ASTM E2037-24 PDF

Overview

ASTM E2037-24: Standard Test Method for Bromine Chloride in Liquid Chlorine by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) establishes procedures for the precise determination of bromine chloride content in liquid chlorine. Developed by ASTM International, this analytical standard addresses a critical quality control parameter in chlorine production, as bromide impurities from salt sources are converted to bromine chloride during manufacture. The method utilizes high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), delivering reliable sensitivity across a wide range, from 10 μg/g (ppm) to 1400 μg/g (ppm) bromine chloride concentrations.

This test method is essential for producers and users of liquid chlorine, supporting regulatory compliance, product safety, and process optimization. The procedure aligns with international principles on standardization and meets key requirements for analytical precision, repeatability, and reporting.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Significance

  • Detects bromine chloride, a common contaminant in liquid chlorine derived from natural bromide in salt feedstocks.
  • Enables consistent quality monitoring for manufacturers and end-users of liquid chlorine.
  • Sensitive and selective, with minimal interference in the specified concentration range.

• Test Method Highlights

  • Employs HPLC equipped with UV detection and reverse phase C18 column for accurate analytical separation.
  • Utilizes a clearly defined sample preparation, eluent composition, and calibration procedures using potassium bromide standards.
  • Reports bromine chloride concentrations rounded in accordance with ASTM E29 for significant digits.

• Safety and Handling

  • Includes guidance for handling corrosive and toxic chlorine samples, requiring well-ventilated fume hoods, protective equipment, and adherence to current SDS, OSHA, and local regulations.
  • Addresses specialized equipment needs, such as nonmetallic syringes and tubing to mitigate corrosion.
  • Specifies safe procedures for sample collection, storage, and disposal, emphasizing environmental and personnel safety.

• Quality Control

  • Recommends implementation of laboratory quality assurance (QA) and statistical quality control (QC) protocols, referencing ASTM D6809 when no internal protocols exist.
  • Suggests proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparison to validate test performance across different facilities.

Applications

• Chlorine Production Quality Control

  • Routine analysis to ensure specification compliance and minimize process upsets or product recalls due to bromine chloride contamination.
  • Supplier and customer assurance, facilitating accurate commercial and regulatory reporting.

• Regulatory and Safety Compliance

  • Supports conformance with federal transport standards (such as 49 CFR 173) governing shipment and packaging of compressed and liquefied gases.
  • Aids in meeting international and domestic health, safety, and environmental regulations concerning chlorine handling.

• Process Development and Optimization

  • Allows chemical manufacturers and process engineers to monitor impurity levels, optimize purification stages, and improve feedstock selection or brine purification techniques.

Related Standards

• ASTM E29 - Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• ASTM D6809 - Guide for Quality Control and Quality Assurance Procedures for Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Materials
• ASTM E806 - Test Method for Carbon Tetrachloride and Chloroform in Liquid Chlorine (Superseded but referenced)
• Chlorine Institute Pamphlet No. 1 - Chlorine Basics (industry reference)
• 49 CFR 173.304, 173.314, 173.315 - Federal standards for transportation and packaging of compressed or liquefied chlorine

Keywords: ASTM E2037, bromine chloride analysis, liquid chlorine testing, HPLC, chlorine quality control, industrial chemical analysis, bromine impurities, standard test method, regulatory compliance, chemical process optimization.