ASTM D513-16
Standard Test Methods for Total and Dissolved Carbon Dioxide in Water

Standard No.

ASTM D513-16

Release Date

2016

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D513-16

Scope

4.1 Carbon dioxide is a respiration product of plants and animals and a decomposition product of organic matter and certain minerals. The atmosphere averages about 0.04 vol % of CO₂. Surface waters generally contain less than 10 mg/L, except at local points of abnormal organic or mineral decomposition; however, underground water, particularly deep waters, may contain several hundred mg/L.

4.2 When dissolved in water, CO₂ contributes significantly to corrosion of water-handling systems. This is particularly troublesome in steam condensate systems. Loss of CO₂ from an aqueous system can disturb the carbonate equilibrium and result in calcite encrustation of confining surfaces. Scaling of water heaters is a good example. Because of the delicate balance between corrosion and encrustation tendencies, much care must be given to control of CO₂ and related species in water systems. Recarbonation of municipal supplies during final stages of softening and amine neutralization of steam condensate are applied for these purposes.

1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of total or dissolved carbon dioxide present as carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbonic acid, bicarbonate ion, and carbonate ion in water:

	Range	Sections
Test Method A (Gas Sensing Electrode)	2 to 800 mg/L	8 to 15
Test Method B (CO2 Evolution, Coulometric Titration)	5 to 800 mg/L	16 to 24

1.2 Carbon dioxide may also be detected from carbonates present in particulates in samples.

1.3 Test Method A is applicable to various natural waters and brines.

1.4 Test Method B is applicable to natural waters, brines, and various industrial waters as delineated in 16.4.

ASTM D513-16 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1066 Standard Practice for Sampling Steam
• ASTM D1129 Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM D1193 Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D1293 Standard Test Methods for pH of Water
• ASTM D2777 Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Methods of Committee D-19 on Water
• ASTM D3370 Standard Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
• ASTM D5847 Standard Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
• ASTM E200 Standard Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage of Standard and Reagent Solutions for Chemical Analysis

ASTM D513-16 history

• 2016 ASTM D513-16 Standard Test Methods for Total and Dissolved Carbon Dioxide in Water
• 2011 ASTM D513-11e1 Standard Test Methods for Total and Dissolved Carbon Dioxide in Water
• 2006 ASTM D513-06 Standard Test Methods for Total and Dissolved Carbon Dioxide in Water
• 2002 ASTM D513-02 Standard Test Methods for Total and Dissolved Carbon Dioxide in Water
• 1992 ASTM D513-92(1996) Standard Test Methods for Total and Dissolved Carbon Dioxide in Water