Overview
ISO 22682:2017 - "Iron ores - Determination of trace elements - Plasma spectrometric method" defines a laboratory procedure for measuring trace elements in iron ores using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‑AES). The standard covers the determination of phosphorus, vanadium, titanium, copper, nickel, chromium, barium and cobalt in natural iron ores, concentrates and agglomerates (including sinter products), and specifies sample decomposition, reagent and apparatus requirements, calibration and performance checks.
Key features
- Method: ICP‑AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry)
- Elements covered: P, V, Ti, Cu, Ni, Cr, Ba, Co
- Includes detailed sample decomposition, calibration and spectrometer performance procedures
- Notes safety considerations for hazardous reagents and equipment
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle and sample preparation: Test portions are decomposed with L‑ascorbic acid, hydrofluoric, concentrated hydrochloric and nitric acids, evaporated to dryness, then dissolved in HCl (1+1) and made up to volume prior to ICP analysis.
- Reagents and solutions: Use high‑purity reagents and water (ISO 3696 grade 2). The standard gives recipes for 1 000 µg/ml stock solutions for each analyte and guidance on preparing calibration/reference solutions.
- Apparatus and performance: Specifies laboratory equipment such as analytical balances (0.0001 g), platinum crucibles, muffle furnace (≥ 1 020 °C) and any conventional ICP spectrometer (radial or axial) that meets the method’s performance tests.
- Calibration and interference control: Requires a minimum of five calibration solutions across the concentration range, checks for spectral interference, background correction, and drift (standardization) procedures. Suggested analytical emission lines (wavelengths) for each element are provided for line selection and interference assessment.
- Quality control: Blank tests, check tests, repeatability and tolerances, and procedures for validating trueness and reporting analytical results are defined.
Practical applications and users
ISO 22682:2017 is intended for:
- Analytical and metallurgical laboratories performing routine and refereed trace element assays in iron ores
- Mining companies and iron‑ore concentrators for quality control (QC) and product specification
- Contract laboratories and third‑party testing organizations involved in trade, compliance and product certification
- Researchers and method developers needing a standardized ICP‑AES procedure for iron ore matrices
Benefits include reproducible trace element data, standardized calibration and interference controls, and compatibility with international trade and QC requirements.
Related standards
Normative references include ISO 648, ISO 1042 (glassware), ISO 3082 (sampling and sample preparation), ISO 7764 (preparation of predried test samples), ISO 3696 (water quality) and ISO 11323 (vocabulary). These support accurate sampling, reagent handling and laboratory practice for ICP‑AES analysis.
