INTERNATIONAL ISO

STANDARD 3087

Fifth edition
2020-07

Iron ores — Determination of the

moisture content of a lot
Minerais de fer — Détermination de l'humidité d'un lot

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Reference number
ISO 3087:2020(E)

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Contents Page

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Principle......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
5 Apparatus...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
6 Samples........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
7 Procedure..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
7.1 Number of moisture measurements..................................................................................................................................... 2
7.2 Reference methods............................................................................................................................................................................... 2
7.2.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
7.2.2 Normal reference method......................................................................................................................................... 3
7.2.3 Optional reference method for ores of high combined water content............................... 3
7.3 Alternative methods............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
7.3.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
7.3.2 Adjustment of drying time only........................................................................................................................... 4
8 Verification.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
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9 Calculation and expression of results.............................................................................................................................................. 4
9.1 (standards.iteh.ai)
Test portion................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
9.2
Lot....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
ISO 3087:2020
10 Test reporthttps://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/27160ec4-ddd8-42d6-b698-
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Annex A (informative) Determination of moisture content of adhesive or wet iron ores............................. 8
8c62d99f4741/iso-3087-2020
Annex B (normative) Corrections for sprinkled water and/or rainwater..................................................................10
Annex C (informative) Precision of moisture measurement.....................................................................................................15
Annex D (informative) Examples of test reports....................................................................................................................................16
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35

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ISO 3087:2020(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.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www​.iso​.org/​directives).
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. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www​.iso​.org/​patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
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World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www​.iso​.org/​
iso/​foreword​.html. (standards.iteh.ai)
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC  102, Iron ore and direct reduced iron,
Subcommittee SC 1, Sampling. ISO 3087:2020
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This fifth edition cancels and replaces the 8c62d99f4741/iso-3087-2020
fourth edition (ISO 3087:2011), which has been technically
revised. The main changes compared with the previous edition are as follows:
— the existing two 105 °C moisture determination methods have been confirmed to serve as reference
methods;
— alternative moisture determination methods are now allowed if they can be shown to result in
equivalent moisture contents as the reference methods;
— the weighing device readability requirement has been changed from 0,05 % to 0,01 % equivalent of
test portion mass;
— Clause 9 has been revised;
— Annex D has been updated with new example reports.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www​.iso​.org/​members​.html.

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 ISO 3087:2020(E)


Introduction
Currently, large tonnages of iron ore are traded internationally and a small error in the measured
moisture content [mass fraction (%)] of a lot has a considerable effect on the commercial transaction.
The correct determination of moisture content of a lot is, therefore, a matter of importance for both the
purchaser and the vendor.
This document does not address the determination of the hygroscopic moisture content of a test sample
for chemical analysis. If the hygroscopic moisture content is required to be determined, reference
should be made to ISO 2596:2006.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 3087:2020(E)

Iron ores — Determination of the moisture content of a lot

1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the determination of the moisture content of a lot of iron ore. This
method is applicable to all iron ores, whether natural or processed.

2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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 3082, Iron ores — Sampling and sample preparation procedures
ISO 3085, Iron ores — Experimental methods for checking the precision of sampling, sample preparation
and measurement
ISO 3086, Iron ores — Experimental methods for checking the bias of sampling
ISO 11323, Iron ore and direct reduced iron — Vocabulary
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3 Terms and definitions (standards.iteh.ai)
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 11323 apply.
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ISO and IEC maintain terminological8c62d99f4741/iso-3087-2020
databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://​w ww​.iso​.org/​obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://​w ww​.electropedia​.org/​

4 Principle
Dry the test portion in air at 105 °C and measure the loss in mass. Express the moisture content as the
mass loss relative to the original mass of the sample as a mass fraction (%).

5 Apparatus

5.1 Drying pan, with a smooth surface, free from contamination and capable of accommodating the
specified quantity of a test portion in a layer of nominal thickness not greater than 31,5 mm.

5.2 Drying oven, equipped with a temperature indicator and control apparatus capable of regulating
the temperature at any point in the oven at 105 °C ± 5 °C and so designed as to maintain this temperature
with a current of air to ensure efficient drying but without any loss of sample, and fitted with a fan that
allows for both the circulation and change of air.

5.3 Weighing device, with readability equivalent to at least 0,01  % of the Table  1 minimum test
portion mass. The weighing device should be protected from the influence of heat.

The capacity of the weighing device shall be enough for the combined mass of the drying pan and the
initial mass of the test portion.

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ISO 3087:2020(E)


6 Samples
Test samples that have been taken and prepared in accordance with ISO  3082 shall be used. The
mass of a test portion, in relation to its nominal top size, is specified in Table  1, in accordance with
ISO 3082:2017, 10.6.
The nominal top size of the moisture test sample shall be 31,5  mm or less. Samples with a nominal
top size greater than 31,5  mm shall be crushed prior to extraction of test samples for moisture
determination. When it is difficult to conduct crushing and dividing owing to a sample being adhesive
or excessively wet, the sample may be partially dried in accordance with the procedure in Annex A.
For convenience, the test portion of mass 10 kg for ore of particle size less than 31,5 mm may be divided
into two portions, each of which is subjected to moisture measurement. In calculating the results, the
mean of the two values of initial mass and the mean of the two values of the drying loss in mass should
be used.

Table 1 — Minimum mass of test portion

Nominal top size of test Minimum mass of test
portion portion
mm kg
Over Up to and  
including
22,4 31,5 10
iTeh
10,0 STANDARD
22,4 PREVIEW
5
― 10,0 1
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7 Procedure ISO 3087:2020
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8c62d99f4741/iso-3087-2020
7.1 Number of moisture measurements
Carry out one moisture measurement per test portion on the number of test portions specified in
Table 2, in accordance with the conditions of preparation of the test sample.
In order to minimize losses of moisture to the atmosphere, it is necessary to perform all the initial
weighings of the test portions as quickly as possible after obtaining those test portions.

Table 2 — Number of test portions

Preparation of test sample Number of partial samples per lot Number of test portions to be tested
From gross sample — 4 per gross sample
2 4 per partial sample
From partial sample 3 to 7 2 minimum per partial sample
≥ 8 1 minimum per partial sample
From increment — 1 minimum per increment

7.2 Reference methods

7.2.1 General

The moisture determination shall be conducted in accordance with 7.2.2 or, optionally for ores with
8 % or more of combined water, in accordance with 7.2.3.

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7.2.2 Normal reference method

Apply the following procedure.

a) Spread the test portion in a layer of nominal thickness not greater than 31,5 mm in the tared drying
pan (5.1) and determine the total mass immediately. Record the total mass, the mass of the drying
pan, the initial mass of the test portion (m1) and the numerical value of 0,05 % of m1. To reduce
drying time, it is recommended that the layer-thickness of the sample be kept as low as possible. It
should be specified for particular ores by check experiments carried out beforehand.
b) Place the drying pan with the test portion in the drying oven (5.2) set at 105 °C, and maintain this
temperature for not less than 4 h. Remove the drying pan with the test portion from the drying
oven and weigh it immediately while still hot in order to minimize any reabsorption of moisture.
Otherwise, weigh the test portion after cooling in air in a container having a close-fitting airtight
lid. In each case, report the method of weighing.
c) Once more, place the drying pan with the test portion in the drying oven, heat for a further 1 h, and
then repeat the weighing.
d) Repeat the procedure described in item c) until the difference in mass between subsequent
measurements becomes 0,05 % or less of the initial mass of the test portion. Record the total mass
and the mass of the test portion after each additional hour of drying (m2 and onwards).

7.2.3 Optional reference method for ores of high combined water content

For ores containing 8 % or more combined water, the following procedure may be applied.
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
a) Spread the test portion in a layer of nominal thickness not greater than 31,5 mm in the tared drying
(standards.iteh.ai)
pan (5.1) and determine the total mass immediately. Record the total mass, the mass of the drying
pan and the initial mass of the test portion (m1).
ISO 3087:2020
b) Place the drying pan with the test portion in the drying oven (5.2) set at 105 °C and maintain this
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temperature for not less than 24 h. Remove the drying pan with the test portion from the drying
8c62d99f4741/iso-3087-2020
oven and weigh it immediately while still hot in order to minimize any reabsorption of moisture.
Otherwise, weigh the test portion after cooling in air in a container having a close-fitting airtight
lid. Record the total mass and the mass of the test portion after drying (m₂). In each case, report the
method of weighing.

7.3 Alternative methods

7.3.1 General

Alternative methods refer to the potential use of different technology, such as ovens that do not rely on
convection drying alone, or to procedures that potentially differ in terms of oven temperature (up to
140 °C) and time from what is described in 7.2, but which do not deviate from the conditions stipulated
in Clause 6 and 7.1 (minimum mass of test portion and number of portions to be tested).
Such alternative methods or modifications for determining the moisture content are allowed where
check experiments carried out beforehand, which demonstrate satisfactorily to all parties concerned
that an equivalent moisture result is obtained when compared to the applicable reference method
specified in 7.2. This demonstration shall include ISO 3086 bias testing using a relevant bias of no more
than 0,05 % moisture and where the confidence interval includes the zero. Further, the precision of the
alternative method shall be demonstrated by ISO 3085 to be the same or better than achieved by the
applicable reference method.
If the sample is subsequently to be used for multiple use, the chemistry, LOI and size distribution of the
dried remains shall be checked by means of ISO 3086 to ensure they are not different to dried remains
from equivalent reference moisture testing methods. If any changes are identified, the alternative
method shall be discarded.

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7.3.2 Adjustment of drying time only

In the case where an alternative method changes only the drying times specified in 7.2.2 in order to
eliminate repeat weighings for verification of constant mass, then it is only necessary to demonstrate
equivalence of precision and moisture result.

8 Verification
Regular checking of apparatus and procedures is essential to verify the test results. Checks shall be
carried out prior to the commencement of a routine test in accordance with this document and at
regular intervals thereafter. The frequency of checking is a matter for each laboratory to determine. A
detailed record of all verification activities shall be maintained for the following items:
— sprinkled water measurement:
— volumenometer;
— rainfall measurement:
— rain gauge;
— moisture test:
— oven temperature/temperature regulation;
— circulation and change of air in oven;
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— weighing device.
(standards.iteh.ai)
9 Calculation and expression of results
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9.1 Test portion 8c62d99f4741/iso-3087-2020

The result of the determination of the moisture content, wi, expressed as a mass fraction (%), for each
test portion, is given by Formula (1) and reported to the second decimal place:
m1 − m2
wi = ×100 (1)
m1
where

  m1 is the initial mass, in grams, of the test portion;

  m2 is the mass, in grams, of the test portion after drying.

An illustration of moisture determination of a random test portion is shown in an example test report
in Table D.1.

9.2 Lot

9.2.1 The moisture content of a lot is given by one of the Formulae  (2) to (6), as the occasion may
demand, and reported to the first decimal place.

Sprinkled water and/or rainwater over iron ore during loading and/or unloading operation, i.e. moisture
added after/before the point where sampling has taken place, shall be corrected in accordance with the
procedure specified in Annex B.

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9.2.2 When moisture determination is conducted on the gross sample from the lot, the moisture of the
lot is determined as follows.

When the range of the four test results does not exceed 1,3r, as given in Table 3, the arithmetic mean w
of the four results shall be the moisture content, expressed as a mass fraction (%), of the lot as given by
Formula (2):
w1 + w2 + w3 + w4
w= (2)
4
where w1, w2, w3 and w4 are the results of the determinations of the moisture contents, expressed as a
mass fraction (%), on each of the four test portions.
When the range of the four test results exceeds 1,3r, as given in Table 3, the median shall be taken as
the moisture content of the lot. The median of four test results is defined as the mean of the two non-
extreme test results.

Table 3 — Repeatability limit of moisture determination on the gross sample

Average of moisture content Repeatability limit Repeatability limit
w ra 1,3r
mass fraction (%) mass fraction (%) mass fraction (%)
w ≤3 0,20 0,26
3< w ≤ 6iTeh STANDARD 0,25 PREVIEW 0,33
6<w 0,31 0,40
a (standards.iteh.ai)
The theoretical background of the repeatability limit is shown in Annex C.

An illustration of moisture determination ISOof3087:2020

a gross sampled lot with four test portions, where the
range of the four moistures do not exceed 1,3r, is shown in an example test report in Table D.2.
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An illustration of moisture determination of a gross sampled lot with four test portions, where the
range of the four moistures exceed 1,3r, is shown in an example test report in Table D.3.

9.2.3 When mass-basis sampling has been performed and moisture determination is conducted on
each partial sample, the weighted mean, w , of the results from all the partial samples, considering the
number of increments for each partial sample, shall be the moisture content, expressed as a mass fraction
(%), of the lot, as given by Formula (3):
k
∑ Ni wi
w = i =1 (3)
k
∑ Ni
i =1
where

  k is the number of partial samples;

  Ni is the number of increments in the ith partial sample;

  wi is the result of the determination of the moisture content, expressed as a mass fraction (%), of
the ith partial sample, in accordance with Table 2, using either four or two as the number of test
portions.
When partial samples are used and four test portions are conducted in any partial sample, the criteria
established in 9.2.2 may be applied.

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Illustrations of moisture determination of mass-basis sampled lots with two, four and eight partial
samples are shown in the example test reports given in Annex D in Tables D.4, D.6 and D.8, respectively.
If it is impracticable to sample the lot as a whole, or desirable to sample a lot in separate parts of unequal
mass as in the case of time-basis sampling, the moisture content of each part shall be determined
independently and the weighted mean, w , of the results, expressed as a mass fraction (%), of the lot
calculated from the individual results using Formula (4):
k
∑ mi wi
w = i=1 (4)
k
∑ mi
i=1
where

  k is the number of partial samples;

  mi is the mass of the ith part;

  wi is the result of the determination of the moisture content, expressed as a mass fraction (%), of
the ith part.
Illustrations of moisture determination of time-basis sampled lots with two, four and eight partial
samples are shown in the example test reports given in Annex D, in Tables D.5, D.7 and D.9, respectively.
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
9.2.4 When moisture determination is conducted on each increment during mass basis sampling, the
(standards.iteh.ai)
arithmetic mean, w , of the results for all increments obtained in accordance with 9.1 shall be the
moisture content, expressed as a mass fraction (%),
ISOof3087:2020
the lot as given by Formula (5):
n https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/27160ec4-ddd8-42d6-b698-
∑ wi 8c62d99f4741/iso-3087-2020
w = i =1 (5)
n
where

  n is the number of increments;

  wi is the result of the determination of the moisture content, expressed as a mass fraction (%), of
the ith increment.
An illustration of moisture determination of a mass-basis sampled lot where moisture is individually
determined for each of 30 increments, is shown in an example test report in Table D.10.
When moisture determination is conducted on each increment during time basis sampling, the weighted
mean, w , of the results for all increments obtained in accordance with 9.1 shall be the moisture content,
expressed as a mass fraction (%), of the lot as given by Formula (6):
k
∑ m i wi
i =1
w=
k
(6)
∑ mi
i =1
where

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  k is the number of increments;

  mi is the mass of the ith part that the increment represents;

  wi is the increment moisture content, expressed as a mass fraction (%).

An illustration of moisture determination of a time-basis sampled lot, where moisture is individually

determined for each of 25 increments, is shown in an example test report in Table D.11.

10 Test report
The test report shall contain the following information:
a) a reference to this document, i.e. ISO 3087:2020;
b) the details necessary for the identification of the sample;
c) the results of the test;
d) the reference number of the result;
e) the details of the procedure (including apparatus, temperature and time used in the test);
f) any characteristics noticed during the determination, and any operation not specified in this
document;
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g) the date of the test.
(standards.iteh.ai)
Examples of test reports are shown in Annex D.
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