W-000.33.110 [2021-03] Free Chlorine and Total Chlorine in Water, Photometric Method with DPD

Application/Purpose

The method describes how to determine the free chlorine and total chlorine content using a photometric method with DPD.

Scope of Application

Water intended for use as an ingredient in the production of beer (brewing liquor) or other foods

Free chlorine:

Chlorine present as hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite ions or as dissolved elemental chlorine.

Bound chlorine:

Percentage of total chlorine present in the form of chloramines and organic chloramines.

Total chlorine:

Chlorine present as “free chlorine” and “bound chlorine”.

 

Principle

The analysis involves a reaction with N,N-diethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (DPD), which forms a compound possessing a red color at a pH of 6.2–6.5. The color is measured photometrically at 510 nm. Total chlorine is measured through the addition of potassium iodide, of which a known amount in excess of that required is added to the solution in advance.

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