ASTM E1621 is a standard guide for the development and description of analytical procedures for elemental analysis of solid metals, ores, and related materials, utilizing a wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. This guide applies to specimen forms such as solids, powders, and solid forms made by borate fusion or briquetting, and makes some comments that also apply to energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. ASTM E1621 (Standard Guide for Elemental Analysis by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry) is used by laboratories to develop and establish techniques for calibration, specimen preparation, and interference correction for the purpose of obtaining accurate elemental results. This guide uses SI units and does not provide other units. WDXRF procedures, as described in ASTM E1621, are used by metallurgists and quality control engineers for the analysis of metallic and non-metallic element content in metals, ores, and mining materials.
ASTM E1621 Standard Guide for Elemental Analysis by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
What is ASTM E1621?
What is the Scope of the ASTM E1621 Standard?
ASTM E1621 is a standard guide that provides guidelines for the development and description of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence analytical procedures. It includes applicable elemental analysis guidance for solid metals, ores, and related materials, and powder and solid forms prepared by chemical and physical processes. Specific guidance depends on the form of the specimen, the range of elements of interest, and the desired accuracy. ASTM E1621 is intended to assist the analyst in choosing optimal conditions and documentation for reliable spectrometric analysis by X-ray. The standard provides instructions for calibration and methods for specimen preparation (borate fusion, briquette pressing), as well as interference correction.
The scope of ASTM E1621 includes:
- Material type: Solid metal ores, powders, and related materials, such as solids prepared by borate fusion or briquette pressing.
- Purpose: Developed and documented wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence analytical procedures.
- Properties measured: Elemental composition (metals and many non-metals).
- Method: Elemental composition (metals and many non-metals).
- Result: Select methods based on specimen form; wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometer, with some provisions for energy dispersive spectrometers.
- Test Limitations: ASTM E1621 has little to say about liquids; aqueous liquids are not as common in metals and mining laboratories as solids but are converted to solids by borate fusion.
- Environmental conditions: Guides analysts to preparation or calibration methods appropriate to the material state and range of elements for those cases where applicable.
- Applications: Metallurgical and Ore/Mineral Laboratories for metals and alloy composition analysis or for quality control.
What are the Uses of ASTM E1621?
ASTM E1621 guides laboratories on developing consistent, accurate elemental analysis procedures using WDXRF. Analysts then use the methods produced to compare the composition of materials and to see how well a specimen matches its compositional needs. This standard-
- Determines the concentrations of metals and other elements in metals, ores, and related materials
- Selects specimen preparation techniques such as borate fusion and briquette pressing.
- Helps in calibration and interference correction for accurate results.
- Helps in analytical procedures that are documented and reproduced by laboratories.
- Supports comparisons between compositions of metals and mining materials.
- Assists in quality control during metal and ore processing.
- Helps to select specimen preparation techniques for various material types.
Which materials are under ASTM E1621?
ASTM E1621 is applicable to solid metals, ores, and related materials, such as powders and solid materials prepared by borate fusion or briquetted. If a suitable specimen form is used, the guide provides assistance in analyzing aqueous liquids that are prepared into solid form by borate fusion. Before the analytical procedure has been developed, an analyst decide the form of the material, the method of preparing the specimen, and the elements to be evaluated.
Why is ASTM E1621 Important?
ASTM E1621 outlines principles for creating controlled WDXRF procedures for elemental composition analysis of metals and ores. Standardization of the specimen preparation and correction of spectral interference enable analysts to obtain accurate and reliable composition results, which facilitate well-informed decisions on material acceptance. The guidance provides guidance on procedures that provide consistent and comparable results from different laboratories and batches of materials.
ASTM E1621 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide
ASTM E1621 specifies a wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometer capable of resolving characteristic X-ray lines for elemental analysis. The representative samples are prepared in a laboratory in the form of the material before analysis.
| Sample and Specimen Details | Technicians ensure samples are representative of the material lot, which consists of solid metals, ores, powders, or related materials. |
| Specimen Preparation | Technicians prepare specimens as solids, powders, fused beads, or pressed briquettes, processing aqueous liquids into solid specimens as necessary via borate fusion techniques. |
| Specimen Form and Preparation Method | Analysts select the appropriate specimen preparation technique (such as borate fusion or briquette pressing) based on the physical form and the specific elements being measured, as ASTM E1621 outlines preparation techniques rather than prescribing fixed linear dimensions. |
| Instrumentation | Technicians utilize a wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometer, a borate fusion apparatus, a briquette preparation hydraulic press, and certified reference materials to execute the analysis. |
Testing Procedure and Requirements for ASTM E1621
This guide walks analysts through specimen preparation, calibration, and measurement of elemental content using a wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The technician establishes the necessary instrument settings, and the lab performs each procedure. Other referenced ASTM documents include ASTM E135, E1257, E1329, E1361, E1601, and E2857.
| Initial Evaluation | Technicians determine the form of material and choose the specimen preparation technique. |
| Specimen Form and Preparation Method | Technicians prepare the specimen as a solid, powder, fused bead, or pressed briquette before analysis. |
| Instrument Calibration | Technicians calibrate the spectrometer using certified reference materials matching the exact material type of the test specimens. |
| Elemental Measurement | Technicians measure characteristic X-ray intensities using the wavelength dispersive spectrometer and subsequently calculate the elemental concentrations of the specimens. |
| Interference Correction | Technicians apply mathematical correction factors to account for interelement effects, thereby increasing the accuracy and precision of the XRF measurements. |
| Result Reporting | Laboratories report final elemental concentrations in SI units, accompanied by the corresponding calibration records and mathematical correction data. |
ASTM E1621 Process and Data Collection
The analyst chooses the representative sample and decides on the material form to be examined. The specimen is then prepared by borate fusion or briquette pressing, or any other appropriate method, and the spectrometer is calibrated using reference materials that match the specimen. The operator records the intensity of the characteristic X-rays for the elements of interest and takes interference correction, if necessary. Calculated concentrations are then compared to the expected composition, and the data are recorded for the analytical report.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
Technicians prepare specimens in a consistent manner and perform a series of procedures, such as briquette pressing and complete borate fusion, to ensure that the X-ray intensity readings are accurate. The results are also affected by spectral interferences between elements, which are removed by applying the correction factors described in this guide. Measurement accuracy is affected by calibration drift over time, and the spectrometer is calibrated using certified reference materials in order to correct for drift. These challenges are minimized throughout an analytical program with regular equipment maintenance and properly trained personnel.
ASTM E1621 Analysis Results and Interpretation
The report is a summary of the elemental composition obtained on the specimen following the applicable procedure of ASTM E1621. The composition is measured and compared to the expected composition of the material type and specification.
- Elemental concentrations are reported in SI for each element of interest in the laboratory.
- Analysts document the specimen preparation technique employed, e.g., borate fusion or briquette pressing.
- The laboratory records the calibration reference materials and interference corrections used for the analysis.
- Laboratories report that compliance evaluations are based on the measured material composition compared directly against applicable material specifications, classifying results as either within or outside the acceptable range rather than reflecting the performance of the material as a whole.
Get Certified ASTM E1621 for Reliable Elemental Analysis Data
Certification assures that a laboratory’s analytical procedure for WDXRF is compliant with the recommended calibration, sample preparation, and quality control procedures recommended. Accredited laboratories prepare and record elemental analysis procedures based on this guideline, and prepare reports showing reliable and comparable results. This step is to ensure that the data used for material acceptance does not contain inaccuracies
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