This method is for determining the loss on ignition (LOI) inair, using a specified ignition temperature and time, for fresh,regenerated, used, and spent catalysts, catalyst supports, andmolecular sieves of various shapes and sizes, including fines. Thismethod is quantitative down to 0.1 mass-%. The method is not waterspecific; any components that volatilize at the selected ignitiontemperature, for example, carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, are alsoincluded in the LOI value. Some components, for example sulfates,may volatilize fully or partially depending on ignition time andtemperature. Mass gains are possible with catalysts that containreduced metals.

The criteria for selecting the temperature for the LOI are basedon the volatility of components of materials. Examples are listedin PROCEDURE, Table 1. Length of time at temperature isdependent on the application of the LOI values. For example, it isimportant to drive off defined volatiles for the determination ofplatinum concentration.