Overview
ISO 5418-2:2006 specifies a flame atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) method for the determination of the mass fraction of copper (Cu) in iron ores. It applies to natural iron ores, concentrates and agglomerates (including sinter) over a mass-fraction range of 0.004 % to 0.8 % Cu. The standard defines the analytical principle, sample preparation, reagents, apparatus, procedure, and reporting requirements to ensure reliable, reproducible copper determinations in iron-ore materials.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Analytical principle: decomposition of a ~0.5 g predried test portion with hydrochloric, nitric, hydrofluoric and perchloric acids, filtration of insoluble residue, and copper measurement by flame AAS (air–acetylene flame).
- Applicable range: 0.004 % to 0.8 % Cu in ores and concentrates.
- Sample preparation: laboratory sample of minus 100 µm (minus 160 µm for ores with significant combined water/oxidizable compounds) and predrying at 105 ± 2 °C per ISO 7764 and ISO 3082.
- Reagents & contamination control: use analytical-grade reagents and Grade 2 water (ISO 3696); avoid copper contamination in glassware/distillation apparatus.
- Apparatus & instrument performance: PTFE beakers, AAS with minimum sensitivity (absorbance ≥ 0.3 for highest calibration solution), linearity and stability criteria (e.g., slope-ratio ≥ 0.7 and absorbance SD limits). Instrument guidelines include Cu hollow-cathode lamp at 324.7 nm and typical air/acetylene flow rates as examples (parameters may vary by instrument).
- Quality controls: run blank tests and certified reference material in each analytical batch; perform independent duplicate determinations and follow annex A for acceptance of analytical values.
- Handling residues: if significant insoluble residue remains after decomposition, examine it separately and combine results.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 5418-2 is used by:
- Metallurgical and mineral analysis laboratories performing routine or contract testing of iron ore and concentrates.
- Quality control teams in mining and beneficiation plants monitoring copper contamination or coproduct grades.
- Regulatory and certification bodies requiring standardized, traceable copper assays in iron-ore shipments.
- Research labs studying trace-element distributions in iron-bearing materials.
Practical benefits include standardized sample preparation and measurement, compatibility with laboratory AAS workflows, and clear QC/precision guidance to support reliable commercial and regulatory decisions.
Related standards
- ISO 5418-1 - Iron ores - Determination of copper - Part 1: 2,2′-Biquinolyl spectrophotometric method
- ISO 3082 - Sampling and sample preparation procedures for iron ores
- ISO 7764 - Preparation of predried test samples for chemical analysis
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use
- ISO 648 / ISO 1042 - Laboratory glassware specifications
Keywords: ISO 5418-2, iron ores, copper determination, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, AAS, sample preparation, analytical method, laboratory quality control, ore concentrates.
Open preview (PDF)Iron ores — Determination of copper — Part 2: Flame atomic absorption spectrometric method