ISO 10203:2017

Overview

ISO 10203:2017 specifies a flame atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) method for the determination of the mass fraction of calcium in iron ores. The method applies to calcium mass fractions from 0.010 % to 8.00 % and covers natural iron ores, iron ore concentrates, and agglomerates (including sinter products). The standard describes sample preparation, reagent and apparatus requirements, calibration, measurement, and expression of results.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Designed for routine calcium analysis in mining and metallurgical quality-control laboratories for ores and concentrates.
• Analytical principle: Test portions are decomposed with hydrochloric and nitric acids, silica is dehydrated and removed (including HF treatment), residues fused with sodium carbonate, and the dissolved final solution is measured by flame AAS using a dinitrogen oxide–acetylene burner. Absorbance values are compared with prepared calcium calibration solutions.
• Reagents and standards: Includes formulations for background solution, lanthanum chloride matrix modifier, and a 25 μg Ca/ml calcium standard. Key reagents listed: Na2CO3, HCl, HNO3, HF, H2SO4, LaCl3, and certified high‑purity iron for background.
• Apparatus and performance criteria: Requires platinum crucibles, a muffle furnace (~1 100 °C), and an atomic absorption spectrometer with N2O/acetylene burner. Instrument performance criteria include minimum sensitivity (absorbance ≥ 0.3 for highest calibration point), linearity checks, and stability limits.
• Sampling and sample prep: Laboratory sample particle size −100 μm (or −160 μm when combined water/oxidizable compounds are significant) prepared per ISO 3082 and ISO 7764; predrying and hygroscopic moisture addressed via ISO 2596.
• Quality control: Blank tests, check tests, calibration solutions, repeatability and between‑laboratory precision, and procedures for acceptance of analytical values are included.

Applications

• Routine QA/QC of iron ore feedstocks for steelmaking and pelletizing plants.
• Certification testing for iron ore concentrates, sinter products, and agglomerates.
• Metallurgical lab analyses where control of calcium content affects process performance (e.g., slag chemistry, sinter quality).
• Regulatory and contractual compliance testing where standardized, traceable calcium measurements are required.

Who uses this standard

• Mining laboratory chemists and analysts
• Metallurgical and process control engineers
• Third‑party testing and certification laboratories
• Quality managers in pelletizing, sintering, and steelmaking operations

Related standards

• ISO 3082 - Sampling and sample preparation procedures (iron ores)
• ISO 7764 - Preparation of predried test samples for chemical analysis
• ISO 2596 - Determination of hygroscopic moisture in analytical samples
• ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use
• ISO 648, ISO 1042 - Laboratory glassware specifications
• ISO 80000-1 - Quantities and units

Keywords: ISO 10203:2017, iron ores, calcium determination, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, AAS, calcium in ores, ore analysis, lab method, QA/QC.