ISO 10204:2017

Overview

ISO 10204:2017 defines a standardized flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) method for determining the mass fraction of magnesium (Mg) in iron ores. The method applies to natural iron ores, iron‑ore concentrates, and agglomerates (including sinter products) for Mg mass fractions from 0.010 % to 2.00 %. The document describes sample preparation, reagents, apparatus, procedure, calculation of results, precision criteria and reporting requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Mg in iron ores, concentrates and agglomerates between 0.010 % and 2.00 %.
• Analytical principle: acid decomposition (HCl + small HNO3), dehydration of silica, residue ignition, removal of silica with HF and H2SO4, fusion with sodium carbonate and dissolution; aspirate the final solution into the FAAS flame and compare absorbance with calibration solutions.
• Reagents and calibration:
  • Use analytical‑grade reagents and Grade 2 water (ISO 3696).
  • Magnesium standard solution prepared (25 µg Mg/ml) and a series of calibration solutions with background solution and lanthanum chloride to minimize interferences.
• Apparatus and performance criteria:
  • Typical equipment: one‑mark volumetric glassware (ISO 648, ISO 1042), platinum crucible, muffle furnace (~1 100 °C), and an atomic absorption spectrometer with an air–acetylene burner.
  • FAAS performance criteria include minimum sensitivity (absorbance ≥ 0.3 for the highest calibration level), graph linearity, and stability (specified relative standard deviations).
  • Instrument parameter guidelines (examples): hollow cathode lamp 15 mA; wavelength 285.2 nm; air ~22 L/min; acetylene ~4.2 L/min.
• Sampling and sample prep:
  • Laboratory sample particle size −100 µm (or −160 µm for ores with significant combined water/oxidizable compounds).
  • References: ISO 3082, ISO 2596 and ISO 7764 for sampling/preparation procedures.
• Quality and safety:
  • The standard includes provisions for blanks, check tests, repeatability, between‑lab precision and result acceptance. A safety warning highlights hazardous reagents (notably HF).

Applications and users

• Who uses it: mining companies, metallurgical and assay laboratories, quality control/QA departments, regulatory bodies, and researchers working with iron ore chemistry.
• Practical uses:
  • Grade control and ore characterization
  • Evaluation of concentrates and sinter products
  • Quality control during beneficiation and processing
  • Comparative inter‑laboratory testing and compliance reporting

Related standards

• ISO 3082 - Sampling/sample preparation for iron ores
• ISO 2596, ISO 7764 - Sample preparation / predried test samples
• ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use
• ISO 648, ISO 1042 - Laboratory glassware
• ISO 9516-1 - Reference for oxide handling and element determination

Keywords: ISO 10204:2017, magnesium determination, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, FAAS, iron ore analysis, magnesium in iron ores, analytical method.