ASTM E1618 Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

ASTM E1618 test method determines the characteristics of extracts with high background levels of pyrolysis or combustion products. The method covers the identification of ignitable liquid residues in extracts from fire debris samples. The final results of this method are displayed keeping in view the international standards and inch-pound units.

Talk to an Expert

ASTM E1618 Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

TRUSTED BY

Precision-driven testing for dimensional accuracy and compliance

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

Overview

ASTM E1618 is a standard test procedure for the specification and identification of ignitable liquid residues, such as gasoline and kerosene, in fire debris samples. To identify ignitable liquid residues using different procedures, such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). It provides methods for extracting these liquids and analyzing their chemical profiles, including alkalines and aromatics, using GC-MS.

The purpose of this test is to detect and identify residues of flammable liquids in fire debris, which is vital to fire investigation and forensic science.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

The ASTM E1618 test method covers the characteristics of extracts from fire debris samples, including information related to the fire’s origin, fuel load, and incendiary nature. It also determines their applications and specifications. The method proceeds with quality checks, heat treatments, and chemical composition testing. The results obtained from this method help in quality control, research, and performance evaluation of the specimen.

Applications

Forensic analysis of fire scenes to detect accelerants (e.g., gasoline, kerosene).
Supporting investigations into fire origin and cause determinations.
Assisting with expert testimony in criminal and civil cases involving suspected arson.
Differentiating between background combustion products and true ignitable liquid residues.

Benefits

Ensures consistent, reproducible identification of ignitable liquid residues.
Supports forensic integrity in fire investigations with recognized methodology.
Helps distinguish fire-related residues from background pyrolysis products.
Widely accepted in forensic laboratories and legal proceedings.

Testing Process

Sample Receipt

Collect and document fire debris samples in airtight containers

Sample Preparation

Extract volatile residues using approved solvent or headspace techniques

Instrument Setup

Configure GC-MS with an appropriate column, temperature program, and MS parameters

Reporting

Document results, observations, and limitations in the final report

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Sample Type	Fire debris extracts
Target Analytes	Ignitable liquid residues (petroleum & non-petroleum)
Extraction Techniques	Solvent extraction / Headspace methods
Ionization Energy	70 eV
Identification Basis	Chromatographic pattern & mass spectral matching
Reporting Standard	ASTM E1618 guidelines

Instrumentation Used

Gas Chromatograph (GC) with capillary column
Mass Spectrometer (MS) detector
Autosampler or manual injection system
Sample preparation tools (e.g., headspace vials, sorbent tubes)
Carrier gas supply (high-purity helium or nitrogen)
Data acquisition and analysis software

Results and Deliverables

ASTM E1618 is a critical standard for forensic fire debris examination
GC-MS with an integrated data system is used to analyze fire debris extracts
Extracted ion profiles are generated from chromatographic and mass spectral data
Target compounds are identified based on characteristic ion patterns
Profiles are compared with reference ignitable liquid classes