EN 15029:2012

Overview

EN 15029:2012 is the CEN European Standard for iron (III) hydroxide oxide used in the treatment of water intended for human consumption. Approved in November 2012 (superseding EN 15029:2006), the standard specifies the description, required characteristics, test methods, labelling, storage and transportation rules for this granular adsorbent/filter media and provides practical information on its use in drinking-water treatment.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Product identity and form: Chemical names Fe(OH)3 / FeOOH; commercial product is a granular, non-moulded adsorbent with up to 50% water content.
• Particle size and grading: Options include specifying effective size (d10) ±5% and uniformity coefficient U < 2.1, or a particle-size range (example: 0.3–2.0 mm). Oversize + undersize ≤ 20%, undersize ≤ 10%.
• Surface area: Minimum specific surface area = 100 m2/g (BET method).
• Density: Absolute density 1.55–1.8 g/cm3; bed density typically 500–1 800 kg/m3 (backwashed and drained).
• Chemical purity and trace elements: Typical dried composition ~61% Fe; Annex A gives representative trace metal limits (e.g., As ≤ 20 mg/kg, Pb ≤ 40 mg/kg, Cu ≤ 100 mg/kg, Cr ≤ 250 mg/kg, Ni ≤ 250 mg/kg, Zn ≤ 250 mg/kg, Mn typical 1 500 mg/kg).
• Test methods and sampling: References and methods include EN 12901 / EN 12902 (sampling, particle size, bulk density, leaching) and ISO 9277 (BET surface area).
• Labelling & transport: Marking must include product name, net mass, supplier, and the statement “This product conforms to EN 15029.” Product is not classified as hazardous for transport and has no UN number (as of publication).
• Storage & safety: Stable for at least one year; keep away from strong acids, oxidants and solvents; avoid dust formation.

Applications and practical use

• Primary function: adsorbent for removal of dissolved inorganic contaminants from drinking water-particularly arsenite/arsenate, phosphate, antimony, trace metals and some polar organic compounds.
• Secondary function: flocculation and physical filtration of suspended solids when used in filter beds or purpose-built adsorbers.
• Typical use modes: packed filter beds, retrofitted filters or dedicated adsorption vessels; bed life and dosing depend on raw-water quality and operating conditions (bed volumes treated vary widely).
• Operational considerations: backwashing to remove trapped solids and fines; monitoring for breakthrough and replacement when adsorptive capacity is exhausted.

Who should use this standard

• Water utilities and municipal treatment plants
• Media manufacturers and suppliers of iron (III) hydroxide oxide
• Water treatment system designers and consulting engineers
• Laboratories performing conformity testing and quality control
• Regulators assessing product suitability for drinking-water applications

Related standards and legislation

• EN 12901, EN 12902 (inorganic supporting/filtering materials - definitions and test methods)
• ISO 9277 (BET surface area)
• EU instruments referenced: Council Directive 98/83/EC (drinking water quality) and Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) for classification and labelling considerations

Keywords: EN 15029, iron (III) hydroxide oxide, drinking water treatment, adsorbent, filter media, BET surface area, particle size distribution, water treatment standard.