ASTM E1866-97(2013)

4.1 If ASTM Committee E13 has not specified an appropriate test procedure for a specific type of spectrophotometer, or if the sample specified by a Committee E13 procedure is incompatible with the intended spectrophotometer operation, then this guide can be used to develop practical performance tests.

4.2 Tests developed using these guidelines are intended to allow the user to compare the performance of a spectrophotometer on any given day with prior performance. The tests are intended to uncover malfunctions or other changes in instrument operation, but they are not designed to diagnose or quantitatively assess the malfunction or change. The tests are not intended for the comparison of spectrophotometers of different manufacture.

1.1 This guide covers basic procedures that can be used to develop spectrophotometer performance tests. The guide is intended to be applicable to spectrophotometers operating in the ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared and mid-infrared regions.

1.2 This guide is not intended as a replacement for specific practices such as Practices E275, E925, E932, E958, E1421, or E1683 that exist for measuring performance of specific types of spectrophotometers. Instead, this guide is intended to provide guidelines in how similar practices should be developed when specific practices do not exist for a particular spectrophotometer type, or when specific practices are not applicable due to sampling or safety concerns. This guide can be used to develop performance tests for on-line process spectrophotometers.

1.3 This guide describes univariate level zero and level one tests, and multivariate level A and level B tests which can be implemented to measure spectrophotometer performance. These tests are designed to be used as rapid, routine checks of spectrophotometer performance. They are designed to uncover malfunctions or other changes in instrument operation, but do not specifically diagnose or quantitatively assess the malfunction or change. The tests are not intended for the comparison of spectrophotometers of different manufacture.

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.