Assay
Weigh accurately a quantity of Barium Sulfate for Suspension,equivalent to about 0.60g of barium sulfate (BaSO
4),in a tared platinum crucible,and ignite over a low flame until any organic matter is thoroughly carbonized.Cool,cautiously add 0.5mLof nitric acid and 0.5mLof sulfuric acid,and continue the ignition over a low flame until the residue becomes gray in color,then ignite over the full heat of a blast burner.Allow the contents of the crucible to cool to room temperature.
NOTE1If the specimen contains a silicate,such as bentonite,proceed as follows.Add 10mLof water and 1mLof sulfuric acid to the residue in the crucible,mix,and add 10mLof hydrofluoric acid.Heat gently over a low flame until fumes of sulfur trioxide appear.Add 5mLmore of hydrofluoric acid,heat again over a low flame to the appearance of dense fumes,and continue heating until the sulfuric acid has been completely volatilized.Allow the contents of the crucible to cool.
NOTE2If the specimen does not contain a silicate,omit the treatment of the specimen with hydrofluoric and sulfuric acids.
Add to the treated or untreated specimen in the platinum crucible 10g of anhydrous sodium carbonate,fuse over a blast burner until a clear melt is obtained,and heat for an additional 30minutes.Proceed as directed in the
Assayunder
Barium Sulfate,beginning with Cool,place the crucible in a 400-mLbeaker.