What is ISO 13546 standard about?
ISO 13546 specifies an acid digestion and vapour generation atomic absorption spectrometric method for the determination of the mercury content in copper sulfide concentrates.
ISO 13546 applies to the mass fraction of mercury between 5 μg/g and 65 μg/g in copper sulfide concentrates.
The mercury vapour is generated by vapour generation using tin (II) chloride as reduction agent. The absorbances of the test and calibration solutions, including those of certified or other reference materials, are compared to determine the mercury content.
Who is ISO 13546 standard for?
ISO 13546 on copper concentrates is relevant to:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of copper concentrates
- Concentrator plants
- Smelters
- Metallurgists
- Industries working with copper concentrates
Why should you use ISO 13546 standard?
Mercury is considered a persistent toxin, as its toxicity does not diminish irrespective of chemical reactions or decomposition. Hence, it is vital to determine and minimise the release of mercury. In this regard, cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAAS) is the ideal technique for mercury determinations.
ISO 13546 provides information on sampling and sampling preparation, apparatus, test procedure, calibration solutions, reagents and test portion masses to accurately undertake cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy.
As a buyer of ISO 13546, you can verify the mercury content of copper concentrates with superior detection limits, allowing you to reduce health and safety risks arising from the contamination of water for consumption.