ASTM D502-89(2023)

Standard Test Method for Particle Size of Soaps and Other Detergents

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method assures that the particle size of soaps and detergents conforms to specifications having to do with density and packaging, among others. It also offers a means of controlling the amount of potentially hazardous very low particle size material.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle size of soaps and other detergents by hand sieving and machine sieving methods.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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. Material Safety Data Sheets are available for reagents and materials. Review them for hazards prior to usage.  
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-Jun-2023
• ICS: 19.120 - Particle size analysis. Sieving
• ICS: 71.100.40 - Surface active agents
• Technical Committee: D12 - Soaps and Other Detergents
• Drafting Committee: D12.12 - Analysis and Specifications of Soaps, Synthetics, Detergents and their Components

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D501-03(2009) - Standard Test Methods of Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Alkaline Detergents
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM D460-91(2005) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Soaps and Soap Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E11-04 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM D501-03 - Standard Test Methods of Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Alkaline Detergents
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM E11-95 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM E11-01 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D460-91(1997) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Soaps and Soap Products
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1997

Overview

ASTM D502-89(2023) is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the particle size of soaps and other detergents. Established by ASTM International, this standard ensures the particle size of these cleaning products meets specified requirements for density, packaging, and safety. The method covers both hand sieving and machine sieving procedures, providing manufacturers, quality control labs, and regulatory bodies a consistent approach to particle size testing using SI units.

Maintaining proper particle size is critical not only for product performance and appearance but also to minimize the presence of fine, potentially hazardous particles. ASTM D502 supports compliance with both industry expectations and international trade requirements in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) principles.

Key Topics

• Scope of Standard

  • Applies to soaps and other detergent products
  • Addresses methods for accurate determination of particle size distribution
  • Uses only SI (International System of Units)

• Testing Methods

  • Hand Sieving: Utilizes a nest of clean, dry sieves (commonly No. 12, No. 40, and No. 100) for manual separation
  • Machine Sieving: Employs a mechanical sieve shaker for consistent and repeatable results
  • Requires duplicate determinations for accuracy

• Quality and Safety Assurance

  • Provides a uniform method to assure product specifications related to density and packaging
  • Offers a mechanism for controlling low particle size material, helping limit potential exposure to fine or hazardous dusts
  • Emphasizes user responsibility for safety, health, and environmental practices
  • Recommends review of Material Safety Data Sheets for all reagents and materials

• Calculation Guidelines

  • Outlines step-by-step instructions for calculating percentage retention on each sieve
  • Ensures repeatability and objectivity in reporting results

Applications

ASTM D502-89(2023) is widely applicable in the production, quality assurance, and regulatory oversight of soaps and detergents. Key practical uses include:

• Manufacturing:

  • Ensures batch consistency and compliance with product specifications
  • Informs process improvements in mixing, drying, and granulation operations

• Quality Control:

  • Supports routine sampling and analysis to monitor particle size distribution
  • Helps in maintaining product quality for density, aesthetic consistency, and packaging efficiency

• Regulatory Compliance:

  • Assists in meeting health and safety regulations by controlling very fine particles that may pose inhalation risks
  • Aligns with international trade requirements and WTO standards

• Product Development:

  • Aids R&D in formulating new detergents with optimal performance characteristics tied to particle size
  • Facilitates comparative testing between different raw materials or processes

Related Standards

• ASTM E11 - Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves: Defines the requirements for equipment used in the sieving procedure.
• ASTM D460 (Withdrawn) - Previously used for Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Soaps and Soap Products.
• ASTM D501 - Test Methods of Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Alkaline Detergents.

By following ASTM D502-89(2023), organizations gain a reliable, standardized method for determining the particle size of soaps and detergents, supporting product consistency, customer confidence, and regulatory adherence in international markets. Proper particle size testing also contributes to safer, high-quality consumer products.

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: D502 − 89 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Particle Size of Soaps and Other Detergents
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D502; 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 density and packaging, among others. It also offers a means of
controlling the amount of potentially hazardous very low
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle
particle size material.
size of soaps and other detergents by hand sieving and machine
sieving methods.
4. Sieves
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4.1 The sieves shall conform to Specification E11.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5. Sampling
standard.
5.1 Sample soaps in accordance with Test Methods D460.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2 Sample other detergents in accordance with Test Meth-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ods D501.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6. Procedure Using Hand-Sieving Method
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Material Safety Data Sheets are available for reagents and
6.1 Use a nest of clean, dry sieves consisting of a No. 12
materials. Review them for hazards prior to usage.
(1700 μm), No. 40 (425 μm), and a No. 100 (150 μm) sieve.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Other size sieves may be used when required by the individual
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specifications. Transfer a 100 g 6 0.1 g well-mixed sample
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
without previous drying to the top sieve. Simultaneously shake
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the sieves by hand with occasional tapping of the edge of the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
bottom sieve on a large rubber stopper or a flat, thick piece of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rubber. When the portion of the soap passing through the
bottom sieve (No. 100) is less than 0.1 g/min of shaking (this
2. Referenced Documents
can be well judged by sifting into a large, dark colored pan)
2.1 ASTM Standards:
remove the top sieve and shake separately over a clean, dark
D460 Test Methods for Sampling and Chemical Analysis of
pan to be certain that no more of the residue will pass through.
Soaps and Soap Products (Withdrawn 2023)
Place any material passing through the largest sieve on the next
D501 Test Methods of Sampling and Chemical Analysis of
size sieve, using a small camel’s hair brush to remove the
Alkaline Detergents
material from the catch pan. Repeat the same procedure of
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
sifting successively with each sieve used. Carefully weigh the
Sieves
portions retained on each sieve and the portion passing the
smallest sieve.
3. Significance and Use
6.2 Duplicate particle size determinations shall be made and
3.1 This test method assures that the particle size of soaps
the average of the two tests used in the calculations.
and detergents conforms to specifications having to do with
7. Procedure Using Machine-Sieving Method
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D12 on Soaps
7.1 Use a nest of clean dry sieves consisting of a No. 12
and Other Deterge
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