ISO 14422:1999

Overview

ISO 14422:1999 specifies standardized methods and conditions for sampling cold-ramming pastes - carbonaceous mixtures used in aluminium production that contain graded aggregate and bonding materials. The standard ensures representative, reproducible sampling of cold-ramming pastes for quality control, testing and contractual verification in aluminium manufacture.

Keywords: ISO 14422:1999, cold-ramming pastes, sampling methods, aluminium manufacture, carbonaceous materials

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Defines terms such as cold-ramming paste, increment, sample unit and test portion (references ISO 6257 for related sampling terms).
• Apparatus requirements:
  • Sampling scoop internal width at least six times the largest particle size.
  • Sampling spear internal diameter at least six times the largest particle and length ≈ 10% greater than product depth.
  • Quartering cross and suitable sample containers that do not alter the sample.
• Increment and final sample masses:
  • Minimum increment mass set by maximum grain size (e.g., larger particles → larger increments).
  • Minimum final sample mass depends on consignment size (examples from the standard: up to ~1 t → 8 kg; 1–5 t → 12 kg; 5–10 t → 16 kg; 10–50 t → 24 kg; 50–100 t → 32 kg).
• Sampling techniques:
  • Coning and quartering for smaller, manageable items.
  • Flattened-heap technique for mixed or larger items.
  • Sampling-spear technique for inaccessible or bulk containers.
  • In-process sampling guidance (e.g., mixer must be switched off and isolated).
• Sample subdivision and test portions:
  • Laboratory and reference samples each at least three times the combined mass required for tests.
  • Subdivision by repeated coning and quartering and rules for obtaining test portions and adjusting minor mass differences.
• Documentation: Required sampling report items (manufacturer/product ID, date, container counts/marks, sampling method and reference to ISO 14422:1999, number of increments, sample IDs, unusual observations).

Applications and users

• Quality control and laboratory personnel in aluminium smelters and refractory/consumable suppliers
• Procurement, inspection and conformity assessment teams verifying delivered cold-ramming pastes
• Contracting parties requiring traceable, standardized sampling for dispute resolution or certification
• Test laboratories preparing representative test portions for physical and chemical analysis

Related standards

• ISO 6257 - Carbonaceous materials used in the production of aluminium - Pitch for electrodes - Sampling (normative reference cited in ISO 14422:1999)

Using ISO 14422:1999 helps organizations obtain representative samples, reduce sampling bias, and support reliable test results and contractual transparency in aluminium production workflows.