ISO 13902:1997

Overview

ISO 13902:1997 specifies a laboratory method for the determination of high sulfur content in steel and iron by combustion in a high‑frequency induction furnace with subsequent infrared (IR) absorption measurement of the evolved sulfur dioxide (SO2). The procedure is applicable to sulfur levels between approximately 0.10 % (m/m) and 0.35 % (m/m) and includes sample preparation, combustion, IR analysis, calibration and quality checks.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Principle: Combustion of a weighed test portion in pure oxygen in an induction furnace → sulfur to SO2 → measurement by IR absorption.
• Analytical range: Method targeted at relatively high sulfur contents (around 0.10–0.35 % m/m). Calibration series extend to higher calibration members for instrument response.
• Reagents & materials:
  • Oxygen, minimum purity 99.5 % (m/m); use an oxidation catalyst (CuO or Pt) and purification if organics suspected.
  • Pure iron with sulfur