Overview
ISO 17650:2024 - "Low‑alloyed steel - Determination of Mn, P, Cr, Ni, Mo, Co, Cu, V, Ti, As and Sn - Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric method" - is the ISO first edition (2024) that specifies an analytical procedure using ICP‑OES for simultaneous determination of key alloying and trace elements in low‑alloyed steel. The standard defines applicable element ranges, required reagents and apparatus, sample preparation, calibration, measurement, calculation of results, precision data, and reporting requirements.
Key topics
- Scope and elements covered: Mn, P, Cr, Ni, Mo, Co, Cu, V, Ti, As and Sn with specified mass‑fraction ranges (e.g., Mn 0.002–2.0 %, P 0.005–0.1 %, Cr 0.003–3.0 %, Ni 0.005–4.0 %, Mo 0.003–1.0 %, etc.).
- Analytical principle: Dissolution of test portions in nitric and hydrochloric acids, filtration and ignition of acid‑insoluble residue, silica removal with hydrofluoric acid, fusion of residue with potassium hydrogen sulfate, preparation of a combined solution, and nebulization into an ICP‑OES for emission measurements using an internal standard.
- Sample preparation: Detailed procedures for dissolution, residue treatment and fusion to ensure representative test solutions suitable for ICP‑OES.
- Calibration and measurement: Preparation of single‑ and multi‑element standard solutions, use of internal standards (e.g., yttrium, cadmium, scandium), calibration curves, instrumental settings and measurement sequences.
- Reagents and standards: Specification of reagent grades (ISO 3696 water), preparation of 1 g/L and other standard solutions for each element, and use of pure iron for blanks/matrices.
- Quality and reporting: Sections on precision, instrumental criteria (Annex A), precision testing (Annex B), graphical precision data (Annex C), and required test report content.
Applications and who uses it
- Quality control and materials testing in steel production to verify chemical composition and ensure compliance with product specifications.
- Metallurgical laboratories and third‑party testing bodies performing elemental analysis of low‑alloy steels.
- R&D and alloy development, where accurate multi‑element quantification by ICP‑OES is needed.
- Regulatory and certification bodies that require standardized methods for traceability and conformity assessment.
Practical benefits include reliable multi‑element analysis, standardized sample preparation workflows, and documented precision that support consistent laboratory results for alloy composition control.
Related standards
Normative references cited in ISO 17650:2024 include:
- ISO 648 (single‑volume pipettes)
- ISO 1042 (one‑mark volumetric flasks)
- ISO 3696 (water for analytical laboratory use)
- ISO 14284 (sampling and preparation of samples for chemical composition of steel)
Keywords: ISO 17650:2024, low‑alloyed steel, ICP‑OES, elemental analysis, Mn P Cr Ni Mo Co Cu V Ti As Sn, sample preparation, steel testing, analytical standard.