Overview
ISO 2462:1973 is an international standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies a gravimetric method for determining the moisture content in sodium chlorate for industrial use. This standardized analytical procedure is essential for quality control and ensures consistent measurement of moisture levels in sodium chlorate products, which typically have moisture content greater than 0.02% (m/m). The method is based on the precise weighing of a test sample before and after heating it at a controlled temperature of 105 °C to evaporate moisture.
Key Topics
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Scope and Applicability
The method is applicable exclusively to sodium chlorate used in industrial processes. It does not apply to mixtures such as herbicides or insecticides containing sodium chlorate. It targets products with moisture levels above 0.02% by mass.
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Test Principle
Moisture content is gravimetrically determined by heating a thin layer of the sample at 105 ± 2 °C for two hours. The mass loss after heating represents the moisture evaporated during the process.
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Apparatus Required
- Weighing bottle with ground glass lid (approximately 50 mm diameter)
- Electric oven with temperature control set at 105 ± 2 °C
- Thermometer to verify the oven temperature close to the test sample
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Procedure Summary
- Weigh about 5 × 0.1 g of the test sample to the nearest 0.0002 g.
- Spread the sample evenly as a thin layer in the weighing bottle.
- Weigh the bottle and sample, then heat in the oven at 105 °C for 2 hours with the bottle lid tilted.
- Cool the bottle in a desiccator and reweigh to calculate the loss of mass due to moisture evaporation.
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Calculation
Moisture content (%) = 100 × (mass before heating - mass after heating) / mass of test portion
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Safety Precautions
Sodium chlorate is a strong oxidizer and can induce combustion. It should be handled carefully away from heat sources and combustible materials. Contaminated materials should be washed immediately with water.
Applications
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Industrial Quality Control
Ensuring accurate moisture content measurement is critical for sodium chlorate manufacturers to maintain product integrity and performance in industrial applications.
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Chemical Analysis Laboratories
Enables laboratories to provide standardized, reproducible moisture content analysis critical to compliance with client specifications.
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Research and Development
Used in R&D environments where precise determination of moisture affects sodium chlorate formulation and usage.
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Process Monitoring
Regular moisture testing helps optimize drying and storage conditions during production.
Related Standards
- ISO 2462 complements other chemical analysis standards focusing on gravimetric methods and moisture determination in industrial chemicals.
- Relevant ISO standards dealing with chemical purity and handling of oxidizing materials provide additional safety and quality requirements.
- Standards addressing storage and transport of hazardous materials are important due to sodium chlorate’s combustible nature.
Keywords: ISO 2462:1973, sodium chlorate, moisture content, gravimetric method, industrial chemicals, moisture determination, chemical analysis, quality control, ISO standard, moisture testing, oven drying method, laboratory analysis, sodium chlorate safety