BS EN 878-2016 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 878:2016 — Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption — Aluminium sulfate. European/national (BS) standard that specifies identification, composition, purity criteria, sampling and analytical test methods, labelling, transport and storage requirements for aluminium sulfate used as a coagulant in drinking-water treatment.

Abstract

This standard defines the chemical and physical characteristics, acceptable impurity limits, commercial forms and reference analytical methods for aluminium sulfate (including common hydrates) used in the treatment of water intended for human consumption. It provides guidance on sampling and testing, safety and labelling requirements and practical information on product handling and use in water treatment processes. EN 878:2016 supersedes EN 878:2004 and was prepared by CEN/TC 164 (Water supply); it has been published as a national adoption (BS EN 878:2016).

General information

• Status: National adoption of the European standard EN 878:2016 (published as BS EN 878:2016).
• Publication date: 2016 (EN published March 2016; national/adoption publications April 2016 in some catalogues).
• Publisher: European Committee for Standardization (CEN); published/endorsed nationally by British Standards Institution (BSI) as BS EN 878:2016.
• ICS / categories: 71.100.80 (Chemicals for purification of water / chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption).
• Edition / version: 2016 (supersedes EN 878:2004).
• Number of pages: Approximately 25 pages (official publication length varies by publisher).

Scope

Applicable to aluminium sulfate intended for the treatment of water for human consumption, the standard describes product identification (chemical name, synonyms, formulas and CAS references), commercial forms (solids and solutions), physical and chemical properties, purity criteria and permissible levels of impurities, reference analytical methods and sampling procedures. It also covers labelling, transport, storage, safe handling and practical information on dosing and use in water-treatment processes.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification: chemical name, synonyms, empirical/chemical formula and CAS numbers for common hydrates.
• Commercial forms and appearance: solid hydrated forms (slabs, kibbled, granules, powder) and aqueous solutions; specified physical properties (density, solubility, appearance).
• Purity criteria and composition: required values for aluminium content, limits for impurities and deleterious constituents, and allowable by-products.
• Sampling and test methods: normative references and guidance for sampling solids and liquids and for analytical determinations (reference to EN 1302 and relevant ISO sampling standards).
• Labelling, transport and storage: labelling in accordance with CLP/regulatory requirements, transport marking and storage recommendations (stability, incompatibilities).
• Safety and emergency procedures: rules for safe handling, first aid, spillage response and fire measures (normative Annex).
• Practical information for use: guidance on application in coagulation/flocculation, dosing considerations and potential secondary effects on water quality.

Typical use and users

Primary users are water utilities, public water suppliers and treatment-plant operators specifying coagulants for drinking-water clarification; chemical manufacturers and suppliers producing aluminium sulfate for potable-water use; testing laboratories and quality-control personnel performing specification compliance testing; and procurement and regulatory bodies setting acceptance criteria for water-treatment chemicals.

Related standards

Relevant documents and references include EN 1302 (analytical methods for aluminium-based coagulants), ISO sampling standards cited for solids and liquids (for example ISO 3165, ISO 6206, ISO 8213), the previous edition EN 878:2004 (superseded), and applicable regulatory frameworks for labelling and classification (e.g. Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 CLP). National adoptions (BS EN 878:2016) align the text with local standards publishing practice.

Keywords

aluminium sulfate; aluminium sulphate; alum; coagulant; drinking water treatment; water purification chemicals; purity criteria; analytical methods; sampling; labelling; storage; EN 878:2016; BS EN 878:2016.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is EN 878:2016 — a European standard (published nationally as BS EN 878:2016) that specifies requirements and test methods for aluminium sulfate used in the treatment of water for human consumption.

Q: What does it cover?

A: Identification, composition and physical/chemical properties of aluminium sulfate products; purity and impurity limits; sampling and analytical test methods; labelling, transport and storage; safety and practical guidance for use in water treatment.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Water-treatment plant operators and engineers, chemical manufacturers and suppliers, testing laboratories, procurement teams and regulators involved in specifying or verifying coagulants for potable-water treatment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: EN 878:2016 supersedes EN 878:2004. The 2016 edition is the referenced edition; users should check national catalogues or the national standards body for any later amendments or replacements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of standards covering chemicals used for the treatment of water intended for human consumption and references specific analytical and sampling standards (for example EN 1302 and relevant ISO sampling standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Aluminium sulfate, alum, coagulant, drinking water treatment, purity criteria, analytical methods, sampling, labelling, EN 878, BS EN 878.