BIS Releases Wide Circulation Draft for Revision of Acid Slurry Specification
Reference source : BIS
On 15 July 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a wide circulation draft for the Second Revision of IS 8401:1994: Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (Acid Slurry) Specification. Prepared by the Soaps, Detergents and Surface-Active Agents Technical Committee (CHD 25), the draft updates, updates the standard to reflect current industry practices and quality requirements. Comments and suggestions from stakeholders are invited until 13 September 2026.
Background
Linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (acid slurry), CAS 68584-22-5, which is produced from alkyl benzene, is a key raw material in the production of synthetic detergents. It is widely used in household and industrial cleaning products, either alone or in combination with other surface-active agents.
Scope
This standard sets out the requirements and methods of sampling and test for linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (acid slurry).
Technical Requirements
The draft classifies linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (Acid Slurry) into two types based on active matter content:
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Type 1: Minimum 95% active matter.
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Type 2: Minimum 85% active matter.
The material must be in the form of a homogeneous and viscous liquid, easily pourable and shall not separate into two layers. When neutralized with alkali, it shall form a paste ranging in colour from white to cream.
The material must comply with the requirements specified in the table below.
|
Sl. No. |
Characteristic |
Type 1 |
Type 2 |
|
i) |
Active matter as alkyl benzene sulphonic acid, % by mass (Min) |
95.0 |
85.0 |
|
ii) |
Free alkyl benzene, % by mass (Max) |
2.0 |
2.0 |
|
iii) |
Free sulphuric acid, % by mass (Max) |
2.0 |
9.0 |
|
iv) a) |
Colour of 10% alcohol solution (mass by mass) in ¼-inch cell on Lovibond Tintometer, not darker than |
5 Y + 1 R |
3 Y + 0.5 R |
|
iv) b) |
Colour of solution in distilled water containing 5% active matter on Klett Colorimeter, Max (Klett units) |
950 |
700 |
Packing and Marking
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The material shall be packed in polyethylene containers or other mutually agreed suitable packaging.
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Each package must display the product name, type, manufacturer details, net quantity, batch/lot number, and manufacturing date.
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Packages must carry the following safety warning: "USE HAND GLOVES WHILE HANDLING."
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Products complying with the standard may bear the BIS Standard Mark under the applicable BIS certification scheme.