ISO 418:2001
(Main)Photography - Processing chemicals - Specifications for anhydrous sodium sulfite
Photography - Processing chemicals - Specifications for anhydrous sodium sulfite
This International Standard establishes criteria for the purity of photographic-grade anhydrous sodium sulfite and specifies the tests to be used to determine the purity.
Photographie — Produits chimiques de traitement — Spécifications relatives au sulfite de sodium anhydre
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 19-Dec-2001
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 42 - Photography
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 42 - Photography
- Current Stage
- 9093 - International Standard confirmed
- Start Date
- 05-Jun-2021
- Completion Date
- 13-Dec-2025
Relations
- Revises
ISO 418:1994 - Photography - Processing chemicals - Specifications for anhydrous sodium sulfite - Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2008
Overview
ISO 418:2001 - "Photography - Processing chemicals - Specifications for anhydrous sodium sulfite" defines purity criteria and test requirements for photographic‑grade anhydrous sodium sulfite (Na2SO3). The standard specifies chemical and physical requirements, analytical test methods (including an iodine titration assay), storage and handling notes, and acceptance limits intended to prevent undesirable photographic effects caused by impurities.
Key topics and requirements
- Assay (purity): Minimum mass fraction of 97.0% Na2SO3. Two accepted titration methods are described: back‑titration and direct titration using an iodine solution.
- Insoluble matter: Maximum 0.5% (determined as precipitate of Ca, Mg and NH4 hydroxides; ISO 10349-3).
- Heavy metals: Maximum 0.002% (as Pb) (test per ISO 10349-5).
- Iron (Fe): Maximum 0.005% (ISO 10349-5).
- Alkalinity: Maximum 0.15% (as Na2CO3) (ISO 10349-7).
- Thiosulfate: Maximum 0.03% (as Na2S2O3) - limits reducing contaminants that affect image stability.
- Reaction to ammoniacal silver nitrate: Material must pass the identity/impurity test (ISO 10349-9).
- Appearance of solution: Must be clear and free from insoluble matter, allowing only slight flocculence.
- Physical & storage notes: Anhydrous sodium sulfite is a white granular powder; normally handled safely with standard precautions and stored in closed containers at room temperature. Avoid contact with acids.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses ISO 418:2001
- Manufacturers and suppliers of photographic chemicals for product specification and quality control.
- QC/analytical chemists in labs verifying assay, impurity levels, and compliance before distribution.
- Photographic processing labs, conservation specialists and archival facilities that require consistent chemical performance.
- Procurement and standards officers requiring documented acceptance criteria for photographic‑grade Na2SO3.
- Why it matters
- Ensures consistent performance in photographic processing solutions by limiting impurities that cause fogging, staining or reduced shelf life.
- Provides standard test methods and pass/fail criteria to support traceable quality control and regulatory compliance.
Related standards
Normative references cited for test methods:
- ISO 10349-1 (general test methods)
- ISO 10349-3 (insoluble matter)
- ISO 10349-5 (heavy metals and iron)
- ISO 10349-7 (alkalinity/acidity)
- ISO 10349-9 (reaction to ammoniacal silver nitrate)
Keywords: ISO 418:2001, anhydrous sodium sulfite, photographic‑grade, purity specification, assay, photographic processing chemicals, test methods, quality control.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 418:2001 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Photography - Processing chemicals - Specifications for anhydrous sodium sulfite". This standard covers: This International Standard establishes criteria for the purity of photographic-grade anhydrous sodium sulfite and specifies the tests to be used to determine the purity.
This International Standard establishes criteria for the purity of photographic-grade anhydrous sodium sulfite and specifies the tests to be used to determine the purity.
ISO 418:2001 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 37.040.30 - Photographic chemicals. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO 418:2001 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 418:1994. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase ISO 418:2001 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of ISO standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 418
Third edition
2001-12-15
Photography — Processing chemicals —
Specifications for anhydrous sodium sulfite
Photographie — Produits chimiques de traitement — Spécifications
relatives au sulfite de sodium anhydre
Reference number
©
ISO 2001
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ii © ISO 2001 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword.iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references.1
3 General.1
3.1 Physical properties.1
3.2 Hazardous properties.1
3.3 Storage.1
4 Requirements.2
5 Reagents and glassware.2
6 Sampling.2
7 Test methods .2
7.1 Assay .2
7.2 Mass fraction of insoluble matter (as a precipitate of calcium, magnesium and ammonium
hydroxides) .5
7.3 Mass fraction of heavy metals .5
7.4 Mass fraction of iron .5
7.5 Alkalinity (as Na CO ).5
2 3
7.6 Reaction to ammoniacal silver nitrate.6
7.7 Mass fraction of thiosulfate (as Na S O ).6
2 2 3
7.8 Appearance of solution.7
Table 1 — Summary of requirements .2
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO 418 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 418:1994), of which it constitutes a technical
revision.
iv © ISO 2001 – All rights reserved
Introduction
This International Standard is one of a series that establishes criteria of purity for chemicals used in processing
photographic materials. General test methods and procedures cited in this International Standard are compiled in
ISO 10349-1.
This International Standard is intended for use by individuals with a working knowledge of analytical techniques,
which may not always be the case. Some of the procedures utilize caustic, toxic, or otherwise hazardous
chemicals. Safe laboratory practice for the handling of chemicals requires the use of safety glasses or goggles and,
in some cases, other protective apparel such as rubber gloves, face masks or aprons. Normal precautions for the
safe performance of any chemical procedure shall be exercised at all times, but specific details have been
provided for hazardous materials. Hazard warnings designated by a letter enclosed in angle brackets, 〈 〉 , are used
as a reminder in those steps detailing handling operations and are defined in ISO 10349-1. More detailed
information regarding hazards, handling and use of these chemicals may be available from the manufacturer.
This International Standard provides chemical and physical requirements for the suitability of a photographic-grade
chemical. The tests correlate with undesirable photographic effects. Purity requirements are set as low as possible
consistent with these photographic effects. These criteria are considered to be the minimum requirements
necessary to assure sufficient purity for use in photographic processing solutions, except that if the purity of a
commonly available grade of chemical exceeds photographic processing requirements and if there is no economic
penalty in its use, the purity requirements have been set to take advantage of the availability of the higher-quality
material.
Every effort has been made to keep the number of requirements to a minimum. Inert impurities are limited to
amounts that will not unduly reduce the assay. All tests are performed on samples “as received” to reflect the
condition of materials furnished for use. Although the ultimate criterion for suitability of such a chemical is its
successful performance in an appropriate use test, the shorter, more economical test methods described in this
International Standard are generally adequate.
Assay procedures have been included in all cases where a satisfactory method is available. An effective assay
requirement serves not only as a safeguard of chemical purity, but also as a valuable complement to the identity
test. Identity tests have been included whenever a possibility exists that another chemical or mixture of chemicals
could pass the other tests.
All requirements listed in clause 4 are mandatory. The physical appearance of the material and any footnotes are
for general information only and are not part of the requirements.
Efforts have been made to employ tests that are capable of being run in any normally equipped laboratory and,
whenever possible, to avoid tests that require highly specialized equipment or techniques. Instrumental methods
have been specified only as alternative methods or alone in those cases where no other satisfactory method is
available.
Over the past few years, great improvements have been made in instrumentation for various analyses. Where such
techniques have equivalent or greater precision, they may be used in place of the tests described in this
International Standard. Correlation of such alternative procedures with the given method is the responsibility of the
user. In case of disagreement in results, the method called for in the specification shall prevail. Where a
requirement states “to pass test”, however, alternative methods shall not be used.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 418:2001(E)
Photography — Processing chemicals — Specifications for
anhydrous sodium sulfite
1 Scope
This International Standard establishes criteria for the purity of photographic-grade anhydrous sodium sulfite and
specifies the tests to be used to determine the purity.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For
undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 10349-1:1992, Photography — Photographic-grade chemicals — Test methods — Part 1: General.
ISO 10349-3:1992, Photography — Photographic-grade chemicals — Test methods — Part 3: Determination of
matter insol
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