a family of ISO methods used as alternatives to XRF-based analysis.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Applies to chemical analysis methods used for refractories and raw materials by wet chemical, AAS and ICP‑AES techniques. Intended as a common framework for several ISO part-series (see Related Standards).
- Apparatus and instrumentation: Requirements for spectrometers (AA, flame emission, ICP‑AE), molecular absorption spectrometers and photometers. Examples include AA instruments able to use a dinitrogen oxide/acetylene flame for Al and Ca determinations and ICP-AE for multi‑element analysis.
- Laboratory equipment: Specifications for heaters (electric muffle furnace suitable above 1 150 °C), sand and steam baths, burners, balances (readable to 0,1 mg), magnetic stirrers and standard glassware and platinum ware.
- Reagents and consumables: General reagent guidance referencing ISO reagent standards; includes specific devices such as cation‑exchange resin columns (e.g., 12 mm × 200 mm columns packed with 75–150 µm resin; recommended flow 1,0–1,5 ml/min).
- Sampling and sample preparation: Sampling rules for shaped and unshaped refractories and preparative steps to ensure representative, reproducible results.
- Analytical procedures: Basic procedures common to wet chemical, AAS and ICP‑AES methods, including gravimetric determination of loss on ignition (LOI).
- Terms, definitions and reporting: Standardized terminology (linked to ISO 836) and clear rules for expression, examination and adoption of test results and test reports.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: Laboratory analysts, quality managers, refractory manufacturers, material testing laboratories, and R&D teams working with refractory products and raw materials.
- Practical value: Provides harmonized procedures for reliable chemical composition data when XRF is not available or appropriate. Supports quality control, acceptance testing, raw material qualification and regulatory compliance for refractories.
- Benefits: Improves comparability of results across laboratories, ensures appropriate apparatus/reagent selection, and standardizes reporting for industrial and certification purposes.
Related standards
- ISO 10058‑1/2/3 (magnesite/dolomite refractories)
- ISO 20565‑1/2/3 (chrome‑bearing refractories)
- ISO 21079‑1/2/3 (alumina‑zirconia‑silica refractories)
- ISO 21587‑1/2/3 (aluminosilicate refractory products)
- ISO 12677 (XRF fused bead method) - referenced as the XRF alternative
Keywords: EN ISO 26845:2008, chemical analysis of refractories, AAS, ICP‑AES, wet chemical analysis, loss on ignition, refractory testing, sampling, sample preparation.
