This International Standard specifies an infrared absorption method, after combustion in an induction furnace, for the determination of the total carbon and sulfur content in steel and iron.

The method is applicable to carbon contents of mass fraction between 0,005 % and 4,3 % and to sulfur contents of mass fraction between 0,000 5 % and 0,33 %.

This method is intended to be used in normal production operations and is intended to meet all generally accepted, good laboratory practices of the type expected by recognized laboratory accreditation agencies. It uses commercially available equipment, is calibrated and calibration verified using steel and iron certified reference materials, and its performance is controlled using normal statistical process control (SPC) practices.

This method can be used in the single element mode, i.e., determination of carbon and sulfur independently or in the simultaneous mode, i.e., determination of carbon and sulfur concurrently.