Overview - ISO 17992:2013 (Iron ores - Arsenic determination)
ISO 17992:2013 specifies a hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometric (HG-AAS) method for determining the arsenic content of iron ores, iron ore concentrates and agglomerates (including sinter). The standard applies to arsenic mass fractions from 0.00066 % to 0.02015 % and covers sampling, sample preparation, reagents, apparatus, analytical procedure and quality control requirements.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Natural iron ores, concentrates and sinter products; analytical range 0.00066–0.02015 % As.
- Sampling & sample prep: Laboratory sample particle size of −100 µm (or −160 µm for ores with significant combined water/oxidisable compounds); predried test samples per ISO 7764 and sampling per ISO 3082.
- Principle: Acid decomposition (HCl + HNO3), treatment of residue with sodium peroxide/sodium carbonate, chemical reduction (KI to reduce As(V) to As(III)), iron masking with ascorbic acid, generation of volatile arsenic hydride with sodium borohydride, transport by inert carrier gas to a quartz tube atomizer and measurement at 197.3 nm.
- Reagents and water quality: Analytical-grade reagents and Grade 2 water (ISO 3696); low-blank reagents and freshly prepared reducing and masking solutions are required.
- Apparatus: Atomic absorption spectrometer with arsenic hollow-cathode or EDL lamp, hydride generator (continuous or discontinuous), quartz tube atomizer, muffle furnace, zirconium crucible. Instrument performance criteria include minimum sensitivity (absorbance ≥ 0.25 for highest calibration point), linearity and stability thresholds.
- Quality control: Duplicate independent determinations, blank tests, certified reference material (CRM) in each run, calibration procedures and acceptance rules (see Annex A for flow-sheet and Annexes B–D for instrument parameters and precision data).
Practical applications - who uses ISO 17992:2013
- Mining laboratories and metallurgical QC for monitoring arsenic in iron ore feedstocks and concentrates.
- Steel producers assessing ore suitability and blending decisions to avoid arsenic-related process or product issues.
- Environmental and regulatory labs verifying compliance with arsenic limits in raw materials.
- Producers of certified reference materials and instrument manufacturers validating HG‑AAS performance.
Related standards
- ISO 3082 - Iron ores: sampling and sample preparation
- ISO 7764 - Preparation of predried test samples
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use
- ISO 648 / ISO 1042 - Laboratory glassware (pipettes, volumetric flasks)
- ISO Guide 35 - Reference materials and certification principles
Keywords: ISO 17992:2013, iron ores, arsenic determination, hydride generation AAS, HG‑AAS, arsenic content, analytical method, iron ore concentrates, sinter, sampling, certified reference material.