ISO 21587-3:2007

Overview

ISO 21587-3:2007 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies alternative methods for the chemical analysis of aluminosilicate refractory products and raw materials. Specifically, this part focuses on inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometry (ICP/AE) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAA) as alternatives to the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method. The standard provides guidance for the determination of key oxides, including silicon(IV) oxide (SiO₂), aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), titanium(IV) oxide (TiO₂), and others in aluminosilicate refractory materials.

Key Topics

• ICP/AE and FAA Spectrometry: The standard outlines the use of ICP/AE and FAA for accurate quantification of multiple oxides in aluminosilicate refractories.
• Determination of Major and Minor Oxides: Procedures are provided for analyzing SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, MnO, CaO, MgO, Na₂O, K₂O, Cr₂O₃, ZrO₂, and P₂O₅.
• Calibration and Blank Testing: Emphasis is placed on the preparation of calibration curves and conducting blank tests for reliable results.
• Calculation and Reporting: Provides equations and guidance on calculating the mass fractions of each oxide and on documenting findings in standardized test reports.
• Alternative to XRF: Designed as an official alternative to the fused bead XRF method defined in ISO 12677:2003, supporting labs without access to advanced XRF equipment.

Applications

ISO 21587-3:2007 is widely applicable in industries that manufacture, process, or use aluminosilicate refractories. Key areas of use include:

• Quality Control in Refractory Manufacturing: Assures accurate composition analysis for product consistency and compliance.
• Raw Material Assessment: Facilitates precise evaluation of raw aluminosilicate materials before production.
• Research and Development: Supports labs investigating new refractory formulations or properties.
• Third-Party Testing Laboratories: Used in independent or accredited labs performing chemical analysis of refractories by alternative, internationally recognized methodologies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps manufacturers and suppliers demonstrate conformity with international standards and industry requirements.

Related Standards

For comprehensive chemical analysis of aluminosilicate refractories, consider these related ISO standards:

• ISO 21587-1:2007 - Chemical analysis of aluminosilicate refractory products (alternative to X-ray fluorescence method) - Part 1: Apparatus, reagents, dissolution, and gravimetric silica
• ISO 21587-2:2007 - Part 2: Wet chemical analysis procedures
• ISO 12677:2003 - Chemical analysis of refractory products by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) - Fused cast bead method
• ISO 26845 - Chemical analysis of refractories – General requirements for wet chemical analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma methods

Practical Value

Implementing ISO 21587-3:2007 delivers several practical benefits:

• Expanded Analytical Capability: Laboratories can select from multiple reliable techniques (ICP/AE, FAA) suitable for complex refractory matrices.
• Consistency Across the Supply Chain: Ensures that manufacturers, suppliers, and customers refer to unified methods and results.
• Reduced Dependency on XRF Equipment: Offers alternatives for organizations without sophisticated XRF instrumentation.
• International Recognition: Enables organizations to meet global quality expectations and facilitates trade by adhering to certified analysis methods.

By following ISO 21587-3:2007, organizations enhance the accuracy, repeatability, and comparability of results in the chemical analysis of aluminosilicate refractory materials, supporting quality assurance and regulatory compliance across industries.