BS EN 15079-2015 PDF

Full title and description

BS EN 15079-2015 — Copper and copper alloys — Analysis by spark optical emission spectrometry (S-OES). This standard specifies a routine method for chemical analysis of copper and its alloys using spark-source optical emission spectrometry, covering apparatus, sampling and sample preparation, calibration, procedure, expression of results and reporting requirements.

Abstract

Provides a standardized S-OES test procedure to determine the concentrations of elements (other than copper) commonly present in copper and copper alloys. The method measures element-specific optical emission produced by a spark discharge and relates measured intensities to calibration curves prepared from reference materials; informative annexes give recommended wavelengths, typical calibration ranges and detection limits.

General information

• Status: Current (European standard adopted as BS EN 15079:2015; confirms and replaces the 2007 edition).
• Publication date: May 31, 2015 (BSI publication); EN entry/validity recorded in early July 2015 (EN valid from 02 July 2015 in some national repositories).
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — adopted from CEN/TC 133 (CEN European Standard EN 15079:2015).
• ICS / categories: 77.120.30 (Copper and copper alloys); sometimes referenced with 77.040.30 in national listings.
• Edition / version: 2015 edition (supersedes EN/BS EN 15079:2007).
• Number of pages: 24 pages (typical published PDF/printed edition).

Scope

This European standard specifies a routine analytical method for the analysis of copper and copper alloys by spark-source optical emission spectrometry (S-OES). It is applicable to the determination of elements (other than copper) commonly present in copper and copper alloys when those elements are detectable by S-OES. The standard covers principle, apparatus, sampling and sample preparation, calibration and recalibration, procedure, expression of results, precision and test reporting; informative annexes provide wavelengths, typical calibration ranges and detection limits.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle of S-OES: spark excitation, measurement of element-specific wavelengths and intensity-to-concentration calibration curves.
• Apparatus requirements: specifications for spark OES spectrometers, counter-electrodes and surface preparation equipment (turning, grinding, milling).
• Sampling and surface preparation: references to ISO sampling practices and requirements for flat, clean, representative surfaces to avoid contamination or bias.
• Calibration and reference materials: use of certified reference materials to prepare calibration curves and procedures for recalibration and verification.
• Procedure and expression of results: stepwise test procedure, calculation of concentrations, limits of detection and background equivalent concentrations.
• Precision and reporting: repeatability/reproducibility considerations and minimum information required in test reports (sample identification, preparation, instrument settings, calibration data, results).
• Informative annexes: recommended wavelengths for analysis, typical calibration ranges and detection limits for common elements in copper alloys.

Typical use and users

Used by metallurgical and materials testing laboratories, quality control and inspection departments in copper-producing and fabricating industries, research institutions and certification bodies that need a routine, traceable method to determine alloying and impurity elements in copper and copper alloys. It is also used by standards committees and calibration laboratories for method validation and inter-laboratory comparisons.

Related standards

Commonly referenced/related documents include ISO 1811 (selection and preparation of samples for chemical analysis of copper and copper alloys), DIN/EN documents on optical emission spectrometry terminology and practice (e.g., DIN EN 51008-1), and general reference material and quality management standards (ISO Guide 30, ISO 9000 series). The 2015 edition replaces EN 15079:2007.

Keywords

Copper; copper alloys; spark optical emission spectrometry; S-OES; chemical analysis; calibration; reference materials; sample preparation; detection limits; precision.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN 15079:2015 is the British-adopted European standard that specifies a routine method for analysing copper and copper alloys by spark-source optical emission spectrometry (S-OES).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the principle of S-OES, apparatus requirements, sampling and surface preparation, calibration, test procedure, expression of results, precision and reporting, plus informative annexes with wavelengths and typical calibration ranges.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and metallurgy laboratories, industrial quality-control teams in copper production and fabrication, conformity assessment bodies, and research organisations performing routine chemical analysis of copper alloys.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2015 edition is the current edition and supersedes the 2007 edition EN 15079:2007; national adoptions (BS EN, DIN EN, NF EN, etc.) reflect the 2015 text. Users should check national standards bodies for any later amendments or confirmations.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of CEN standards for copper and copper alloys prepared by CEN/TC 133 and is used alongside related ISO and national standards on sampling and spectrometric analysis (for example, ISO 1811 series and related OES terminology standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Copper, copper alloys, spark optical emission spectrometry, S-OES, calibration, detection limits, sample preparation, reference materials, precision, test report.