scope:

This document specifies the 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 (SWFF_CS) in bulk materials.

This document gives also guidance on the preparation of the sample and determination of crystalline silica by XRD and FT-IR.

NOTE prEN 17289-2:2019 specifies a method to estimate 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. prEN 17289-3:2019 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 prEN 17289-2:2019 and prEN 17289-3:2019, respectively. The method in prEN 17289-3:2019 can also be used for other constituents, if investigated and validated.

This document is applicable for bulk materials which have been fully investigated and validated. The criteria for the materials are described in prEN 17289-2:2019 and prEN 17289-3:2019. This includes industrial minerals which can contain crystalline silica such as quartz, clay, kaolin, talc, feldspar, mica, cristobalite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, barite, andalusite, iron ore, chromite etc.