This document specifies the requirements and choice of test method for the determination of the size-weighted fine fraction (SWFF) and the size-weighted fine fraction of crystalline silica (SWFFCS) in bulk materials.
This document gives also guidance on the preparation of the sample and determination of crystalline silica by X-ray Powder Diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR).
NOTE EN 17289-2 specifies a method to calculate the size-weighted fine fraction from a measured particle size distribution and assumes that the particle size distribution of the crystalline silica particles is the same as the other particles present in the bulk material. EN 17289-3 specifies a method using a liquid sedimentation technique to determine the size-weighted fine fraction of crystalline silica. Both methods are based upon a number of limitations and assumptions, which are listed in EN 17289-2 and EN 17289-3, respectively. The method in EN 17289-3 can also be used for other constituents than CS, if investigated and validated.
This document is applicable for crystalline silica containing bulk materials which have been fully investigated and validated for the evaluation of the size-weighted fine fraction and crystalline silica.