ASTM D5557-95(2023)

Standard Test Method for Determination of Insoluble Impurities Contained in Fats and Oils Used in Fat Liquors and Stuffing Compounds

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method is intended for the determination of insoluble impurities contained in fats and oils used in the fatliquors and stuffing compounds.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount of impurities that are insoluble in kerosine and petroleum ether contained in fats and oils.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2023
• ICS: 59.040 - Textile auxiliary materials
• Technical Committee: D31 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: D31.08 - Fats and Oils

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5557-95(2017) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Insoluble Impurities Contained in Fats and Oils Used in Fat Liquors and Stuffing Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023

Overview

ASTM D5557-95(2023) is the international standard test method for the determination of insoluble impurities contained in fats and oils used in fat liquors and stuffing compounds. Developed by ASTM International, this method is critical for ensuring the purity and quality of fats and oils utilized in industrial applications such as leather processing. The standard outlines procedures for accurately quantifying impurities that do not dissolve in kerosine or petroleum ether, thus helping manufacturers and laboratories maintain quality control.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application:
  The test method is designed for the analysis of insoluble impurities in fats and oils, specifically those applied in fatliquors and stuffing compounds. It uses well-established gravimetric techniques involving kerosine and petroleum ether as solvents.

• Testing Apparatus:

  • Gooch crucible with fine filtering disc
  • Filter flask and adapter
  • Petroleum ether and refined kerosine

• Analytical Procedure Overview:

  • The sample or residue from a moisture determination is dissolved in kerosine.
  • The mixture is filtered through a prepared crucible.
  • The contents are washed thoroughly and then dried to constant weight.
  • The gain in weight indicates the quantity of insoluble impurities present.

• Reporting and Calculations:
  Insoluble impurities are reported as a percentage of the sample based on the weight gain of the crucible.

• Safety and Compliance:
  Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Applications

Quality Control in Fats and Oils

ASTM D5557-95(2023) is widely used in industries that rely on high-purity fats and oils, such as:

• Leather Manufacturing:
  Ensures fatliquors and stuffing compounds are free from process-impacting insoluble impurities, resulting in superior leather quality and durability.
• Industrial Processing:
  Verifies oils and fats used in production processes meet stringent impurity limits, safeguarding equipment and final product performance.
• Laboratory Testing:
  Provides an accepted method for routine and reference testing, supporting standardization across different organizations and facilities.

Regulatory and Trade Compliance

This standard supports compliance with internationally recognized practices as outlined by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, making it critical for trade and regulatory assurance.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive quality assessment of fats and oils, ASTM D5557-95(2023) should be used alongside relevant related standards:

• ASTM D56: Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester, essential for determining the safety of flammable samples in testing.
• ASTM D5556: Test Method for Determination of the Moisture and Other Volatile Matter Contained in Fats and Oils Used in Fatliquors and Stuffing Compounds.

These referenced methods provide additional means for evaluating material properties and ensuring compliance with both industrial and regulatory specifications.

Keywords

• Insoluble impurities
• Fats and oils testing
• Fatliquors
• Stuffing compounds
• ASTM D5557
• Kerosine
• Petroleum ether
• Leather processing
• Quality control
• International standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5557 − 95 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Insoluble Impurities Contained in Fats and
Oils Used in Fat Liquors and Stuffing Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5557; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Apparatus and Reagents
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount 4.1 Gooch Crucible, prepared with a fine or very fine
of impurities that are insoluble in kerosine and petroleum ether filtering disc (0.7 μm retention value). The filtering disc shall
contained in fats and oils. be washed with water, alcohol, and ether. The crucible shall be
dried to constant weight at 101 °C 6 1 °C, cooled in a
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
desiccator to room temperature, and weighed.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only. 4.2 Filter-Flask, of convenient size and Gooch crucible
adapter.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.3 Petroleum Ether.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.4 Kerosine, refined petroleum distillate with a flash point
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
not below 23 °C (75 °F) as determined by Test Method D56
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
using the tag closed tester. The kerosine shall be filtered
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
through a Gooch crucible, prepared as in 4.1, before using.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Procedure
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 Use the residue from the moisture and volatile determi-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
nation (see Test Method D5556) or a sample prepared in the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
same manner.
5.2 Add to the residue 50 mL of kerosine and, after heating
2. Referenced Documents
on a water bath to dissolve the fat, filter through the prepared
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Gooch crucible with the aid of a vacuum. Wash the contents of
D56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
the crucible with five 10 mL portions of hot kerosine, allowing
D5556 Test Method for Determination of the Moisture and
each portion to drain before adding the next.
Other Volatile Matter Contained in Fats and Oils Used in
5.3 Then wash the residue in the crucible thoroughly with
Fatliquors and Softening Compounds
petroleum ether to remove all of the kerosine. Dry the crucible
and contents to constant weight at 101 °C 6 1 °C, cool to room
3. Significance and Use
temperature in a desiccator, and weigh.
3.1 This test method is intended for the
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