ASTM E841 Determination of Copper in Iron Ores and Related Materials by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

ASTM E841 is a standard test method that determines the copper content in iron ores, concentrates, agglomerates, and related materials. The concentration range covered by this method is from 0.003% to 1%. The values stated in SI units are to be considered standard.

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ASTM E841 Determination of Copper in Iron Ores and Related Materials by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

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

Overview

ASTM E 841 copper determination testing is a standardized analytical test method used to determine copper content levels within various iron ore materials using a flame atomic absorption spectrometry technique, providing accurate copper concentration levels within these materials. The ASTM E 841 test method is used to determine the sample preparation, reagent, and flame atomic absorption spectrometry measurement requirements needed to obtain accurate copper content levels in various iron ore materials, providing mining engineers, processors, and analysts with reliable data.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

The ASTM E841 test standard specifies a test for copper content in iron ore specimens by dissolving the iron ore and determining the copper concentration in the solution using flame atomic absorption spectrometry with certified copper reference materials. This enables accurate quantification of copper in iron ore and copper concentration levels in iron ore mining and processing programs.

ASTM E 841 copper determination testing evaluates:

Copper concentration in iron ore, sinter feed, and pellet feed material samples
Flame AAS copper measurement in iron ore and related material sample matrices
Comparative copper content across iron ore types, sources, and processing streams
Effect of sample preparation and dissolution procedure on copper measurement accuracy
Compliance with copper content requirements for iron ore specifications

Applications

Iron ore mining and processing operations require copper content characterization
Sinter plant and blast furnace operations require iron ore and copper content data
Iron ore trading and commercial transaction copper content verification programs
Steel plant raw material incoming inspection and ore blend copper assessment
Mining laboratories and ore processors requiring ASTM E 841 copper test data

Benefits

Provides reliable copper content data for iron ore characterization and process control
Supports iron ore specification compliance and supplier assessment programs
Identifies elevated copper content in iron ore before processing operations
Delivers traceable copper concentration test records for commercial and engineering submissions
Reduces process risk by verifying iron ore and copper content early in ore assessment

Test Process

Sample Preparation

Iron ore specimens dissolved and prepared per ASTM E 841 dissolution requirements.

Flame AAS Setup

Atomic absorption spectrometer configured with copper hollow cathode lamp and air-acetylene flame.

Copper Concentration Measurement

Dissolved specimen aspirated into flame and copper absorbance measured against reference standards.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Copper concentration calculated from absorbance data and assessed for test compliance result.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Applicable Materials	Iron ore, sinter feed, pellet feed, and related iron ore processing stream samples
Analytical Technique	Flame atomic absorption spectrometry with air-acetylene flame per ASTM E 841
Wavelength	Copper primary absorption wavelength at 324.7 nm per flame AAS measurement conditions
Specimen Preparation	Acid dissolution per ASTM E 841 dissolution procedure requirements
Measured Outputs	Copper concentration values and test compliance result

Instrumentation Used for Testing

Flame atomic absorption spectrometer with air-acetylene burner system
Copper hollow cathode lamp for defined wavelength absorption measurement
Certified copper reference standards for calibration curve preparation
Acid dissolution equipment for iron ore sample preparation
Precision analytical balance for specimen and reagent mass measurement
Data acquisition and test reporting system

Results and Deliverables

Flame AAS absorbance and copper concentration results for all analyzed iron ore specimens
Calibration curve data and reference standard verification per ASTM E 841 requirements
Statistical summary of copper content results across the iron ore sample set
Test compliance result assessed against iron ore and copper specification requirements
ASTM E 841 test report

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM E831 uses thermomechanical analyzers with displacement sensors. ASTM D696 uses dilatometers with precision gauges. Both methods ensure reliable detection of small dimensional changes during controlled temperature exposure tests.

ASTM E841 typically measures copper concentrations from trace levels to several percent. This range depends on sample preparation and dilution. The method ensures precise quantification for quality control and material characterization.

ASTM E841 requires acid digestion of samples using appropriate acids, controlled heating, and correct dilution to prepare clear solutions for precise atomic absorption measurement of copper content.

ASTM E841 measures copper concentration in weight percent or parts per million. This depends on the concentration levels and testing needs. It helps maintain consistent reporting in labs and industrial settings.

ASTM E841 requires a flame atomic absorption spectrometer, a calibrated hollow cathode lamp for copper, controlled flame conditions, and a suitable sample introduction system to ensure precise and consistent copper measurement results.