ASTM E1473 Determination of Copper by Atomic Absorption Testing
The ASTM E1473 standard is a widely recognized method used to determine copper content in various materials, particularly those within the base metals category. This service plays a crucial role for mining and metal-processing industries by ensuring product quality, compliance with international standards, and accurate material composition reports.
This testing procedure involves atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), which is an analytical technique that measures the absorbance of light by atoms in the gaseous phase. For copper determination using ASTM E1473, a graphite furnace atomizer is utilized to convert solid samples into their atomic vapor state prior to measurement.
The process begins with sample preparation, where raw materials such as ores or concentrates are first dried and weighed according to specified procedures outlined in the standard. After digestion, solutions of known volumes containing the target metal (copper) are prepared for analysis by AAS.
Instrumentation used includes a PerkinElmer Lambda 90 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer equipped with appropriate accessories like graphite furnace atomizers and nebulizers. Calibration standards covering a range from trace to high concentrations of copper must be analyzed simultaneously to ensure accurate results.
The final step involves data analysis, which requires careful interpretation of spectral lines corresponding to copper emissions against reference spectra provided by the manufacturer. Results are reported as weight percentage values, providing clients with reliable quantitative measures critical for quality control and process optimization activities.
Scope and Methodology
| Sample Types | Ores, concentrates, alloys containing copper |
|---|---|
| Standard Reference | ASTM E1473-2018 |
| Spectral Line | 253.6 nm for copper |
| Detection Limit | <0.01% (depending on sample matrix) |
| Precision and Accuracy | RSS < 0.1% relative standard deviation at the 1% level of copper concentration. |
This testing method is applicable to samples exhibiting typical base metal characteristics, such as those found in mining operations where accurate copper content assessment can significantly impact product quality and value.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
By adhering strictly to ASTM E1473 guidelines, our laboratory ensures that all analytical results are precise, reproducible, and compliant with international standards. This enhances customer confidence in the quality of their products while also facilitating smoother supply chain management through standardized reporting.
Our rigorous adherence to this method allows customers to make informed decisions regarding raw material procurement, process optimization, and product development initiatives. Moreover, it supports regulatory compliance efforts by providing robust evidence supporting claims about copper content in final products.
Competitive Advantage and Market Impact
- Provides unparalleled accuracy and precision for copper concentration measurements.
- Supports global market competitiveness through consistent product quality metrics.
- Aids in maintaining compliance with international standards, thereby minimizing operational risks associated with non-conformance.
- Facilitates efficient supply chain management by ensuring accurate material specifications.
The use of ASTM E1473 ensures that our clients remain ahead of the curve when it comes to meeting evolving industry demands for trace element analysis and quality assurance practices.
