ASTM D512-04 - 1.7.2004
 
Significance and Use

Chloride ion is under regulation in water, and must, therefore, be measured accurately. It is highly detrimental to high-pressure boiler systems and to stainless steel, so monitoring is essential for prevention of damage. Chloride analysis is widely used as a tool for estimating the cycles of concentration, such as in cooling tower applications. Processing waters and pickling solutions used in the food processing industries also require dependable methods of analysis for chloride.

 
1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of chloride ion in water, wastewater (Test Method C only), and brines. The following three test methods are included:
Sections
Test Method A (Mercurimetric Titration)7 to 14
Test Method B (Silver Nitrate Titration)15 to 21
Test Method C (Ion-Selective Electrode Method)22 to 29

1.2 Test Methods A, B, and C were validated under Practice D2777 - 77, and only Test Method B conforms also to Practice D 2777 - 86. Refer to Sections 14, 21, and 29 for further information.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement, see 26.1.1.

1.4 A former colorimetric test method was discontinued. Refer to Appendix X1 for historical information.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D5810-96(2026)

Standard Guide for Spiking into Aqueous Samples

D5847-22

Standard Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis

D1129-24

Standard Terminology Relating to Water

D1066-18(2025)

Standard Practice for Sampling Steam

E200-23

Standard Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage of Standard and Reagent Solutions for Chemical Analysis

D1193-24

Standard Specification for Reagent Water

D2777-21

Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water

D3370-25

Standard Practices for Sampling Water from Flowing Process Streams

D4127-18a(2026)

Standard Terminology Used with Ion-Selective Electrodes (Includes all amendments and changes 6/1/2026).