ISO 11480 Pulp, paper and board — Determination of total chlorine and organically bound chlorine

ISO 11480 specifies two alternative procedures for the determination of total and organically bound chlorine in pulp, paper, and board. This standard is applicable to all types of pulp, paper, and board, with a lower limit of determination of about 20 mg/kg. The two methods described are the microcoulometric method and the Schöniger combustion method combined with ion chromatography.

The relevance of measuring these chlorine parameters lies in their critical role in assessing the environmental impact and safety of pulp, paper, and board products. Chlorine compounds can originate from various sources, including bleaching processes and chemical additives. The presence of chlorine, especially organically bound chlorine, can indicate potential environmental hazards and health risks. The methods outlined in ISO 11480 provide reliable and accurate means of quantifying chlorine levels in these materials. This ensures compliance with environmental regulations and helps manufacturers minimize the release of harmful chlorine compounds.

The microcoulometric method involves combustion in a heated tube followed by microcoulometric titration, which measures the total chlorine content, including part of any bromine present in the sample. The Schöniger combustion method involves combustion followed by ion chromatography, which separates and quantifies the chlorine content. The choice of method depends on the availability of apparatus and the risk of interference by bromine compounds. 

With multi EA 5100 and multi X 2500, Analytik Jena offers two powerful system for the determination of total and organically bound chlorine in pulp, paper, board and related matrices by coulometric detection. Integrated safety features, such as Self Check System, auto protection, flame sensor and heated transfer lines, ensuring highly precise chlorine determination independent of sample matrix and concentration. Besides optional ICprep allows for preparation of these matrices for detection of chlorine parameters by ion chromatography as described in the second method of ISO 11480. 

Sources

• ISO 11480 - Pulp, paper and board — Determination of total chlorine and organically bound chlorine