FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS 926
First Edition
2012-mm-dd
 
 
 Reference numbe r
FDUS 926: 2012
© UNBS 2012
  
Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human 
consumption — Polyamides — Specification 
 FDUS 926: 2012 
ii © UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations 
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2012  
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Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
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Uganda 
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 FDUS 926:2012 
© UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved  iii
 Foreword 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry  of Tourism, Trade and 
Industry established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda.  UNBS is mandated to co-ordinate the 
elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex A limentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT/SPS Agr eements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a gi ven field or area and consists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, academician s, manufacturers, governme nt and other stakeholders. 
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committ ee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
Committee membership 
The following organizations were represented on the Chemicals and environment standards Technical 
Committee (UNBS/TC 5), during the development of this standard: 
• Britania Allied Industries Ltd 
• Davis and Shirtliff 
• Desbro (U) Ltd 
• Government Analytical Laboratories 
• Kyambogo University - Chemistry Department 
• Makerere University - College of Ag riculture and Environmental Sciences 
• National Water and Sewe rage Corporation (NWSC) 
• National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) 
• Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) 
• Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) 
 
 FINAL DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD FDUS 926: 2012
 
© UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved  1
 Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human 
consumption — Polyamides — Specification  
1 Scope 
This Final Draft Uganda Standard specifies the r equirements and methods of sampling and test for 
polyamines used for water treatment intended for human consumption.  
2 Normative references 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies. 
ISO 3165, Sampling of chemical products for industrial use — Safety in sampling  
ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods  
ISO 6206, Chemical products for industrial use — Sampling — Vocabulary  
ISO 8213, Chemical products for industrial use — Sampling techniques — Solid chemical products in the form 
of particles varying from powders to coarse lumps  
3 Description 
Polyamines are aqueous polymer solutions in the form of  viscous liquids, the concentration (active content) of 
which is approximately 30 % to 50 % by mass. Common names include polyamine, polyalkylene amine and 
polyquaternary salts. An example for the chemical name  of a polyamine is (di)methylamine-epichlorohydrin 
resin. The list of CAS Registration Numbers used for the identification of polyamines includes: 
• 25988-97-0 
• 68583-79-1 
• 42751-79-1 
Polyamines are non-hazardous materials and not intrinsi cally reactive. However, in common with many other 
organic compounds, a strong exothermic reaction will occur if they are brought into contact with strong acid or 
strong oxidizing agents. 
NOTE In dilute solutions, there can be a reaction with, or destruction by, some of the disinfection and oxidizing 
agents used in water treatment. FDUS 926: 2012 
2 © UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved
 4 Requirements 
Polyamines shall conform to the limits specified for the physical and chemical characteristics laid out in Table 
1. 
Table 1 — Physical and chemical requirements 
Parameter Requirements Test method 
A Physical requirements 
Appearance Clear, colourless to amber-coloured liquid. No visible insoluble gel 
or extraneous matter. - 
Density 1.16 g/mL for 50 % (m/m)  polyamine at 20 °C. (typical value) 
 - 
Solubility Soluble with water at all concentrations in all proportions.  - 
Vapour pressure A typical value is 2.4 kPa for 50 % (m/m)  polyamine at 20 °C.  
Boiling point at 100 kPa A typical value is 101 °C for 50 % (m/m)  polyamine. - 
Freezing point A typical value is - 7 °C for 50 % (m/m)  polyamine. - 
Specific heat capacity A typica l value is 3.13 kJ/kg for 50 % (m/m) polyamine at 20°C.  
pH (undiluted) 4 – 7 Annex A 
Bulk Brookfield Viscosity 
(mPa.s) 70 - 8000   
B Chemical requirements 
Active content, % (w/w) 30 - 50 Annex A 
C Impurities 
Epichlorohydrin, mg/kg of active ingredient , max 20 Annex B 
1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol, mg/kg of active ingredient, max 1000 Annex B 
2,3-Dichloro-1-propanol,  mg/kg of active ingredient, max  500 Annex B 
NOTE 1 Density of the solution depends on the concentration. 
NOTE 2 Viscosity is dependent on molecular mass and active content 
 
5 Sampling 
5.1 General 
Sampling shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 3165 and ISO 6206. A representative sample of the 
liquid product, of sufficient mass, shall be obtained immediately after manufacture or from a newly opened 
container(s). The sample shall be clearly labelled with product name/code, batch number, type of container(s) sampled and date sampled. Reference samples shall be re tained for the storage life of the product as claimed 
by the manufacturer/supplier. FDUS  926: 2012 
© UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved  3
 5.2 Sampling from drums and bottles  
5.2.1 General 
5.2.1.1  Mix the contents of the container to be sampled by shaking the  container or  by rolling it or 
rocking it from side to side, taking care not to  damage the container or spill any of the liquid. 
5.2.1.2  If the design of the container is such (for example narrow-necked bottl e) that it is impracticable to 
use a sampling implement; take a sample by pouring after the contents have been thoroughly mixed. 
Otherwise proceed as described in 5.2.1.3.  
5.2.1.3  Examine the surface of the liquid. If there no sign s of surface contamination, take samples from 
the surface as described 5.2.2; otherwise  take samples as described in 5.2.3. 
5.2.2 Surface sampling 
Take a sample using a suitable ladle. Lower the ladle into  the liquid until the rim is just below the surface, so 
that the surface layer runs into it. Withdraw the ladle just before it fills completely and allow any liquid adhering 
to the ladle to drain off. If necessary, repeat this operation so that, when  the other selected containers have 
been sampled in a similar manner, the total volume of sample required for subsequent analysis is obtained. 
5.2.3 Bottom sampling 
Take a sample using an open sampling tube, or a bottom- valve sampling tube, suited to the size of container 
and the viscosity of the liquid. 
When using an open sampling tube, close it to the top and the lower the bottom end to the bottom of the 
container. Open the tube and move it rapidly so that the bottom of the tube traverses the bottom of the 
container before the tube is filled. Cl ose the tube, withdraw it from the container and allow any liquid adhering 
to the outside of the tube to drain off. 
When using a bottom-valve sampling tube, close the valve before lowering the tube into the container and 
then proceed in a similar manner to that when using an open sampling tube. 
5.3 Sampling from tanks and tankers 
From each access point, take samples as follows: 
a) from the surface of the liquid, us ing a ladle as described in 5.2.2;  
b) from the bottom of the tank or tanker, using a sa mpling tube as described in 5.2.3 or using specially 
designed bottom-sampling apparatus; and 
c) from one or more positions, depending on t he overall depth, between the bottom and the surface 
using a weighted sampling can. 
6 Methods of test   
Methods of test shall be carried out as prescribed in the annexes. FDUS 926: 2012 
4 © UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved
 7 Labelling, transportation,  packaging and storage 
7.1 Risk and safety labelling  
Depending on the toxicity test result s of the specific product or on the concentration of active ingredient, 
appropriate R- and S-phrases shall be assigned to pol yamines to warn of possible eye irritant hazard. 
Appropriate risk phrasing shall also be entered on the label or material safety data sheet to the effect that the 
product is slippery. For minimum labelling to be applied to packages see 7.3. 
7.2 Marking 
Each container shall be marked with at least the following information: 
a) name of product "POLYAMINE"; 
b) trade name and grade; 
c) net mass; 
d) name and address of supplier and/or manufacturer; e) country of origin; 
f) storage instructions  such as “KEEP AWAY FROM STRONG ACIDS, STRONG OXIDIZING 
AGENTS AND DIRECT SUNLIGHT”; 
g) date of manufacturing or packaging;  
h) shelf life; and 
i) appropriate R- and S-phrases. 
7.3 Packaging and transportation 
The product shall be delivered in suitabl e containers, for example in bulk c ontainers, drums, cans or bottles. 
In order that the purity of the prod uct is not affected, the means of delivery for bulk containers shall not have 
been used previously for any different product or it shall have been specially cleaned and prepared before 
use. 
7.4 Storage 
The product shall be stable for at least 12 months. Follow the supplier's advice. FDUS  926: 2012 
© UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved  5
 Annex A 
(normative)  
 
Determination of pH measurement and active content 
A.1 General 
Unless otherwise specified all reagents shall be of  a recognized analytical grade. The water used shall 
conform to grade 2 specified in ISO 3696. 
A.2 pH measurement 
Measure the pH of the undiluted produ ct, at a temperature of 20 °C, using a pH meter. Before making the 
measurement, calibrate the apparatus using a re ference buffer solution of pH about 7.0. 
A.3 Determination of active content 
The proportion of active ingredient, that is, polyamine, in  a sample of product is determined by a procedure in 
which it is assumed that the product is an aqueous solution containing polyamine and inorganic metal salt. 
The active content, expressed as a percentage by mass of polyamine, is given by the formula: 
C0 = C 1 - C2 
where 
C0 is the per cent by mass [% (m/m)] of polyamine; 
C1 is the per cent by mass [% (m/m)] of dry solids; and 
C2 is the per cent by mass [% (m/m)] of inorganic metal salt. 
The results shall be expressed to two decimal places. 
NOTE The procedure will tend to overestimate the active content slightly if ammoni um salts are present in the 
product, as these are lost by volati lization at the ash determining step. 
 FDUS 926: 2012 
6 © UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved
 Annex B 
(informative) 
 
Determination of impurities (epichlorohydrin, 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol 
and 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol) content 
B.1 Principle 
Epichlorohydrin, 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and 2,3-dichloro -1-propanol are extracted from the polymer with tert-
butylmethylether then separated and quantified using gas chromatography (GC). 
WARNING:  Epichlorohydrin is flammable with a poisonous vapour. It is toxic by inhalation, skin absorption 
and ingestion and is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis. It 
can cause cancer. Avoid exposure and keep clos ed containers in a well-ventilated place. 
1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol are irritant and by inhalation, skin absorption and 
ingestion. Avoid exposure and keep closed containers in a well-ventilated place. 
Tert-butylmethylether is highly flammable. Keep container tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated place. Take 
precautions against static electricity discharges. Keep away from sources of ignition. Do not breathe vapour. 
B.2 Reagents 
B.2.1  Epichlorohydrin (ECH) 
B.2.2 1,3 -dichloro-2-propanol, (1,3-DCP) 
B.2.3 2,3 -dichloro-1-propanol, (2,3-DCP) 
B.2.4  Tert-butylmethylether, (TBME) 
B.2.5 ECH standard stock solution , weigh (0.1000:1:0.0002) g of ECH into a small glass sample bottle, 
and make up to (100.0:1:0.5) g with TBME. Cap the bottle and shake it vigorously to mix the contents. 
The concentration of ECH in milligrams per kilogram is calculated as follows: 
C (ECH) = 10 X P 
where 
P is the assay, expressed as perc ent by mass [% (m/m)], of ECH . 
B.2.6 Calibration solution A , weigh (0.1 000 ± 0.0002) g of 1,3-DC P, (0. 1 000 ± 0.0002) g of 2,3-DCP and 
(5.0000 ± 0.0002) g of ECH standard st ock solution into a small glass bottle, and make up to (50.0 ± 0.2) g 
with TBME. Cap the bottle and shake it vigorously to mix the contents. 
B.2.7 Calibration solution B, weigh (0.2000 ±:0.0002) g of 1,3-DCP, (0.2000 ± 0. 0002) g of 2,3-DCP and 
(0.5000:f:0.0002) g of ECH st andard stock solution into a small glass bottle, and make up to (50.0 ± 0.2) g 
with TBME. Cap the bottle and shake it vigorously to mix the contents. B.2.8 Concentration in calibration solutions , of ECH (C
3), 1,3-DCP and 2,3-DCP (C 4) in milligrams per 
kilogram, in calibration solutions  A and B are calculated as follows: FDUS  926: 2012 
© UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved  7
 C = (m x C5)/50 
where 
C is the concentration, in milligra ms per kilogram (mg/kg), of ECH in the calibration solution  
m is the mass, in grams (g), of ECH standard stock solution taken; 
C5 is the concentration, in milligrams per kilogram  (mg/kg), of ECH in the Standard stock solution. 
C4 = (m x P)/0.005 
where: 
C4 is the concentration, in  milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), of DCP  in the calibration solution  
m is the mass, in grams (g), of ECH standard stock solution taken; 
P is the assay, expressed as per ce nt by mass [% (m/m)] of the DCP.  
B.3 Apparatus 
B.3.1 Ordinary laboratory apparatus and glassware 
B.3.2 Gas chromatograph, with flame ionization detector (FID)  
B.3.3 Integrator 
B.3.4 Balance, with an accuracy of 0.1 mg  
B.3.5  Column, ultra 2 % to 5 % phenylmethyl silicone, 25 mm m x 0.2 mm; film thickness, 0.33 µm, or 
equivalent 
B.3.6  Syringe , GC, 10 µL 
B.3.7 Glass bottle, circa 120 mL capacity, with polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) lined screw caps 
B.3.8 Pipettes , glass, with suitable filling device 
B.3.9 Glass vials, 2 mL, with septum crimped or screw cap 
B.4 Procedure 
B.4.1 Test portion and sample extraction 
A sample extraction solution is prepared for subsequent GC analysis as follows: 
Weigh test portion of (25.0 + 0.1) g polymer sample in to a clean glass bottle and add (20.0 ± 0.1) g of TBME. 
Cap the bottle and, by means of a laboratory shaker, agitate the contents vigorously for 5 min. Allow to stand for a few minutes un til the two layers have separated. 
Draw off some of the TBME layer with a pipette and transfer to a 2 mL glass vial for storage in a refrigerator 
until required for analysis. FDUS 926: 2012 
8 © UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved
 B.4.2 Analytical procedure 
Instruments settings: sample extraction solutions,  calibration and blank solutions are analysed by GC 
apparatus using the following setting and conditions: 
Oven/column temperature: programme: initial 40 °C, hold for 1 min, ramp at 20 °C/min to 140 °C/min, hold for 
4 min; 
Injector temperature:   250 °C; 
Detector temperature:   300 °C; 
Injection volume:   2 µL; 
Carrier gas:   hydrogen; 
Split vent flow:   50 mL/min; 
Column head pressure:   35 kPa. 
B.4.3 Retention times 
To determine retention times, prepare separate solutions  in TBME of ECH, 1,3-DCP  and 2,3-DCP. Inject with 
a syringe 2 IJL of one solution into the gas chromatograph and record the retention time of the resulting peak. 
Repeat this procedure with the other solutions.  
B.4.4 Sample analysis 
Inject 2 IJL of sample extraction solution into the gas chromatograph and with the aid of an electronic 
integrator, measure the areas of the peak of each of three impurities. 
B.4.5 Calibration 
For calibration solutions A and B in turn, inject 2 IJL of solution into the gas chromatograph and measure the 
areas of the resulting peaks. 
B.4.6 Blank determination 
Inject 2 IJL of TBME solvent into the gas chromatograph obtain a blank reading. 
B.5 Expression of results 
B.5.1 Method of calculation 
The contents of ECH, 1, 3-DCP and 2,  3-DCP, expressed in milligrams per kilogram of active product, are 
given by the following equation: 
C6 = (A1/Ai) x C 7 x (mt/mp) x (100/ Co) 
where 
Ai is the peak area of the impurity in the extraction solution;  
As is the peak area of the impurity standard; FDUS  926: 2012 
© UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved  9
 C7 is the concentration, in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), of the impurity in the calibration solution ( C3 
and C4); 
mt is the mass, in grams (g), of TMBE; 
mp is the mass, in gram (g), of test portion; 
Co is the per cent by mass [% (m/m)] of polyamine in the product.  
Thus: 
C6 = (AI/As) x C 7 x (80/C o) 
NOTE The standard solution referred to in the above equation is that which has an impurity peak area closest to that 
of the extraction solution. 
B.5.2 Precision 
The absolute difference between the two single test results, obtained under repeatability conditions (see note 
below), should not be greater than the repeatability value, r, as calculated from the following equation: 
Epichlorohydrin: r = 0.21 z 
1,3- and 2,3-DCP: r = 0.13 z 
where 
z is the mean of the two results, expressed in per cent by mass [%(m/m»).  
NOTE  Repeatability conditions are conditions where mutually  independent test results are obtained with same 
method on identical test material in the same laboratory by the same operator using the sa me equipment within a short 
interval of time . 
 FDUS  926: 2012 
© UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved  11
 Certification marking 
Products that conform to Uganda standards may be  marked with Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
(UNBS) Certification Mark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNBS Certification Mark is gove rned by the Standards Act, and the Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those licens ed under the certification mark scheme operated by 
the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and in co njunction with the relevant Uganda Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods comply with the 
requirements of that standard under a system of supervision, control and  testing in accordance with the 
certification mark scheme of the Uganda National  Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that standard.  
Further particulars of the terms and conditions of  licensing may be obtained from the Director, Uganda 
National Bureau of Standards.  
 
 FDUS 926: 2012 
 
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