Abstract

The method is applicable to sulphur contents between 0,002 % (m/m) and 0,10 % (m/m). Specifies principle, reagents and material, apparatus, sampling, procedure, expression of results and test report. Annex A gives additional information on the international cooperative tests. Annex B represents the precision date graphically. Annex C deals with induction furnaces and infrared sulfur analysers.

Status
Not Published
Public Enquiry End Date
30-Jan-2026
Technical Committee
IFEK - Ferrous metals
Current Stage
4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
Start Date
21-Nov-2025
Due Date
10-Apr-2026
Completion Date
02-Feb-2026

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oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026

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oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 is a CEN document for laboratories that determine sulfur in steel and iron. It specifies an infrared absorption method after combustion in an induction furnace, so users know how to prepare the sample, run the measurement, calculate the sulfur content and report the result.

What does oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 specify?

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 specifies a method for determining sulfur in steel and iron by combusting a test portion in an induction furnace and measuring the sulfur dioxide by infrared absorption. The method is intended for sulfur contents from 0,002 % (mass fraction) to 0,10 % (mass fraction).

The document is organized into clauses for scope, normative references, terms and definitions, principle, reagents and materials, apparatus, sampling and sample preparation, procedure, expression of results, and test report. It also includes three informative annexes that help users understand instrument features, the interlaboratory study behind the precision data, and the graphical form of that precision data.

AnnexWhat it covers
Annex AFeatures of commercial high-frequency induction furnaces and infrared sulfur analysers
Annex BAdditional information on the international interlaboratory test
Annex CGraphical representation of precision data

What are the key requirements of oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026?

Principle of the method

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 uses combustion of the test portion in pure oxygen, with an accelerator, in a high-frequency induction furnace. Sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide, and the instrument measures that gas by infrared absorption.

In practice, this means the result depends on clean combustion, stable oxygen supply, and a calibrated infrared analyser. The method is designed for routine chemical analysis where sulfur must be measured at low levels in ferrous materials.

Reagents, materials and apparatus

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 requires analytical-grade reagents, water complying with ISO 3696 or equivalent purity, and oxygen of at least 99,5 % volume fraction. It also specifies pure iron of known low sulfur content, accelerator material, quartz wool, magnesium perchlorate, inert ceramic material impregnated with sodium hydroxide, and sulfur standard solutions prepared from potassium sulfate.

The apparatus section requires ordinary laboratory equipment, class A volumetric glassware in accordance with ISO 648 or ISO 1042, a micro pipette, tin capsules and ceramic crucibles. For the furnace and analyser, the document points users to the manufacturer’s instructions and to Annex A for typical instrument features. In practice, this means the laboratory must control contamination, gas purification and crucible preparation, because these directly affect low-sulfur measurements.

Sampling and sample preparation

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 requires sampling and sample preparation in accordance with ISO 14284 or appropriate national standards for steel and iron. The test sample is degreased before weighing, and the test portion mass depends on the expected sulfur level.

This matters because surface contamination and poor sampling can shift the result at very low sulfur contents. The method distinguishes between lower and higher sulfur ranges so the analyst can choose a test portion mass suitable for the analyser range and sample concentration.

Blank test and low standard

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 requires duplicate blank tests before determination. The blank value is established from a low standard made with pure iron and accelerator, and the document gives the way to convert the instrument readings to sulfur mass.

In practice, the blank correction is critical because the method measures very small sulfur quantities. The document also sets an acceptability check on the duplicate blank values and instructs the user to investigate contamination if the values are too high.

Calibration by sulfur range

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 uses separate calibration series for three sulfur ranges: below 0,005 %, between 0,005 % and 0,04 %, and between 0,04 % and 0,1 % mass fraction. Each range uses defined sulfur standard solutions, evaporation into tin capsules, and measurements against a zero member to build the calibration curve.

This range-based approach matters because one calibration does not fit the whole measurement span equally well. The laboratory must choose the calibration series that matches the expected sulfur level, then use the resulting curve to convert analyser readings into sulfur mass.

Expression of results, precision and report

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 calculates sulfur content from the sulfur mass measured in the test portion and corrects it with the blank value. Clause 9 also gives precision information based on a planned interlaboratory test and reports smoothed repeatability and reproducibility data.

The test report must identify the sample, the laboratory and the date, cite the method as ISO 4935, state the result with unit, and note any unusual features or any operation not specified in the document. For users, this means the report is not just a number - it also records anything that could affect interpretation of the result.

What terms does oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 define?

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 does not list formal terms and definitions, but it relies on several working terms that are central to the method:

  • Test portion - the weighed amount of sample actually combusted in the crucible.
  • Blank test - a duplicate check used to measure and correct background sulfur.
  • Low standard - the reference used to establish the blank value from pure iron and accelerator.
  • Calibration curve - the relationship used to convert analyser readings into sulfur mass.
  • Accelerator - a material added to support combustion of the sample in the furnace.
  • Repeatability - the closeness of results under the same operator, apparatus and conditions.
  • Reproducibility - the closeness of results across laboratories or other changed conditions.
  • Infrared absorption - the measurement principle used to quantify sulfur dioxide after combustion.

Who uses oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026?

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 is used by laboratories that test steel, iron and other ferrous materials for sulfur content. It is relevant to chemical analysis labs, steelworks laboratories, foundries and quality control teams that need sulfur data for product release, incoming inspection or process control.

It is also useful for technical staff selecting or validating an induction furnace and infrared sulfur analyser for routine analysis. Buyers and quality managers use it to check whether a laboratory method matches the sulfur range and reporting needs for their material.

What changed in oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 from the previous edition?

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 replaces the first edition, ISO 4935:1989. The foreword states three main changes: the normative references were revised, the precision data were updated, and the text was improved editorially.

Which standards are used with oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026?

StandardContribution to oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026
ISO 648Specifies single-volume pipettes used for accurate liquid transfers
ISO 1042Specifies one-mark volumetric flasks used to prepare sulfur standard solutions
ISO 3696Specifies water quality for analytical laboratory use
ISO 14284Covers sampling and preparation of steel and iron samples
ISO 5725-2Used in the statistical treatment of the interlaboratory precision data
ISO 5725-3Used in the evaluation of intermediate precision and collaborative study designs
ISO 5725-1Cited in the precision notes for the meaning of repeatability conditions

What does the oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 document contain?

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 contains the full analytical workflow: the combustion principle, reagent list, apparatus requirements, sampling guidance, operating steps, calibration procedures for three sulfur ranges, and the calculation used to express sulfur content. It also includes the test report items that should be recorded after the analysis.

The document goes further than a simple method description by including precision tables, duplicate blank guidance, and a worked basis for the calibration curves. Annex A gives typical features of high-frequency induction furnaces and infrared sulfur analysers, Annex B summarizes the interlaboratory test work, and Annex C shows the precision relationships in graphical form.

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Effective Date
25-Oct-2023

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Frequently Asked Questions

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Steel and iron - Determination of sulfur content - Infrared absorption method after combustion in an induction furnace (ISO/DIS 4935:2025)". This standard covers: The method is applicable to sulphur contents between 0,002 % (m/m) and 0,10 % (m/m). Specifies principle, reagents and material, apparatus, sampling, procedure, expression of results and test report. Annex A gives additional information on the international cooperative tests. Annex B represents the precision date graphically. Annex C deals with induction furnaces and infrared sulfur analysers.

The method is applicable to sulphur contents between 0,002 % (m/m) and 0,10 % (m/m). Specifies principle, reagents and material, apparatus, sampling, procedure, expression of results and test report. Annex A gives additional information on the international cooperative tests. Annex B represents the precision date graphically. Annex C deals with induction furnaces and infrared sulfur analysers.

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 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.

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 24935:1997. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

oSIST prEN ISO 4935:2026 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-januar-2026
Jeklo in železo - Določevanje žvepla - Infrardeča absorpcijska metoda po
zgorevanju v indukcijski peči (ISO/DIS 4935:2025)
Steel and iron - Determination of sulfur content - Infrared absorption method after
combustion in an induction furnace (ISO/DIS 4935:2025)
Stahl und Eisen - Bestimmung des Schwefelgehalts - Verfahren mit Infrarotabsorption
nach Verbrennung im Induktionsofen (ISO/DIS 4935:2025)
Aciers et fontes - Détermination du soufre - Méthode par absorption dans l'infrarouge
après combustion dans un four à induction (ISO/DIS 4935:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 4935
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.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 4935
ISO/TC 17/SC 1
Steel and iron — Determination
Secretariat: JISC
of sulfur content — Infrared
Voting begins on:
absorption method after
2025-11-12
combustion in an induction furnace
Voting terminates on:
2026-02-04
Aciers et fontes — Dosage du soufre — Méthode par absorption
dans l'infrarouge après combustion dans un four à induction
ICS: 77.080.01
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 4935:2025(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 4935:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 4935
ISO/TC 17/SC 1
Steel and iron — Determination
Secretariat: JISC
of sulfur content — Infrared
Voting begins on:
absorption method after
combustion in an induction furnace
Voting terminates on:
Aciers et fontes — Dosage du soufre — Méthode par absorption
dans l'infrarouge après combustion dans un four à induction
ICS: 77.080.01
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
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NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
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Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 4935:2025(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 4935:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagent and materials . 1
6 Apparatus . 2
7 Sampling and sample preparation . 3
8 Procedure . 3
8.1 General operating instructions .3
8.2 Test sample and sample preparation .3
8.3 Blank test .4
8.3.1 Low standard .4
8.4 Determination .5
8.5 Establishment of the calibration curve .5
8.5.1 Samples having sulfur contents less than 0,005 % (mass fraction) .5
8.5.2 Samples having sulfur contents between 0,005 % (mass fraction) and 0,04 %
(mass fraction) .6
8.5.3 Samples having sulfur contents between 0,04 % (mass fraction) and 0,1 %
(mass fraction) .6
9 Expression of results . 7
9.1 Method of calculation .7
9.2 Precision . . .7
10 Test report . 8
Annex A (informative) Features of commercial high-frequancy induction furnaces and infrared
sulfur analysers . 9
Annex B (informative) Additional information on the international interlaboratory test .11
Annex C (informative) Graphical representation of precision data . 14
Bibliography .15

iii
ISO/DIS 4935:2025(en)
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 document 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).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
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 World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17, Steel, Subcommittee SC 1, Methods of
determination of chemical composition.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 4935:1989), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— Normative references have been revised;
— The precision data has been updated;
— The text has been improved editorially.
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.

iv
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 4935:2025(en)
Steel and iron — Determination of sulfur content — Infrared
absorption method after combustion in an induction furnace
1 Scope
This document specifies an infrared absorption method after combustion in an induction furnace for
determination of sulfur in steel and iron.
The method is applicable to sulfur contents between 0,002 % (mass fraction) and 0,10 % (mass fraction).
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 648, Laboratory glassware — Single-volume pipettes
ISO 1042, Laboratory glassware — One-mark volumetric flasks
ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods
ISO 14284, Steel and iron — Sampling and preparation of samples for the determination of chemical composition
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Principle
Combustion of a test portion in presence of an accelerator at a high temperature in a high-frequency
induction furnace in a current of pure oxygen. Transformation of sulfur into sulfur dioxide.
Measurement by infrared absorption of the Sulfur dioxide carried by a current of oxygen.
5 Reagent and materials
During the analysis, unless otherwise stated, use only reagents of recognized analytical grade and only
distilled water in accordance with ISO 3696 or water of equivalent purity.
5.1 Water, free from sulfur dioxide.
Boil water for 30 min, cool to room temperature and bubble with oxygen (5.2) for 15 min. Prepare just before use.

ISO/DIS 4935:2025(en)
5.2 Oxygen, 99,5 % (volume fraction) minimum.
An oxidation catalyst [copper(II) oxide or platinum] tube heated to a temperature above 450 °C shall be used
prior to a purifying unit (see Annex A), when the presence of organic contaminants is suspected in the oxygen.
5.3 Pure iron, of known low sulfur content less than 0,000 5 % (mass fraction).
5.4 Appropriate solvent, suitable for washing greasy or dirty test samples, for example, high-purity acetone
5.5 Magnesium perchlorate [Mg(ClO ) ], particle size: from 0,7 mm to 1,2 mm.
4 2
WARNING — Magnesium perchlorate is a highly potent reagent and shall be opened as short as
possible and kept in a dry and organic free environment. It also pulverises during storage and using
too small particles will cause changes or stop the flow. Using a grid to separate small particles is not
recommended but just vibrate will cause larger particles on top.
5.6 Accelerator, tungsten-tin mixture or tungsten of known low sulfur content less than 0,000 5 % (mass
fraction). The particle size of the accelerator may be dependent on the type of apparatus used.
5.7 Quartz wool, fine or course shall be used as glass wool will absorb sulfur (SO ).
WARNING — Quartz is hazardous to inhale so protective breathing filter and a hood shall be used
when handling quartz wool.
5.8 Sulfur, standard solutions
Weigh, to the nearest 0,1 mg, the mass given in Table 1 of potassium sulfate [minimum purity: 99,9 % (mass
fraction)] previously dried at 105 °C to 110 °C for 1 h or to constant mass and cooled in a desiccator.
Table 1 — Preparation of sulfur standard solutions
Reference of sulfur standard solution Mass of potassium sulfate Concentration of sulfur
g mg/ml
5.7.1 0,217 4 0,40
5.7.2 0,380 4 0,70
5.7.3 0,543 4 1,00
5.7.4 1,086 9 2,00
5.7.5 1,902 2 3,50
5.7.6 2,717 2 5,00
5.7.7 4,347 5 8,00
Transfer quantitatively into seven 100 ml one-mark volumetric flasks. Dilute to the mark with water and mix.
5.9 Inert ceramic, (attapulgus clay) impregnated with sodium hydroxide, particle size: from 0,7 mm
to 1,2 mm.
6 Apparatus
During the analysis, unless otherwise stated, use only ordinary laboratory apparatus.
All volumetric glassware shall be class A, in accordance with ISO 648 or ISO 1042 as appropriate.
The apparatus required for combustion in a high-frequency induction furnace and the subsequent infrared
absorption measurement of the evolved sulfur dioxide may be obtained commercially from a number of
manufacturers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the operation of the instrument.

ISO/DIS 4935:2025(en)
Features of commercial instruments are given in Annex A.
6.1 Micro pipette, 50 μl and 100 μl, the limit of error shall be less than 1 μl.
6.2 Tin capsule, about 6 mm in diameter, 18 mm in height, 0,3 g in mass and approximately 0,4 ml in volume.
6.3 Ceramic crucible, capable of withstanding combustion in an induction furnace
Ignite crucibles in an electric furnace in air or in a current of oxygen for not less than 2 h at 1 100 °C and
store in a desiccator before use.
NOTE For the determination of low sulfur contents it is advisable to ignite crucibles at 1 350 °C in a current of oxygen
7 Sampling and sample preparation
Sampling and preparation of the samples shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 14284 or appropriate
national standards for steel and iron.
8 Procedure
WARNING — The risks related to combustion analysis are mainly burns in pre-igniting the ceramic
crucibles and in the fusions. Use crucible tongs at all times and suitable containers for the used
crucibles. Normal precautions for handling oxygen cylinders shall be taken. Oxygen from the
combustion process shall be removed effectively from the apparatus since a high concentration of
oxygen in a confined space can present a fire hazard.
8.1 General operating instructions
Purify the oxygen supply using tubes packed with the inert ceramic (attapulgus clay) impregnated with
sodium hydroxide (5.8) and magnesium perchlorate (5.5), and maintain a quiescent flow rate whilst on
standby. Maintain a quartz wool (5.7), filter or a stainless steel net as a dust collector. Clean and change as
necessary. The furnace chamber, pedestal post and filter trap shall be cleaned frequently to remove oxide
build-up.
Allow each item of equipment to stabilize for the time recommended by the manufacturers of the equipment
when the main supply is switched on after being out of action for any length of time.
After cleaning the furnace chamber and/or changing filters or after the equipment has been inoperative for
a period, stabilize the apparatus by burning several samples of similar type to the samples to be analyzed
prior to setting up for analysis.
Flush oxygen through the apparatus and adju
...