Overview
ISO 23163:2019 - Nickel and nickel alloys - Refined nickel - Sampling specifies standardized sampling procedures for lots of refined nickel up to 25 tonnes of the same composition, size and shape, and manufactured under similar production conditions. The standard covers product presentation (whole-sheet cathodes or drums with pieces), rules for random selection, preparation of laboratory samples and precautions to avoid contamination prior to chemical analysis.
Key Topics
- Scope and product forms
- Applies to refined nickel in whole-sheet cathodes (~50 kg, 6–12 mm thick) and drums containing cut cathodes, briquettes, pellets, shot, granules or powder.
- Sampling principle
- Random selection of U units in the lot to obtain N primary increments, then taking n secondary increments from each primary increment to form the combined laboratory sample.
- Sample sizes and the N and n values are tabulated (Table 1) according to lot mass (unit mass basis 50 kg).
- Secondary increment methods
- Drilling (15–25 mm diameter drill), milling (cylindrical cutter 15–25 mm), or punching and milling to produce chips.
- Defined geometric positions on a cathode diagonal (positions 1–5) to avoid spatial bias.
- Sample preparation
- Procedures for comminution, riffling and mass reduction to obtain a final laboratory sample suitable for planned chemical tests.
- Recommended final masses: at least 200 g (fine chips or powder, divided into two parties) and 500 g for larger particles, with reserves retained.
- Contamination control
- Strict measures to avoid contamination (tools, containers, lubricants). Machining without lubricants; high-speed steel tools preferred over tungsten carbide to reduce element transfer.
- Cleaning of chips by acid etching (HCl dilution and washes), acetone rinse and low-temperature drying before analysis.
- Supporting material
- Annex A: statistical justification for numbers of increments.
- Annex B: technical conditions for drilling and milling.
Applications
ISO 23163:2019 is intended for:
- Nickel producers and refiners who must provide representative samples for quality certification.
- Analytical laboratories performing chemical assays of refined nickel.
- Quality managers, inspectors and purchasing agents verifying compliance with chemical specifications.
- Trading, customs and conformity-assessment bodies requiring standardized sampling for dispute resolution.
Practical benefits include consistent, repeatable sampling, minimized contamination risk, and defensible lab results for contractual and regulatory purposes.
Related Standards
- ISO 6372 - Terms and definitions for nickel and nickel alloys (normative reference used by ISO 23163:2019).
- (ISO 7156:1991 is referenced historically as the previous sampling basis and has been withdrawn.)
Keywords: ISO 23163:2019, refined nickel sampling, nickel sampling procedures, whole-sheet cathodes, sample preparation, chemical analysis, nickel alloy sampling.