ASTM E1412-12

This practice is useful for preparing extracts from fire debris for later analysis by gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

This is a very sensitive separation procedure, capable of isolating quantities smaller than ¹/₁₀ μL of ignitable liquid residue from a sample.

1.1 This practice describes the procedure for separation of small quantities of ignitable liquid residues from samples of fire debris using an adsorbent material to extract the residue from the static headspace above the sample, then eluting the adsorbent with a solvent.

1.2 While this practice is suitable for successfully extracting ignitable liquid residues over the entire range of concentration, the headspace concentration methods are best used when a high level of sensitivity is required due to a very low concentration of ignitable liquid residues in the sample.

1.2.1 Unlike other methods of separation and concentration, this practice is essentially nondestructive.

1.3 Alternate separation and concentration procedures are listed in the referenced documents (see Practices E1386, E1388, E1413, and E2154).

1.4 This practice does not replace knowledge, skill, ability, experience, education, or training and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.