ISO 14487:1997

Overview

ISO 14487:1997 - "Pulps - Standard water for physical testing" defines requirements for standard water used to prepare pulp suspensions for physical tests where drainability and related properties are sensitive to electrolyte content. Applicable to all kinds of pulp, this International Standard ensures reproducible, comparable test results (for example in laboratory beating and sheet preparation) by specifying how to prepare, test, store and report on water used in pulp testing.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Definition: Standard water is water purified to an electrical conductivity of ≤ 0.25 mS/m at 25 °C.
• Conformance testing (clause 4):
  • Use ordinary laboratory glassware and a conductivity meter capable of better than 5% error at around 0.25 mS/m.
  • Procedure: transfer 100 ml of standard water, adjust to 25 °C ± 1 °C, and measure conductivity per the meter manufacturer’s instructions.
• Preparation methods: Distillation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or other suitable purification techniques may be used to achieve the specified conductivity.
• Storage: Protect water from atmospheric contamination (e.g., CO2 absorption) and leaching from container materials. Store in inert, clean, airtight, full containers thoroughly rinsed with similar-grade water.
• Reporting: Test reports that use standard water must state explicitly that the water conforms to ISO 14487:1997.

Practical applications and users

ISO 14487 is essential for laboratories and organizations that perform pulp and paper physical testing where electrolyte concentration affects outcomes. Typical users include:

• Pulp and paper laboratory technicians performing drainability and beating tests
• Quality control teams in pulp mills and paper mills
• Research and development groups studying fiber treatment, refining and dewatering
• Instrument and method developers validating test procedures or devices sensitive to water conductivity

Using standard water per ISO 14487 promotes consistent results across laboratories, reduces variability caused by dissolved salts, and supports meaningful comparisons in product specification, process control, and research.

Related standards

ISO 14487 was prepared by ISO/TC 6 (Paper, board and pulps), SC 5 (Test methods and quality specifications for pulp). For integrated test programs, reference ISO pulp and paper test method standards maintained by the same technical committee to ensure complementary procedures and consistent reporting.

Keywords: ISO 14487, standard water, pulp testing, drainability, conductivity, pulp suspensions, laboratory beating, water purification.