ANSI AWWA B402-18 PDF

Full title and description

ANSI/AWWA B402-18 — Ferrous Sulfate. Standard specification that establishes minimum requirements for ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) in moist (damp), dried (solid) and solution (liquid) forms intended for use in the treatment of potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water. Includes requirements for chemical and physical composition, sampling and testing, packaging, marking, shipment, and purchaser options.

Abstract

This AWWA standard (B402-18) provides a uniform specification for ferrous sulfate used as a coagulant or treatment chemical in water and wastewater systems. It defines acceptable chemical composition and impurity limits, physical properties (form and moisture), sampling and laboratory test methods, packaging and labeling requirements, handling and storage guidance, and purchaser/producer responsibilities for certification and quality control. The document is intended for procurement, quality assurance, and technical evaluation of ferrous sulfate delivered for water treatment applications.

General information

• Status: Superseded (was active as the 2018 edition).
• Publication date: October 1, 2018 (AWWA B402-18).
• Publisher: American Water Works Association (AWWA); ANSI-accredited standard.
• ICS / categories: Water treatment / water quality standards; typically classified under water quality and treatment chemicals (AWWA B400-series — coagulation chemicals).
• Edition / version: B402-18 (2018 edition).
• Number of pages: 24 pages (2018 edition).

Scope

The standard applies to ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) in its common commercial forms — damp/moist solids, dried solids, and aqueous solutions — when used for treatment of potable water, wastewater, or reclaimed water. It specifies the minimum chemical and physical requirements, acceptable impurity levels, procedures for sampling and laboratory testing, packaging/marking and shipping instructions, and purchaser options for product certification and additional testing. The stipulations apply only when the document has been contractually referenced.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of product forms: moist/damp, dried/solid, and liquid solution forms of ferrous sulfate.
• Chemical composition and purity requirements (FeSO4 content and specified maximum impurities/contaminants).
• Limits on moisture content, particle size (as applicable), and bulk density for solid forms.
• Concentration, stabilization, and allowable additives for liquid ferrous sulfate solutions.
• Sampling methods and sample sizes for acceptance and laboratory testing.
• Required laboratory test methods and tolerances for common analyses (iron content, acidity, sulfate, heavy metals, loss on ignition/moisture).
• Packaging, marking, and labeling requirements, including batch identification, net weight, hazard communication, and storage instructions.
• Shipping and storage recommendations to preserve product quality and safety (including wetting, caking, and contamination avoidance).
• Purchaser options and alternatives: product certification, supplier quality assurance, and additional testing/inspection clauses.
• Acceptance criteria and procedures for rejection or rework of nonconforming shipments.

Typical use and users

Primary users are water and wastewater utilities, chemical procurement managers, water treatment plant operators, consulting engineers, laboratory personnel performing acceptance testing, and chemical manufacturers/suppliers. The standard is used for procurement specifications, quality control during receipt and storage, supplier qualification, and contract language when purchasing ferrous sulfate for coagulation, phosphorus removal, or other treatment processes.

Related standards

Other AWWA B-series chemical standards for coagulation and treatment chemicals (for example: AWWA B403 — Aluminum Sulfate; AWWA B406 — Ferric Sulfate; AWWA B408 — Liquid Polyaluminum Chloride) and AWWA standards addressing sampling or laboratory methods. Relevant regulatory and test-method standards (e.g., applicable ASTM, EPA, or national chemical test methods) may also be referenced in procurement or QA/QC procedures.

Keywords

Ferrous sulfate, FeSO4, coagulant, treatment chemical, potable water, wastewater, reclaimed water, specification, sampling, testing, packaging, AWWA B402, ANSI/AWWA, chemical procurement.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI/AWWA B402-18 is the American Water Works Association standard that specifies minimum requirements for ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) used in water and wastewater treatment, covering chemical and physical properties, sampling, testing, packaging, and shipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers product definitions (moist, dried, liquid), chemical composition and impurity limits, physical characteristics, approved sampling and laboratory test methods, packaging/labeling requirements, purchaser options for certification/testing, and acceptance/rejection procedures for shipments referenced to the standard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Water and wastewater utilities, treatment plant operators, procurement/specification writers, consulting engineers, testing laboratories, and ferrous sulfate suppliers and manufacturers use the standard for procurement, quality assurance, and technical evaluation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: B402-18 was the 2018 edition. It has since been superseded by a 2024 edition (ANSI/AWWA B402:2024). Users specifying ferrous sulfate should confirm and reference the currently active edition (the 2024 revision) for the latest requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. B402 belongs to the AWWA B400-series (coagulation and related treatment chemicals), a group of AWWA standards that includes specifications for aluminum sulfate, ferric sulfate, polyaluminum chloride, and other treatment chemicals.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ferrous sulfate, FeSO4, coagulant, water treatment chemical, specification, sampling, testing, packaging, AWWA B402, ANSI.