SIST EN ISO 4934:2004
(Main)Steel and iron - Determination of sulfur content - Gravimetric method (ISO 4934:2003)
- Abstract
ISO 4934:2003 specifies a gravimetric method for the determination of the sulfur content in steels and iron, excluding steels containing selenium. The method is particularly suitable as a reference method for the standardization of samples on which certified standard values are to be established.
The method is applicable to a sulfur content between 0,003 % (mass fraction) and 0,35 %(mass fraction).
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2004
- Technical Committee
- IFEK - Ferrous metals
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Jun-2004
- Due Date
- 01-Jun-2004
- Completion Date
- 01-Jun-2004
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 is the Slovenian adoption of EN ISO 4934:2003, published from the ISO 4934:2003 text approved by CEN. It specifies a gravimetric method for determining sulfur content in steel and iron, excluding steels containing selenium, and it is intended especially for reference work when certified standard values are being established. The method applies to sulfur contents from 0.003 % to 0.35 % by mass.
What does SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 specify?
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 specifies the scope, reagents, apparatus, sampling, procedure, result calculation, precision data, and test report content for sulfur determination by gravimetry. The document is organized into clauses 1 to 9, with informative Annexes A and B and normative Annex ZA.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| A | Additional information on international cooperative tests, including test samples and results |
| B | Graphical representation of precision data |
| ZA | Normative references to international publications and their European publications |
What are the key requirements of SIST EN ISO 4934:2004?
Clause 3, Principle: SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 requires dissolution of a test portion in nitric acid, or mixed nitric and hydrochloric acid, in the presence of bromine, followed by perchloric acid treatment, filtration, chromatographic separation on alumina, and precipitation of sulfate as barium sulfate. In practice, this means the analyst must control sulfur losses and keep the separation and precipitation steps clean and repeatable.
Clause 4, Reagents: The standard requires recognized analytical-grade reagents and grade 2 water from ISO 3696. It also specifies the alumina particle size for the chromatography column and named acids, ammonium hydroxide, methyl orange, hydrogen peroxide, and barium chloride solution, so reagent quality directly affects the blank and the final mass of precipitate.
Clause 5, Apparatus: SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 calls for normal laboratory apparatus, an analytical balance with traceable calibration, a conical flask, an Allihn condenser, and a chromatographic adsorption column prepared to the described dimensions and condition. For the reader, this means the method depends on calibrated weighing and on a properly packed and conditioned column.
Clause 6, Sampling: Sampling is to be carried out in accordance with ISO 14284 or appropriate national standards for steel and iron. This matters because the sulfur result represents the sample only if the original material is taken and prepared correctly.
Clause 7.1 and 7.2, Test portion and blank test: The mass of test portion depends on expected sulfur content, and a blank test is required with each set of determinations. For very low sulfur contents, the standard uses two 10 g portions and two blank tests, which reduces the risk of an unreliable result from too little analyte or from reagent contamination.
Clause 7.3, Determination: The procedure covers dissolution, addition of a sulfate spike, perchloric acid treatment, chromatographic separation, elution with ammonium hydroxide, and precipitation with barium chloride, then drying, ignition, and weighing to constant mass. In practice, this is the core laboratory workflow and the timing, washing, and heating steps determine whether the result is valid.
Clause 8, Expression of results: The sulfur content is calculated from the masses of barium sulfate from the test and the blank, using the stated conversion factor. Clause 8 also gives precision data based on an interlaboratory trial, so users can judge expected repeatability and reproducibility at different sulfur levels.
What terms does SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 define?
- Reference method: A method intended to serve as a benchmark when certified standard values are being established.
- Mass fraction: The sulfur content is expressed as a percentage by mass of the sample.
- Blank test: A full analysis run without the test portion, used to correct for reagent and procedural contributions.
- Repeatability: The closeness of results obtained under the same operating conditions, as used in Clause 8 precision data.
- Reproducibility: The closeness of results obtained under changed conditions, such as between different laboratories or over time.
- Barium sulfate: The weighed precipitate used to convert the measured sulfur into a mass result.
- Certified standard values: Reference values assigned to samples for calibration, validation, or standardization work.
Who uses SIST EN ISO 4934:2004?
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 is used by chemical analysis laboratories, steel and iron producers, and laboratories preparing or checking certified reference materials. It is also relevant to quality managers and technical buyers who need a recognized reference method for sulfur measurement in steel and iron. The document is especially useful when results must support standardization work rather than only routine control.
What changed in SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 from the previous edition?
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 replaces SIST EN 24934:1997. The underlying ISO text is ISO 4934:2003, the second edition, which cancels and replaces ISO 4934:1980 with technical revision. The European standard also supersedes EN 24934:1989.
Which standards are used with SIST EN ISO 4934:2004?
| Standard | What it contributes |
|---|---|
| ISO 565 | Nominal opening sizes for the sieve used in preparing alumina |
| ISO 3696 | Water quality for analytical laboratory use |
| ISO 5725-1 | General principles and definitions for accuracy, trueness, and precision |
| ISO 5725-2 | Repeatability and reproducibility calculations |
| ISO 5725-3 | Intermediate precision calculations |
| ISO 14284 | Sampling and preparation of steel and iron samples for chemical composition |
Annex ZA also maps ISO 3696 to EN ISO 3696:1995 and ISO 14284 to EN ISO 14284:2002.
What does the SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 document contain?
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 includes a defined calculation for sulfur content, a precision table, and a worked precision basis from interlaboratory testing. It also contains Figure 1 for the chromatographic adsorption column and Figure B.1 for the logarithmic precision relationship. Annex A provides cooperative test information, including sample lists and results, which supports method evaluation and confidence in the stated precision.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2004
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Refers
SIST EN 1414:2000/A1:2000 - Touch and close fasteners - Cycling procedure for subsequent testing - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Refers
SIST EN 12503-2:2002 - Sports mats - Part 2: Pole vault and high jump mats, safety requirements - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
SIST-TP CEN/TR 10261:2008 - Iron and steel - Review of available methods of chemical analysis - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jan-2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Steel and iron - Determination of sulfur content - Gravimetric method (ISO 4934:2003)". This standard covers: ISO 4934:2003 specifies a gravimetric method for the determination of the sulfur content in steels and iron, excluding steels containing selenium. The method is particularly suitable as a reference method for the standardization of samples on which certified standard values are to be established. The method is applicable to a sulfur content between 0,003 % (mass fraction) and 0,35 %(mass fraction).
ISO 4934:2003 specifies a gravimetric method for the determination of the sulfur content in steels and iron, excluding steels containing selenium. The method is particularly suitable as a reference method for the standardization of samples on which certified standard values are to be established. The method is applicable to a sulfur content between 0,003 % (mass fraction) and 0,35 %(mass fraction).
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.040.30 - Chemical analysis of metals; 77.080.01 - Ferrous metals in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 24934:1997, SIST ISO 565:2003, SIST ISO 14284:2000, SIST ISO 5725-2:2003, SIST ISO 5725-1:2003, SIST ISO 5725-3:2003, SIST ISO 3696:1995, SIST EN 546-1:2007, SIST EN 1414:2000/A1:2000, SIST ENV 14237:2002, SIST EN 12503-2:2002, SIST-TP CEN/TR 10261:2008, SIST EN ISO 4937:2025. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/BC/CEN/87/15. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
SIST EN ISO 4934:2004 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2004
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 24934:1997
Steel and iron - Determination of sulfur content - Gravimetric method (ISO
4934:2003)
Steel and iron - Determination of sulfur content - Gravimetric method (ISO 4934:2003)
Stahl und Eisen - Bestimmung des Schwefelgehaltes - Gravimetrisches Verfahren (ISO
4934:2003)
Aciers et fontes - Dosage de soufre - Méthode gravimétrique (ISO 4934:2003 )
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 4934:2003
ICS:
77.040.30 Kemijska analiza kovin Chemical analysis of metals
77.080.01 Železne kovine na splošno Ferrous metals in general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 4934
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2003
ICS 77.080.01 Supersedes EN 24934:1989
English version
Steel and iron - Determination of sulfur content - Gravimetric
method (ISO 4934:2003)
Aciers et fontes - Dosage de soufre - Méthode Stahl und Eisen - Bestimmung des Schwefelgehaltes -
gravimétrique (ISO 4934:2003 ) Gravimetrisches Verfahren (ISO 4934:2003)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 December 2003.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels
© 2003 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 4934:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
CORRECTED 2004-03-03
Foreword
Le présent document (EN ISO 4934:2003) a été élaboré par le Comité Technique ISO/TC 17
"Acier" en collaboration avec le Comité Technique ECISS/TC 20 "Analyses chimiques" dont le
secrétariat est tenu par le SIS.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of
an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2004, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by June 2004.
This document supersedes EN 24934:1989.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of
the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 4934:2003 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 4934:2003 without any
modifications.
NOTE Normative references to International Standards are listed in Annex ZA (normative).
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their relevant European publications
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of
any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by
amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to
applies (including amendments).
NOTE Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated
by (mod.), the relevant EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN Year
ISO 3696 1987 Water for analytical laboratory use - EN ISO 3696 1995
Specification and test methods
ISO 14284 1996 Steel and iron - Sampling and preparation EN ISO 14284 2002
of samples for the determination of
chemical composition
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 4934
Second edition
2003-12-15
Steel and iron — Determination of sulfur
content — Gravimetric method
Aciers et fontes — Dosage du soufre — Méthode gravimétrique
Reference number
ISO 4934:2003(E)
©
ISO 2003
ISO 4934:2003(E)
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©
ii ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
ISO 4934:2003(E)
Contents Page
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Principle . 1
4 Reagents . 2
5 Apparatus . 3
6 Sampling . 4
7 Procedure . 4
8 Expression of results . 6
9 Test report . 7
Annex A (informative) Additional information on international cooperative tests . 9
Annex B (informative) Graphical representation of precision data . 10
©
ISO 2003 – All rights reserved iii
ISO 4934:2003(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO4934 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC17, Steel, Subcommittee SC1, Methods of
determination of chemical composition.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 4934:1980), which has been technically revised.
©
iv ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 4934:2003(E)
Steel and iron — Determination of sulfur content — Gravimetric
method
1Scope
This International Standard specifies a gravimetric method for the determination of the sulfur content in steels
and iron, excluding steels containing selenium. The method is particularly suitable as a reference method for
the standardization of samples on which certified standard values are to be established.
The method is applicable to a sulfur content between 0,003 % (mass fraction) and 0,35 % (mass fraction).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document
(including any amendments) applies.
ISO 565, Test sieves — Metal wire cloth, perforated metal plate and electroformed sheet — Nominal sizes of
openings
ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods
ISO 5725-1, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 1: General
principles and definitions
ISO 5725-2, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 2: Basic method
for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility of a standard measurement method
ISO 5725-3, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 3: Intermediate
measures of the precision of a standard measurement method
ISO 14284, Steel and iron — Sampling and preparation of samples for the determination of chemical
composition
3 Principle
Dissolution of a test portion in dilute nitric acid in the presence of bromine, or in the mixed acid of nitric acid and
hydrochloric acid in the presence of bromine (with the aid of an appropriate device to prevent sulfur losses).
Addition of perchloric acid and evaporation of the solution until white fumes of perchloric acid are evolved.
Filtration of the solution and removal of the dehydrates of silicon, tungsten, niobium,etc.
Addition of a determined quantity of sulfate ions to aid precipitation.
Chromatographic separation of the sulfate ions from the test solution by adsorption on an alumina column, and
elution using an ammonium hydroxide solution.
Precipitation of the sulfate ions as barium sulfate under controlled conditions and filtering, washing, heating and
weighing.
©
ISO 2003 – All rights reserved 1
ISO 4934:2003(E)
4Reagents
During the analysis, use only reagents of recognized analytical grade and only grade 2 water as specified in
ISO 3696.
4.1 Aluminium oxide (alumina, Al O ), prepared for chromatography, of particle size corresponding to a
2 3
sieve mesh size of 75µm to 150µm (supplementary series R 40/3 of ISO 565)
Alumina designated alkaline, neutral or acid may be used.
Place approximately 200 g of the dry alumina in a 400 ml beaker containing 300 ml of water and place the
beaker in a sink. Insert a glass tube having a bore of 5mm, such that it extends to the bottom of the beaker and
connect the tube to a water supply. Adjust the water flow so that the suspended fine material overflows the rim
of the beaker. Continue this treatment until all the fine material, which does not settle within 1 min of stopping
the water flow, is removed.
Pour off the supernatant liquid from the coarser material, add the hydrochloric acid (4.5) in an amount sufficient
to cover the alumina; stir and allow to stand for not less than 12 h. Pour off the hydrochloric acid and wash the
alumina with water as described in the second paragraph.
For preparation of the column, make a slurry of the washed alumina and the hydrochloric acid solution (4.8).
4.2 Bromine (Br ), min 99 % (mass fraction)
4.3 Nitric acid (HNO), ρ=approximately 1,40 g/ml
4.4 Nitric acid (HNO ), ρ= approximately 1,40 g/ml, diluted 1+ 1
4.5 Hydrochloric acid (HCl), ρ= approximately 1,19 g/ml
ρ= 1,19 g/ml 1+ 1
4.6 Hydrochloric acid (HCl), approximately , diluted
4.7 Hydrochloric acid (HCl), ρ= approximately 1,19 g/ml, diluted 1+ 9
4.8 Hydrochloric acid (HCl), ρ= approximately 1,19 g/ml, diluted 1+ 19
4.9 Perchloric acid (HClO), ρ=approximately 1,54 g/ml
NOTE If this reagent is shown to have a high sulfate content, this may be removed by passing the reagent through the
adsorption column (5.4).
4.10 Perchloric acid (HClO ), ρ= approximately 1,54 g/ml, diluted 1+ 49
4.11 Acid mixture
Mix hydrochloric acid (4.5) and nitric acid (4.3) in proportions liable to ensure total solubility of the samples. This
mixture should be freshly prepared as required.
NOTE Generally, aqua regia can be used. For some samples, the proportion of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid can be
adjusted.
4.12 Ammonium hydroxide (NHOH), ρ=approximately 0,90 g/ml
4.13 Ammonium hydroxide (NH OH), ρ= approximately 0,90 g/ml, diluted 1+ 19
4.14 Ammonium hydroxide (NH OH), ρ= approximately 0,90 g/ml, diluted 1+ 99
4.15 Sulfuric acid (H SO ), solution corresponding to approximately 48 mg/l of sulfur
2 4
©
2 ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
ISO 4934:2003(E)
Add 2,8 ml of sulfuric acid, ρ= approximately 1,84 g/ml, to about 500 ml of water. Dilute to 1 000 ml and mix.
Take 30 ml of this solution, dilute to 1 000 ml and mix.
4.16 Barium chloride dihydrate (BaCl ·2HO), 1,22 g/lsolution
2 2
Dissolve 1,22 g of barium chloride dihydrate (BaCl ·2H O) in water, dilute to 1 000 ml and mix. Filter the
2 2
solution through close texture filter paper just before use.
1 ml of this solution is equivalent to approximately 0,16 mg of sulfur.
4.17 Methyl orange (C H N NaOS), 0,50 g/lsolution
14 14 3 3
ρ= 1,05 g/ml
4.18 Glacial acetic acid (CHCOOH), approximately
4.19 Hydrogen peroxide (H O), ρ=approximately 1,10 g/ml
2 2
5 Apparatus
Use normal laboratory apparatus.
5.1 Analytical balance, calibrated with nationally or internationally traceable mass, to provide measurement
traceability
5.2 Conical flask, of capacity 1 000
...



