ASTM E135 Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials

• Material Field: Analytical chemistry of metals, ores, and related materials. 
• Purpose: Define technology terms uniformly in accordance with relevant analytical standards. 
• Terminology: Describes specialized terms that are used to describe analytical procedures, measurements, and results.
• Field-Specific Definitions: Defines words related to specific areas of analysis. 
• Source Attribution: Lists definitions that are like those published by other standards organizations or ASTM committees. 

What are the uses of ASTM E135?

ASTM E135 helps convey information among practitioners of chemical analysis of metals, ores, and related materials. Consistent definitions support analysis of technical documents and understanding the terminology of different analytical methods. The standard is helpful in dealing with procedures for preparing, reviewing, and technical report preparation involving ASTM analytical standards. Common uses include:

• Analytical Method Interpretation: Interpret chemical analysis methods (analytical techniques). 
• Technical Reporting: Be consistent with technical terminology in technical reports. 
• Quality Documentation: Help to develop quality-control documentation and procedures with consistent language. 
• Training/Education: Support technicians/analysts to provide training in analysis. 
• Standards Development: Ensure that standards are consistent with related standards about language. 
• Technical Review: Reduce risk of misunderstanding during the analysis process and outcomes. 

Which Materials Can Be Covered by ASTM E135?

ASTM E135 covers metals, ores, and related materials, and uses analytical chemistry terminology. Does not need to have physical samples to take a particular test. Rather, it facilitates the language of professionals who describe chemical analysis of these types of materials. 

• Metals: Materials analyzed for the presence of elements or for other chemical properties. 
• Metal Alloys: Materials that are composed of metals and have an analytical notation that involves special chemistry terminology. 
• Ores: Rocks or minerals that are evaluated by chemical analysis for the presence of minerals. 
• Mineral and Related Materials: Materials that can be analyzed by chemistry-related methods.
• Reference Materials: Materials used for analytical documentation of which applicable terminology is used. 
• Analytical Samples: Samples used in reports and procedures that use standard terms.

Why is ASTM E135 important?

ASTM E135 helps interpret methods, share results, and compare technical documents, reducing misunderstandings. ASTM E135 provides a common terminology for analytical chemistry materials and standards for metals, ores, and related materials. This makes technical writing easier to read and establishes consistent terminology. The standard is an improvement to communication, but is not a substitute for test methods, calibration, or material specifications for an analysis.

ASTM E135 Testing Materials and Documentation Guide

Practical use of ASTM E135 requires access to the terminology document and accurate application of definitions in analytical documentation. The technician provides the applicable definitions and terminology guidance. The following table outlines resources that support its use.

ASTM E135 Terminology Application and Data Documentation

The first step in the analytical process is to identify the type of analysis to be employed and the technical terms involved. They refer to ASTM E135 to determine the appropriate definition or confirm the intended interpretation of terminology as it relates to metals, ores, or related materials. Analysts use standardized language when developing technical documentation for analytical techniques, measurements, and reported findings. They also refer to the governing test method for sample preparation, equipment, calibration, calculation, and reporting. 

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Inconsistent terminology can confuse readers when more than one analyst produces and evaluates technical documentation. It is helpful to refer to definitions and to be consistent in the use of the same terminology to eliminate ambiguity. Sometimes there is confusion when the meaning of a term is interpreted as a procedure. ASTM E135 provides definitions of terms used, and the applicable analytical method sets forth the testing procedure. Ambiguous meanings can occur with words that have a specific meaning in a given method, e.g., emission spectrometry. Analysts examine the definition in its technical context and use the referenced method if needed for clarification.

Analysis Results and Interpretation

ASTM E135 provides terminology used to support consistent communication in chemical analysis and related technical documentation. It helps analysts interpret technical terms and communicate results produced by the selected analytical method. ASTM E135 is a terminology test rather than a test method. Its purpose is to aid in the interpretation and communication of results of the chemical analysis procedure applied to it. 

• The meaning of technical and analytical terms appearing in analytical methods or technical reports is analyzed using the definitions. 
• Elemental concentrations, chemical composition, and other numbers result from the selected analytical method, not ASTM E135. 
• Analysts apply the correct test method for units, calculations, significant figures, and reporting. 
• Technicians prepare technical documents following the procedure, such as samples used, analytical method, equipment used, values measured, and analytical conditions. 
• Analysts always employ the same terms in the documentation of results, interpretation of results, and comparison of measured values to appropriate specification limits.

Link to ASTM E135