ASTM D6130 Determination of Silicon by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

In ASTM D6130 test method, silicon and other engine coolant elements are determined by Inductively Coupled - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Element determination is made by comparing standard and sample emission intensities. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

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ASTM D6130 Determination of Silicon by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

ASTM D6130 describes a test method using ICP-AES to analyze the trace elements in coal, coke, and combustion residues. This technique can provide highly precise, sensitive multi-element analyses that enable accurate determination of the elements of interest: aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and silicon.

In this method, samples are dissolved in acid and then introduced into the ICP-AES instrument, where the emission intensities are measured to determine elemental concentrations. ASTM D6130 is critical in materials characterization, environmental responsibility, and quality assurance within the coal and energy industries.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

ASTM D6130 evaluates trace elements at very low concentration levels, including:

Detection limits as low as 5 ppm
Dissolved and dispersed elements in complex matrices
Multi-element analysis in coal, coke, and combustion residues
Applicability to low-level elemental detection in industrial materials

The method ensures accurate elemental profiling to support compliance and performance optimization.

Applications

Coal and coke quality assessment
Power plant residue evaluation
Environmental monitoring
Industrial quality control
Basic materials research
Engine coolant trace analysis
Regulatory compliance testing

Benefits

High sensitivity and accuracy
Multi-element detection capability
Wide application range
Reliable regulatory compliance data
Supports environmental safety
Enables informed decision-making
Standardized and repeatable methodology

Test Process

Sample Preparation & Dilution

The material is ground, acid-dissolved, and diluted with deionized water.

Instrument Calibration

ICP-AES is calibrated using standard solutions.

Sample Aspiration & Verification

Prepared sample is aspirated; blanks and standards are verified.

Rinse Cycle & Run Completion

The instrument is rinsed with water between boron-containing samples.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Detection Limit	As low as 5 ppm
Applicable Materials	Coal, coke, combustion residues
Sample Conditioning	Typically 1000 mg/L
Output Units	ppm
Analysis Type	Multi-element
Sample Preparation	Acid digestion

Instrumentation Used for Testing

ICP-AES spectrometer
Analytical balance
Acid digestion system
Volumetric flasks
Deionized water system
Calibration software
Sample nebulizer

Results and Deliverables

Trace element concentration values (ppm)
Calibration curves
Instrument performance validation
Quality control documentation
Regulatory compliance reports
Material characterization data

Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D6130 is a standardized test method for determining the concentration of trace elements in coal, coke, combustion residues, and engine coolants using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES).

This method applies to various samples, including coal, coke, combustion residues, and new and used engine coolants.

ASTM D6130 can detect a wide range of elements, including but not limited to aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and silicon.

This test method is widely used in quality control, regulatory compliance, and research across various industries.

It requires specialized equipment & expertise to perform correctly. The method's accuracy can also be affected by complex matrices or interferences in the sample, which may require additional steps to mitigate.