ASTM E1385-00
Standard Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Steam Distillation

Standard No.

ASTM E1385-00

Release Date

2000

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Withdraw 2009-01

Latest

ASTM E1385-00

Scope

Steam distillation is a classical separation technique, useful for preparing extracts for analysis by gas chromatography GC/MS or GC/IR. Distillates are suitable for analysis according to Test Method E 1387 or Guide E 1618.

The visible oily liquid extract can be used as a courtroom exhibit, unlike extracts produced by other separation procedures which are solutions rather than a neat liquid.

This practice is not useful for the separation of water soluble ignitable liquids such as alcohols or ketones.

Alternate separation and concentration methods are suggested if the concentration of flammable or combustible liquid residues is not detectable by odor.

This is a destructive technique that should only be used when a representative portion of the sample can be reserved for reanalysis. Those portions of the sample subjected to this procedure may not be suitable for resampling. Consider using passive headspace concentration as described in Practice E 1412.

1.1 This practice covers the procedure for separating visible quantities of water insoluble hydrocarbons from samples of fire debris.

1.2 This practice is recommended only for samples which have a detectable odor of petroleum distillates when examined at room temperature.

1.3 This practice can yield useful extracts by the application of a solvent to the distillation trap in the event that only small quantities of hydrocarbons are obtained.

1.4 Alternate separation and concentration procedures are listed in the referenced documents.

1.5 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.

ASTM E1385-00 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1193 Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM E1386 Standard Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction
• ASTM E1387 Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography
• ASTM E1412 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration With Activated Charcoal
• ASTM E1413 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube
• ASTM E1459 Standard Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
• ASTM E1492 Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
• ASTM E1618 Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
• ASTM E752 

ASTM E1385-00 history

• 2000 ASTM E1385-00 Standard Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Steam Distillation
• 1995 ASTM E1385-95 Standard Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Steam Distillation