BS EN 13639:2017

What is BS EN 13639 - Total organic carbon in limestone about?  

BS EN 13639 is a European standard on cement and building limes that discusses total organic carbon in limestone. 

BS EN 13639 specifies methods for the determination of the total organic carbon content (TOC) in limestone. 

BS EN 13639 describes the reference method and alternative methods that can be considered to be equivalent. 

Who is BS EN 13639 - Total organic carbon in limestone for? 

BS EN 13639 on building limes is useful for: 

• Builders 
• Manufacturers of construction materials 
• Manufacturers and suppliers of limestone 

Why should you use BS EN 13639 - Total organic carbon in limestone?  

Limes are used in building construction to create durable mortar and plaster that can enhance workability and water retention. 

BS EN 13639 provides the general requirements for testing to determine the total organic carbon content by a single test. 

BS EN 13639 lets you determine the general requirements on the reagents and general apparatus used for laboratory tests on organic carbon in limestone. 

BS EN 13639 describes the apparatus requirements and test procedure for TOC determination by:  

• Gravimetric method with wet oxidation (reference method) 
• Gravimetric method with furnace oxidation (alternative method No. 1) 
• The infrared detection method with furnace oxidation (low temperature) (alternative method No. 2) 
• The infrared detection or conductivity methods with furnace oxidation (high Temperature): procedure A (alternative method No. 3) 
• The infrared detection or conductivity methods with furnace oxidation (high Temperature): procedure B (alternative method No. 4) 

BS EN 13639 specifies the repeatability and reproducibility for standard deviation and determination limit of TOC in limestone. 

Overall, BS EN 13639 allows you to create building limestones that serve to balance a structure's internal humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture, preventing damage to the building, creating a more comfortable climate, and reducing surface condensation and mould formation.