Work Instruction Code: QOP-QUL -0102-07

Date of
Department: Quality
Loss on Ignition Issue: 1-Oct-10

1. Objective
This test method covers the determination of the loss on ignition according
to the specification of EN 196-2:1992

2. Analyzed Material
This test is performed on the cement mainly.

3. References
pr EN 196-2: 1992

4. Specifications
EN 196-7

5. Definitions
• The loss on ignition is determined in an oxidizing atmosphere
(air). By igniting in air at 975 ± 25C the carbon dioxide and water
are driven off and any oxidizable elements present are oxidized. A
correction for the influence of this oxidization on the loss on
ignition is described below

Quality
Created By: Assurance Creation Date: 1 /10 / 2010 Page No.: Page 1 of 4
Chemist
15 /12 / 2010
Approved By: Quality Manager Revision Date:
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 Work Instruction Code: QOP-QUL -0102-07

Date of
Department: Quality
Loss on Ignition Issue: 1-Oct-10

6. Apparatus
6.1 Sensitive Balance (accuracy to 0.0001g)
6.2 Platinum crucible (20-25ml capacity)
6.3 Electric Furnace (975C ± 25)
6.4 Desicator

7. Reagents
No reagents

8. Safety

PPE'S must be wearing

• Heat shield
• Gloves
• Safety shoes

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 Work Instruction Code: QOP-QUL -0102-07

Date of
Department: Quality
Loss on Ignition Issue: 1-Oct-10

9. Procedure
• Weigh 1 ± 0.05gm of cement (w1) into a crucible which has been
previously ignited and tarred.
• Place the covered crucible in the electric furnace controlled at 975 ±
25C.
• After heating for 5min remove the lid and leave the crucible in the
furnace for a further 10min.
• Cool the crucible to room temperature in the desicator.
• Weigh (w2) till constant mass is achieved

9. Calculation
Observed loss on ignition = (w1-w2)/w1 * 100 (in %)
Where w1 = the mass of the test portion
w2 = the mass of the ignited test portion

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 Work Instruction Code: QOP-QUL -0102-07

Date of
Department: Quality
Loss on Ignition Issue: 1-Oct-10

6. Errors and corrections

Errors are caused either by the presence of carbon or by oxidation of
sulfides of any remaining metallic iron. The error resulting from the
presence of these different elements may be corrected for, but only the
correction due to oxidation of sulfides is to be applied, the others usually
being considered to be negligible.

In this case, the correction due to sulfide is

1.996 * (% of S2-) and the corrected loss on ignition = observed loss
on ignition + 1.996 * (% of S2-)

For determination of sulfate present before and after ignition the relation is:
Final %SO3 - initial %SO3 = SO3 resulting from the oxidation of
sulfides i.e. a correction of :
0.8 * (%SO3 from oxidation of sulfide) = % of oxygen taken up.

10. Experimental hints

• The standard deviation for repeatability is 0.04%
• The standard deviation for reproducibility is 0.08%

11. Responsibilities
• Who is responsible to do the test: Senior Technician
• Reports to whom: Chemist
• Who takes the action: Chemist

Quality
Created By: Assurance Creation Date: 1 /10 / 2010 Page No.: Page 4 of 4
Chemist
15 /12 / 2010
Approved By: Quality Manager Revision Date:
Reference Documents: Version A