Caustic soda and caustic potash are used in a large number of manufacturing processes. The chemicals are available in several grades depending on their intended use. The test methods listed in 1.2 provide procedures for analyzing caustic soda and caustic potash to determine if they are suitable for their intended use.

1.1 These test methods cover only the analyses usually required on the following commercial products:

1.1.1 Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), 50 and 73 % liquors; anhydrous (solid, flake, ground, or powdered), and

1.1.2 Caustic potash (potassium hydroxide), 45 % liquor; anhydrous (solid, flake, ground, or powdered).

1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:

Alkalinity (Total), Titrimetric (for 50 to 100 % NaOH and 45 to 100 % KOH)	8 to 14
Carbonate, Gas-Volumetric (0.001 g CO2, min)	15 to 24
Carbonate, Gravimetric (0.001 g CO2, min)	25 to 33
Chloride, Titrimetric, (0.001 g Cl−, min)	34 to 40
Chloride, Potentiometric Titration (0.3 to 1.2 %)	41 to 47
Chloride, Ion Selective Electrode (0.6 to 120 μg/g)	48 to 55
Iron, Photometric (0.005 mg Fe, min)	56 to 64
Sulfate, Gravimetric, (0.002 g SO3, min)	65 to 71
Keywords	72

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard with the exception of inch-pound units for apparatus descriptions.

1.4 Review the current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed information concerning toxicity, first-aid procedures, handling, and safety precautions.

1.5 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. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 6.

8.1 This test method covers the determination of the total alkalinity of 50 and 73 % liquid caustic soda, 45 % liquid caustic potash, and anhydrous caustic soda and caustic potash.