ISO 4551-1987 (1988) PDF

Full title and description

ISO 4551:1987 — Ferroalloys — Sampling and sieve analysis. Specifies methods of sampling, sample preparation and sieve analysis for determining the particle-size distribution in consignments or lots of all types of ferroalloys with particle size equal to or greater than 40 μm.

Abstract

This international standard gives procedures to obtain representative samples from consignments of ferroalloys, to prepare and divide gross samples into test samples, and to perform sieve analysis (hand, mechanically assisted or continuous) to determine size distribution. It includes requirements for increment mass, sampling equipment and division methods, and reporting of size fractions and precision.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: First edition published December 1987 (corrected / reprinted February 1, 1988 in some printings).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 77.100 (Ferroalloys).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1987).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (official ISO pagination; some database records list alternative page counts in vendor catalogues).

Scope

Applies to sampling and sieve-analysis methods for determination of the size distribution of ferroalloys in consignments or lots where particle size is equal to or greater than 40 micrometres. The standard addresses the complete chain from increment sampling through sample division and sieving, and provides rules to achieve reproducible and defensible size-distribution results.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions related to increments, gross sample, divided sample and size fractions to ensure consistent terminology.
• Rules for mass of an increment and for number of increments required based on nominal top size and consignment mass.
• Acceptable sampling equipment and handling procedures to avoid changing particle-size distribution (mechanical samplers, shovels, probes, containers).
• Sample preparation and division methods (reference to division techniques such as those in ISO guidance) to obtain representative test samples.
• Sieve-analysis procedures (hand, assisted hand, mechanical batch and continuous sieving), sieve apparatus requirements and end-point rules for reporting.
• Precision, expression of results and required content of a test-sieving report so results are repeatable and comparable.

Typical use and users

Used by ferroalloy producers and processors for internal quality control, by steelmakers and foundries that require specified particle-size distributions for process performance, by independent inspection bodies and testing laboratories performing acceptance testing, and by traders and logistics teams verifying consignments at shipment or receipt.

Related standards

Closely related to other ferroalloy sampling/sample-preparation standards in the ISO 4550 series (for example ISO 4552 parts on sampling and sample preparation for chemical analysis) and to sieving/test-sieve standards such as those referenced within ISO 4551 (ISO standards for test sieves and sieving procedures). Users commonly cross-reference ISO 4552 (sampling/sample preparation for chemical analysis of ferroalloys) and later or sector-specific sampling standards for particular alloys.

Keywords

Ferroalloys; sampling; sample preparation; sieve analysis; particle-size distribution; increments; test sieve; sample division; quality control.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 4551:1987 is an ISO International Standard titled "Ferroalloys — Sampling and sieve analysis" that specifies procedures for sampling and determining particle-size distribution in ferroalloys.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers increment sampling, gross-sample preparation, division into test samples and sieve-analysis methods for ferroalloys with particle size ≥ 40 μm, including requirements for equipment, sieving modes and reporting of results.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ferroalloy manufacturers and processors, steelmakers and foundries, testing laboratories, inspection bodies, and traders who need consistent, reproducible particle-size data for quality control and acceptance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The ISO registry lists ISO 4551 as published (first edition 1987) and available; users should check the ISO catalogue or their national standards body for any revision or confirmation of status before use. Some databases note a corrected/reprinted issue in early 1988.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the body of ISO standards covering ferroalloys (for example ISO 4552 parts covering sampling and sample preparation for chemical analysis) and it references other ISO documents for sieve/test-sieve specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ferroalloys, sampling, sieve analysis, particle-size distribution, increment, sample division, test sieve, quality control.