ISO 23193 Determination of Rare Earth Elements by ICP MS Testing
The ISO 23193 standard provides a robust method for the determination of rare earth elements (REEs) in mining materials using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This test is particularly critical for industries dealing with strategic and rare minerals, ensuring accurate quantification of REEs which are vital for modern technologies.
REEs are essential components in various high-tech applications such as smartphones, batteries, magnets, and LED lighting. Their presence can significantly impact the performance and efficiency of these products. The ISO 23193 method offers a precise approach to quantifying these elements, which is crucial for quality management, compliance, and R&D purposes.
The testing process involves several steps: sample preparation, digestion, and then analysis via ICP-MS. This method ensures that even trace amounts of REEs can be detected accurately. The precision and accuracy of this test are paramount in the mining sector where small variations in elemental composition can lead to significant economic impacts.
For quality managers and compliance officers, accurate quantification is essential for ensuring product consistency and adherence to international standards. For R&D engineers, it provides critical data for optimizing material composition and performance. In procurement, this test ensures that suppliers meet the required specifications, thus maintaining product integrity throughout the supply chain.
The ISO 23193 method uses ICP-MS technology which is capable of high sensitivity and selectivity. It allows for the simultaneous measurement of multiple elements in a single run, making it efficient and cost-effective for large-scale sample analysis. The method specifies detailed procedures for sample preparation, instrumental conditions, and data interpretation to ensure consistent results.
Instrumentation plays a critical role in this testing process. The ICP-MS system used must be capable of handling the specific requirements set by ISO 23193. This includes robust plasma generation, accurate mass spectrometry, and effective signal processing capabilities. The choice of reagents and consumables is also crucial for obtaining reliable results.
The acceptance criteria in this test are stringent to ensure high-quality data. The method specifies limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), which define the minimum amounts of REEs that can be accurately measured. These thresholds vary depending on the specific element, but they are typically set at levels that are relevant to real-world applications.
The testing process itself requires careful sample preparation. This involves dissolving the mineral samples in appropriate acids and diluting them to a concentration suitable for ICP-MS analysis. The use of high-quality reagents is essential to avoid contamination and ensure accurate measurements.
Applied Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 23193 | Method for the determination of rare earth elements in mining materials by ICP-MS. |
| ASTM D7680 | Standard test method for determination of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium in rare earth minerals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. |
| Element | LOD (µg/kg) |
|---|---|
| Lanthanum | 0.1 |
| Cerium | 0.2 |
| Praesodymium | 0.05 |
| Neodymium | 0.1 |
| Samarium | 0.08 |
| Europium | 0.06 |
| Gadolinium | 0.07 |
| Terbium | 0.05 |
| Dysprosium | 0.06 |
| Holmium | 0.04 |
| Erbium | 0.03 |
| Theulium | 0.02 |
| Ytterbium | 0.015 |
| Lutetium | 0.01 |
Benefits
- Precise quantification of rare earth elements.
- Ensures compliance with international standards and regulations.
- Supports quality management in mining operations.
- Aids in R&D for optimizing material composition.
- Facilitates accurate procurement decisions by ensuring supplier adherence to specifications.
Why Choose This Test
- High precision and accuracy in quantification of REEs.
- Comprehensive coverage of all REEs specified in the standard.
- Efficient analysis capable of handling large sample volumes.
- Stringent acceptance criteria ensuring reliable results.
- Adherence to international standards, enhancing credibility and trustworthiness.
