Overview
ASTM E786-81(2024), titled Standard Specification for Dishes, Evaporating, Platinum, establishes the requirements for platinum evaporating dishes designed for water analysis and laboratory use. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures consistency, quality, and safety of platinum evaporating dishes used in critical analytical procedures. The specification outlines manufacturing, dimensional, material, and marking requirements, supporting compliance with both civil and military procurement standards.
Key Topics
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Types and Capacities: ASTM E786-81(2024) classifies platinum evaporating dishes into three types based on form and capacity:
- Type I: Shallow form, no pour-out spout, 100 mL capacity
- Type II: Regular form with pour-out spout, 50 mL capacity
- Type III: 125 mL capacity
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Material Composition: Dishes must be made from 99.9% platinum, optionally alloyed with up to 0.4% iridium, ensuring optimal chemical resistance and durability.
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Dimensional Requirements: Precise dimensions and allowable variations are specified for each type to maintain uniformity and fit within existing laboratory equipment.
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Workmanship: Dishes should be free from scratches, dents, punctures, grease, oil, or other contamination that could impair their function or integrity.
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Marking and Traceability: All platinum evaporating dishes must be permanently and legibly marked with the manufacturer's name or trademark, supporting effective identification and traceability.
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Inspection and Quality Assurance: Mandatory inspection protocols, defect classifications, and sampling procedures, including adherence to MIL-STD-105, ensure that supplied dishes meet stipulated performance and quality benchmarks.
Applications
Platinum evaporating dishes specified by ASTM E786-81(2024) are essential in:
- Water analysis laboratories: Their high resistance to chemical attack and purity make them indispensable for residue determination, evaporation, and concentration procedures.
- Environmental and analytical testing: Suitable for protocols requiring contamination-free evaporation, especially when accuracy in trace analysis is critical.
- Defense and government procurement: Compliance with ASTM E786 is commonly required for laboratory ware used in federal and military laboratories, supporting consistency and quality in government-operated facilities.
- Research institutions: Reliable for applications demanding the highest standard of chemical inertness and temperature stability.
Related Standards
For comprehensive laboratory compliance, several closely aligned standards should be referenced alongside ASTM E786-81(2024):
- MIL-STD-105: Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
- Fed. Std. No. 123: Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
- MIL-STD-1188: Commercial Packaging of Supplies and Equipment
- MIL-STD-129: Marking for Shipment and Storage
ASTM Committee E41 on Laboratory Apparatus oversees this specification, with a focus on laboratory ware and supplies. Adhering to these interconnected standards enhances laboratory safety, traceability, and operational consistency.
By following ASTM E786-81(2024), laboratories, manufacturers, and procurement agencies ensure platinum evaporating dishes meet internationally recognized specifications, supporting accurate water analysis and reliable laboratory results. This standard not only establishes technical performance benchmarks but also promotes safe, efficient, and traceable laboratory operations.