Deposits in piping from aqueous process streams serve as an indicator of fouling, corrosion or scaling. Rapid techniques of analysis are useful in identifying the nature of the deposit so that the reason for deposition can be ascertained.

Possible treatment schemes can be devised to prevent deposition from reoccurring.

Deposits formed from or by water in all its phases may be further classified as scale, sludge, corrosion products or biological deposits. The overall composition of a deposit or some part of a deposit may be determined by chemical or spectrographic analysis; the constituents actually present as chemical substances may be identified by microscope or
X ray.

1.1 These practices provide directions for the preparation of the sample for analysis, the preliminary examination of the sample, and methods for dissolving the analytical sample or selectively separating constituents of concern.

1.2 The general practices given here can be applied to analysis of samples from a variety of surfaces that are subject to water-formed deposits. However, the investigator must resort to individual experience and judgement in applying these procedures to specific problems.

1.3 The practices include the following:

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific warning statement, see Note 2.