This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D933 − 20
Standard Practice for
Reporting Results of Examination and Analysis of Water-
Formed Deposits1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D933; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the manner in which the results of
examination and analysis for constituents of deposits formed
on systems using water as a heat transfer media or water
formed deposits from any other purpose and how they are to be
reported.
1.2 While various practices of reporting the analysis of
water-formed deposits are in use, this practice is intended as a
rational and comprehensive practice for general application.
For use in specific industries or individual cases, molecular
combinations may be useful and desirable.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
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 appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D887 Practices for Sampling Water-Formed Deposits
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on Water and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.03 on Sampling Water and
Water-Formed Deposits, Analysis of Water for Power Generation and Process Use,
On-Line Water Analysis, and Surveillance of Water.
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
approved in 1947. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D933 – 84 (2012).
DOI: 10.1520/D0933-20.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
Terminology D1129.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 acid solubility in 1 to 1 acid, n—concentration of a
deposit or solid, in grams per litre that will go into solution in
an acidic solvent divided by initial weight of the sample. Thus,
results are reported as a percentage soluble or dissolved.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—For water borne deposits, these analy-
ses are more qualitative or estimates of solubility of the deposit
or solid (1 or more grams) in a solution of 1 to 1 acid. The acids
most commonly used are either 1 to 1 hydrochloric acid (HCl
(6 normal)) and nitric acid (HNO3 (7.9 normal)) as the acidic
solvent because they will normally dissolve most water formed
deposits or scales. The sample can be weighed and placed in a
soxhlet extractor with reflux and reweighed for calculation in
% solubility. Note that inorganic carbonates will rapidly evolve
and effervesce upon addition to the acid. Other inorganics will
dissolve in the acid upon heat.
3.2.2 loss on ignition (LOI), n—the percent loss in weight of
a material on being calcined at a temperature selected, for a
time long enough, to achieve constant weight, expressed as a
percent of the initial weight of the dry material (without free
moisture).
3.2.2.1 Discussion—LOI’s for deposits are normally run at
105°C for determination of moisture content. 450°C to 500°C
for determination of organics in the sample. 900°C to 1000°C
for determination of inorganic carbonates. The final calculation
is for the remaining material, which is the ash content, which
is the measure of the remaining inorganics in the sample. The
sample can be weighed and stepped thru the process and
reweighed after each temperature for calculation in % loss.
3.2.3 non-polar solvent extractable solubility,
n—concentration of a deposit or solid, in grams per litre that
will go into solution in a non-polar solvent divided by initial
weight of the sample. Thus, results are reported as a percentage
soluble or dissolved.
 D933 − 20
3.2.3.1 Discussion—For water borne deposits, these analy-
ses are more qualitative or estimates of solubility of the deposit
or solid (1 or more grams) in a non-polar solvent. Ether, hexane
and other solvents that will extract organic compounds from
the deposit or solids can be used. Oils and greases and other
organics can come from process contaminants and can bind the
deposit together. The sample can be weighed and placed in a
soxhlet extractor with reflux and reweighed for calculation in
% solubility.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The results are used to characterize the scale and water
formed deposits formed in systems using water as a heat
transfer fluid or deposits formed that has resulted from water
being transported, stored or used for any other purpose. It is
also used to evaluate the quality of water used in the system
where the deposit has been found. Characterizing the scale/
deposit will assist in the design of the water treatment protocols
to avoid further scale or deposit buildups which can cause
increased energy consumption or damage to the system due to
corrosion or microbiological growth. The use of modern
up-to-date chemical detection systems will increase the useful-
ness of the practice.
5. History of Sample
5.1 Information regarding the source, background and his-
tory of the system shall be included in the report of the
analysis. (Pictures are helpful to identify where the deposit was
found and the conditions in the system.) This information
should be as specified in Practices D887, as follows:
5.1.1 Name of individual or company supplying sample to
the laboratory.
5.1.2 Geographic origin of sample (this helps in determin-
ing make-up water quality).
5.1.3 Date and time of sampling.
5.1.4 Number of sample/s.
5.1.5 Name and other designation of equipment from which
sample or samples were removed.
5.1.6 Precise location from which sample was removed (for
example, exactly what turbine blade, exactly what tube in a
boiler or heat exchanger) or where in the heat exchanger or
cooling tower it was found (for example, 6 o’clock position in
a horizontal run of pipe right after feedwater tank). (Pictures
again are helpful in this identification.)
5.1.7 History of System—Operational characteristics, when
was the last time the system was inspected, and how long a
period it took for the deposit to form.
5.1.8 Direction of flow in the areas where the deposit was
found and surface temperature of that area, if known, of heat
transfer equipment or zone where deposit was found.
5.1.9 Appearance and extent of deposit prior to removal.
(Pictures again are helpful.)
5.1.10 Report the metallurgies involved with the system
along with the metallurgy of area where the deposit was found.
This is especially needed when the substrate from which the
deposit was removed could influence the formation of the
deposit or scale.
5.1.11 Type of deposit whether scale, sludge, biological
deposit, or corrosion by-products as defined in Practices D887.
2
5.1.12 Exact method that was used in removing the sample
and notes concerning any contamination that might have
occurred during the process of removal by the tool used to
remove the deposit (for example, if deposit removed by a wire
brush, scraper, scalpel or pick, metallurgy of wire brush,
scraper, scalpel or pick utilized should be recorded). Also,
metallurgy of pipe or wall of pipe or surface where deposit is
removed from should be recorded since the tools used and the
metallurgy of the surface can lead to contaminants in the
deposit (for example, nickel plated surface where deposit is
removed from by stainless steel scraper – if nickel,
molybdenum, or chromium is found in sample deposit, it could
be from the removal action).
5.1.13 Operating temperature and pressure of liquid or
vapor in the equipment that contained the deposit (water side)
and also if in a heat exchanger or boiler also record the surface
temperature of the liquid or vapor that the water comes indirect
contact with.
5.1.14 Type and chemistry of the water treatment applied to
the water that formed the deposit or to the water that furnished
steam to the affected zone.
5.1.15 Make-up water analysis of water used to maintain
water level in the system where deposit was formed and history
of that water. (Please identify if any changes occurred in the
make-up water since the last time the system was inspected, for
example if system water was being maintained by municipal
water switched to recycle water source.)
5.1.16 Water analysis of system water and any changes that
have occurred since the last time the system was inspected (for
example, water treatment company changed inhibitors uti-
lized).
NOTE 1—If these water analyses are not available, they should be done
as part of the deposit analyses.
5.1.17 An account of discrepancies in operating conditions
that may have contributed to deposition (for example, water
loss or starving, more or less load characteristics, water main
break that caused poor water quality, loss of chemical feed,
blowdown malfunctioned, etc.).
5.1.18 Results of field tests made on the sample or related
equipment.
5.1.19 Any other pertinent information about the system
that may or may not seem relevant including other equipment
that could have impacted the water system (for example,
exhaust fans near a cooling tower, sugar heat exchanger that
has steam on one side and sugar on the other, etc.).
NOTE 2—Either can cause contamination of the water-based system.
5.1.20 Signature of sampler.
6. Physical Characteristics
6.1 The report shall include a description of the physical
characteristics of the sample, including any peculiarities that
may be pertinent in its further examination. (For example,
smell or odor, foaming when acid was added, etc.).
6.2 Characteristics such as the following may be recorded:
color, form (scale, slimy, etc.), texture (oily, smooth, friable,
 D933 − 20
TABLE 1 Proximate Analysis NOTE 3—Other oxides may be present such as barium, strontium, and
Solubility in Solvents other metallurgical compounds. These should be tested for if knowledge
in the background or history dictates these compounds may be present.
Acid – soluble matter (soluble in 1 to 1 acidA ) %
Ether (solvent) - extractable matter (oil) % 7.3 The completeness and accuracy of the analysis should
Water soluble matter %
be carefully appraised before reporting. In a complete analysis,
Loss on Ignition the summation of all determinations under oxides, acid
Moisture (at 105°C ) % radicals, ether-extractable matter, carbonaceous matter, and
Loss on ignition at 450°C (organics) %
Loss on ignition at 900°C (inorganic carbonates) %
combined water shall total 100 6 2 %.
Ash % (900°C) (inorganics) %
7.4 A summation in excess of 102 % indicates a positive
A
One volume of deionized water to one volume of concentrated acid (see error in one or more of the determinations (or the calculation of
Discussion to term acid solubility in 1 to 1 acid, 3.2.1).
a metal or element as an oxide, or the calculation of a lower
oxide as a higher oxide). The converse may be indicated when
TABLE 2 Constituents of Water-Formed Deposits to Be Reported the summation is below 98 %, or it may be due to the presence
Oxides:A Acid Anhydrides:B
of a substance not identified and not determined.
Iron oxide,C Fe2O3 Carbonate, CO2
Alumina,D Al2O3 Chloride, Cl 8. Reporting of Chemical Analysis
Calcium oxide, CaO Nitrate, N2O3
Magnesium oxide, MgO Sulfate, SO4 8.1 All data, the chemical properties table , shall be reported
Sodium oxide,E Na2O Sulfite, SO3
Potassium oxide,E K2O Sulfide,F S
as percentage by weight of the dry sample. While the proxi-
Copper oxide, CuO Phosphate, PO4 mate analysis information shall be reported on the as-received
Zinc oxide, ZnO Silica, SiO2 basis.
Lead oxide, PbO Miscellaneous:
Titanium oxide, TiO2 Ammonia (reported as NH3) 8.2 For convenience in calculation, values for oxides, acid
Nickel oxide, NiO
Chromium oxide, Cr2O3
anhydrides, and combined water may also be expressed on a
Manganese Oxide MnO basis of chemical equivalents. Values for relative equivalents
Barium Oxide are obtained by dividing each value of percentage by weight by
Strontium Oxide
the equivalent weight of the respective oxide, acid radical, or
Total % water.
Comments:
8.3 Quantitative determinations shall be reported to the
A
Expression of analytical results in terms of oxides is an arbitrary procedure nearest 0.1 % (8.4). When a quantitative determination is made
sanctioned by long usage and general convenience. Adherence to this convention and a negative result is obtained, it shall be reported as “less
does not imply that any of the oxides necessarily are present in the sample as than 0.01 %” with a notation as to the amount of sample used
such, although this may be the case with respect to such items as iron oxide and
silica. A metal oxide shall be reported in the form listed in Table 2 unless the form and the method of determination. When a determination has
present has been otherwise identified. Any metal identified to be present in the been omitted, but the heading of the determination is carried in
sample in the metallic form shall be reported as such. a tabulation with determinations of other samples, the absence
B
Organic acid radicals of soaps shall be reported as the anhydride of oleic acid
(C13H33O2), unless the specific acid has been identified. of a determination for any other specific sample shall be
C
When iron oxides other than Fe2O3 are known to be present (Fe3O4 and FeO), indicated by an entry “no determination” or by a dash. The
but determination of the separate oxide forms is considered not to be essential,
report as “Iron oxides as Fe2O3.”
terms, “nil,” “none,” and “trace” shall not be used. If the
D
If alumina is not separated from iron oxide in the analytical procedure, report as qualitative determination shows presence, and a quantitative
“Iron and aluminum oxides as Fe2O3.”
E
determination shows absence, the item shall be reported as
If sodium and potassium are not separated, report as “Sodium and potassium
oxides as Na2O.”
“less than 0.1” with a notation that this is a qualitative
F
Elementary sulfur shall be reported as S. estimation.
8.4 In so far as applicable, Practice E29 shall be followed in
expressing numerical results.
gritty, etc.), hardness, magnetic properties (as determined by
test with magnet), and structure (amorphous, crystalline, co- 9. Reporting Results of X-ray Diffraction and
lumnar crystals). Petrographic Examination
9.1 All constituents identified by X-ray diffraction or petro-
7. Completeness and Accuracy of Analysis
graphic examination shall be reported according to the follow-
7.1 Reporting of the general physical analysis of the deposit ing rules:
shall first be reported. Table 1 lists the most common Proxi- 9.1.1 Silicon Compounds—Report all compounds contain-
mate Analysis to be reported but others can be reported. ing silicon, except the simple alkali silicates, by their trivial
7.2 The determinations to be reported in a complete analysis name and combined-oxide formula. Example: acmite,
shall be those listed in Table 2. For many practical purposes, a Na2O·Fe2O3·4SiO2.
less complete analysis will suffice. In other instances, the 9.1.2 Polymorphous Compounds—Report compounds hav-
location or nature of the deposit or a knowledge of the ing more than one crystal form by their trivial name and
composition of the equipment affected will suggest the need for chemical formula. Examples: calcite, βCaCO3 and aragonite,
determinations in addition to those listed. γCaCO3.

3
 D933 − 20
9.1.3 Multiple Salts—Report multiple salts by their trivial
name and combined-compound formula. Examples: burkeite,
Na2CO3·2Na2SO4, and malachite, CuCO3·Cu (OH)2.
9.1.4 Other Compounds—Report compounds not covered
by the above rules by their chemical name and chemical
formula. Example: sodium chloride, NaCl.
9.1.5 Controversial Compounds—Report compounds whose
nomenclature is in controversy in accordance with the latest
revision of the Powder Diffraction File,3 subject to confor-
mance with rules (9.1.1 – 9.1.4).
9.1.6 If a compound can be reported by several rules, the
rule first listed that covers that compound must prevail.
9.1.7 Free elements must be considered as compounds in
applying the above rules.
9.1.8 If the compound does not have a trivial name and the
rule calls for a trivial name, the chemical name must be used.
9.1.9 The Greek letter and Roman numeral conventions
already adopted in the literature must be accepted as standard.
10. Reporting Results of Spectrochemical Analysis (SEM/
EDX, etc.)
10.1 Results of spectrochemical analysis shall be reported in
terms of elements present in percent.
10.2 The elements may be grouped as major, minor, and
trace constituents, with due regard for variation in the sensi-
tivity of the method for the various elements reported. A
satisfactory grouping in terms of percentage of the element
present is as follows:
Amount of Element
Element
Present, %
over 5 Major
0.5 to 5 Minor
under 0.5 Trace
While the identification of elements is positive, quantitative
measurements are only approximations.
11. Reporting Results of FTIR for Organic Constituents
of the Deposit
11.1 Results of FTIR analysis shall be reported as most
likely compounds when compared to a known library in terms
of percent likely. While the exact identification is dependent on
the comparison library these estimations are only approxima-
tions.
3
This Card Index File may be purchased from the International Centre for
Diffraction Data, 12 Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, PA 19073.
4
12. Reporting Results of DNA Sequencer or Genomic
Testing for Bacterial Constituents of the Deposit
12.1 Sometimes DNA analyses or genomic testing such as
quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S ribo-
nucleic acid (next generation sequencing – NGS) provide
information about the possible bacterial constituents in the
deposit. These analyses normally cannot determine if the
bacteria is alive or dead but only they existed in the deposit and
may be the cause of the deposit because of the bacteria being
able to form biofilms or because of reactions with the equip-
ment’s metallurgy due to MIC (microbiological induced cor-
rosion).
12.2 Results of DNA sequencer or genomic testing for
bacterial components can be reported as either cells/mg,
pg/mg, GU/mg, CFU/mg or percent.
12.2.1 Discussion—Different testing laboratories may report
population densities using other units, such as copies/mg,
genomic units (GU)/mg, or cells/mg. There is no legitimate
basis for converting DNA concentration to CFU/mg, however
some labs for estimation sake. If only data from a single lab are
being considered, CFU/mg results for multiple specimens may
be compared. However, if data from different laboratories are
to be compared, CFU/mg should not be used. The assumptions
and computations that each lab uses to transcribe raw DNA
data to CFU/mg are not standardized.
12.2.2 The relative abundances of different operational
taxonomic units (OTU) may be reported as percentages or
fractions of the total deposit.
13. Precision and Bias
13.1 A precision and bias statement for this exact practice is
not applicable because no quantitative result is actually pro-
duced. The precision and bias is governed by the individual
standards used to derive the data. This procedure is a practice
for reporting the data from other practices and methods.
14. Quality Control
14.1 Quality control is not applicable because this practice
is a reporting protocol of what is in a deposit.
15. Keywords
15.1 crystallographic examination; deposits; heat transfer
deposition; metal oxides; scale; spectrochemical analysis; wa-
ter borne deposits
 D933 − 20
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