ASTM D7047-23

Standard Test Method for Swell Volume of Plantago Insularis (Ovata, Psyllium)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The meaning of the test is related to the manufacturing and end use of the material, to determine characteristics of products.  
5.2 A manufacturer of raw psyllium will base the grade of psyllium produced on multiple properties of which swell volume is one.  
5.3 Erosion control contractors and those writing erosion control specifications will use this test method to evaluate the grade of psyllium being used as a hydraulically applied erosion control product. The swell volume will help determine the application rate of psyllium needed to meet the erosion control performance criteria.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this quantitative test method is to provide a means of determining the swell volume plantago insularis (Ovata, Psyllium).  
1.2 The volume of swell reflects the amount of hydrophilic mucilloid present in psyllium. The higher the grade of psyllium the higher the swell volume, thus a greater percent of mucilloid present. For the erosion control industry, the higher the swell volume of the psyllium the greater it’s bonding strength and relative performance.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.4.1 For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.  
1.4.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user's objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 13.080.01 - Soil quality and pedology in general
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.25 - Erosion and Sediment Control Technology

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7047-15e1 - Standard Test Method for Swell Volume of Plantago Insularis (Ovata, Psyllium)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D3740-23 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3740-19 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015

Overview

ASTM D7047-23 - Standard Test Method for Swell Volume of Plantago Insularis (Ovata, Psyllium) provides a quantitative method to determine the swell volume of psyllium. This benchmark is crucial for understanding the quality and performance of psyllium utilized in manufacturing, product formulation, and especially erosion control applications. The test assesses the amount of hydrophilic mucilloid present, a key indicator of psyllium quality, bonding strength, and suitability for specific end uses.

Developed by ASTM International, this standard aligns with recognized international principles and supports manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and specifiers within the erosion control and related industries.

Key Topics

• Swell Volume Assessment: The test measures the volume increase of psyllium when hydrated, which relates directly to the concentration of hydrophilic mucilloid-a functional component determining quality.
• Sample Preparation: Outlines procedures for obtaining representative samples from both pre-blended and unblended psyllium products, ensuring consistent, accurate results.
• Simulated Intestinal Fluid: Utilizes a controlled solution to replicate real-world conditions and provide standardized results among different laboratories.
• Significant Digits and Reporting: Emphasizes industry best practices for data recording, repeatability, and rounding to maintain consistency across test results.
• Test Precision and Repeatability: Details on intralaboratory precision, including repeatability and reproducibility, aimed at delivering confidence in reported values.
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Responsibility: Users must ensure that appropriate safety and compliance procedures are observed when implementing this standard.

Applications

• Psyllium Manufacturing: Producers rely on this test to classify raw psyllium grades, as high swell volume is indicative of superior quality and higher mucilloid content. Accurate grading supports product labeling and assures customers of consistent properties.
• Erosion Control Products: Contractors and specifiers use swell volume data to select psyllium for hydraulically applied erosion control systems. Swell volume directly impacts application rates and the product’s effectiveness in bonding with soil or substrates.
• Quality Control and Specification Compliance: Laboratories measure swell volume as part of broader quality assurance programs, ensuring that raw materials and finished goods meet designated specifications for performance and consistency.
• Research and Product Development: The test method is valuable for R&D teams exploring new applications for psyllium or evaluating the performance characteristics of different harvests or supply sources.

Related Standards

For comprehensive psyllium and material testing, the following ASTM standards provide additional procedures and terminology support:

• ASTM D653 - Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D1193 - Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D3740 - Practice for Minimum Requirements for Testing/Inspection Agencies in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D4753 - Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses
• ASTM D6026 - Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM E177 - Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting Interlaboratory Study to Determine Test Method Precision

Practical Value

ASTM D7047-23 enables stakeholders in the psyllium industry and related fields to objectively compare grades and ensure the right materials are selected for each application. By using standardized test methods for swell volume determination, manufacturers, contractors, and quality managers can confidently assure performance criteria and regulatory compliance, supporting sustainable and reliable end-use performance in both health-related and environmental sectors.

Keywords: ASTM D7047, swell volume, Plantago insularis, psyllium, mucilloid, erosion control, quality testing, hydraulically applied erosion control, material standards, ASTM International.

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: D7047 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Swell Volume of Plantago Insularis (Ovata, Psyllium)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7047; 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* 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 The purpose of this quantitative test method is to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
provide a means of determining the swell volume plantago
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
insularis (Ovata, Psyllium).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 The volume of swell reflects the amount of hydrophilic
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
mucilloid present in psyllium. The higher the grade of psyllium
the higher the swell volume, thus a greater percent of mucilloid
2. Referenced Documents
present. For the erosion control industry, the higher the swell
2.1 ASTM Standards:
volume of the psyllium the greater it’s bonding strength and
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
relative performance.
Fluids
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
standard.
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
Practice D6026.
Construction Materials Testing
1.4.1 For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
cords in Geotechnical Data
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
digits in the specified limits.
ASTM Test Methods
1.4.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
3. Terminology
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
3.1 Definitions:
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis 4. Summary of Test Method
methods for engineering design.
4.1 Psyllium substrate is saturated with simulated intestinal
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
fluid and the swell volume recorded after 24 h.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.1 The meaning of the test is related to the manufacturing
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and end use of the material, to determine characteristics of
products.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and
Sediment Control Technology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ɛ1
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D7047–15 . DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7047-23. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7047 − 23
5.2 A manufacturer of raw psyllium will base the grade of 8. Sampling and Test Specimens
psyllium produced on multiple properties of which swell
8.1 For a commercially available pre-blended and quality
volume is one.
controlled product, separate 30 g of psyllium sample from an
5.3 Erosion control contractors and those writing erosion undamaged bag. Take one sample per blended lot.
control specifications will use this test method to evaluate the
8.2 For unblended commercially prepackaged material,
grade of psyllium being used as a hydraulically applied erosion
separate a 30 g sample from an undamaged bag by taking one
control product. The swell volume will help determine the
third from the top of the bag, one third from the middle of the
application rate of psyllium needed to meet the erosion control
bag, and one third from the bottom of the bag
performance criteria.
8.3 Place the representative sample of psyllium in a bowl or
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
plastic bag and thoroughly mix. If not testing right away, put
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
the representative sample in a sealable container, seal, and set
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
aside.
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
9. Procedure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. 9.1 Prepare the simulated intestinal fluid test solution as
follows:
6. Apparatus
9.1.1 Add 900 mL of reagent water to a 1000-mL graduated
flask.
6.1 Balance—Balances shall conform to the requirements of
9.1.2 Add 6.8 g of monobasic potassium phosphate to the
Guide D4753. The balance shall have a minimum capacity of
graduated flask and mix.
100 g and have readability without estimation of 0.001 g.
9.1.3 Add 0.896 g of sodium hydroxide to the graduated
6.2 Graduated Cylinder—One or more glass or plastic 250
flask and mix.
mL graduated cylinders with 1 mL gradations and a stopper.
9.1.4 Adjust the pH to 7.5 6 0.1 with a 0.5 M premixed
sodium hydroxide solution and mix.
6.3 Volumetric Flask—A 1000 mL glass or plastic volumet-
9.1.5 Adjust the volume to 1000 mL with reagent water.
ric flask with 100 mL graduations.
9.2 Determine the swell volume as follows:
6.4 Timer—A clock, stopwatch, digital timer, or comparable
9.2.1 Transfer 125 mL of the simulated intestinal fluid test
device readable to 1 min or better.
solution to a 250-mL graduated cylinder.
6.5 pH Meter—Potentiometer equipped with an electrode
9.2.2 From the representative sample, take 1.75 g of the
system with a readability to the nearest 0.1 pH unit and an
psyllium substrate and add it to the graduated cylinder.
accuracy of 60.1 pH unit or better. Follow the manufacturer’s
Measure and record the amount of psyllium substrate added to
instructions for the pH meter used. A silver/silver chloride
the nearest 0.01 g. Put a stopper in the end of the cylinder and
electrode system or similar is also acceptable.
shake until a uniform suspension is formed.
9.2.3 Add simulated intestina
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: D7047 − 15 D7047 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Swell Volume of Plantago Insularis (Ovata, Psyllium)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7047; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially corrected referencing in 11.1 in August 2015.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 Quantitative test method to determine the swell volume of plantago insularis (Ovata, Psyllium).
1.1 The purpose of this quantitative test method is to provide a means of evaluating the swell volume, millilitres per gram, of
psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid.determining the swell volume plantago insularis (Ovata, Psyllium).
1.2 The volume of swell reflects the amount of hydrophilic mucilloid present in psyllium. The higher the grade of psyllium the
higher the swell volume, thus a greater percent of mucilloid present. For the erosion control industry, the higher the swell volume
of the psyllium the greater it’s bonding strength and relative performance.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information only.No
other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.4.1 For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall
be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.
1.4.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry
standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives;
and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations.
It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.5 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 and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and Sediment
Control Technology.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015Nov. 1, 2023. Published July 2015November 2023. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20122015 as
ɛ1
D7047–12.–15 . DOI: 10.1520/D7047-15.10.1520/D7047-23.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7047 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For common definitions of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Psyllium substrate is saturated with simulated intestinal fluid and the swell volume recorded after 24 h.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The meaning of the test is related to the manufacturing and end use of the material, to determine characteristics of products.
5.2 The volume of swell reflects the amount of hydrophilic mucilloid present in psyllium.
5.2 A manufacturer of raw psyllium will base the grade of psyllium produced on multiple properties of which swell volume is one.
5.4 The higher the grade of psyllium the higher the swell volume, thus a greater percent of mucilloid present. For the erosion
control industry, the higher the swell volume of the psyllium the greater it’s bonding strength and relative performance.
5.3 Erosion control contractors and those writing erosion control specifications will use this test method to evaluate the grade of
psyllium being used as a hydraulically applied erosion control product. The swell volume will help determine the application rate
of psyllium needed to meet the erosion control performance criteria.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable
results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Electronic Balance, as defined in Guide Balance—D4753, with Balances shall conform to the requirements of Guide D4753.
The balance shall have a minimum capacity of 100 g and minimum readability have readability without estimation of 0.001 g.
6.2 Graduated 250 mL Cylinder, Cylinder—with One or more glass or plastic 250 mL graduated cylinders with 1 mL gradations
and a stopper.
6.3 1000 mL Flask. Volumetric Flask—A 1000 mL glass or plastic volumetric flask with 100 mL graduations.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
D7047 − 23
6.4 60 Minute Timer, Timer—graduated in one minute intervals.A clock, stopwatch, digital timer, or comparable device readable
to 1 min or better.
6.5 pH Meter, Meter—calibrated to manufacturer’s specifications.Potentiometer equipped with an electrode system with a
readability to the nearest 0.1 pH unit and an accuracy of 60.1 pH unit or better. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the
pH meter used. A silver/silver chloride electrode system or similar is also acceptable.
7. Reagents
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent-grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all
reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where such
specifications are available.3available. Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming to as
defined by Type IV of Specification D1193, Type IV.
7.3 Monobasic potassium phosphate (KH PO ).
2 4
7.4 Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).(NaOH) and 0.5 M premixed sodium hydroxide solution.
8. Sampling and Test Specimens
8.1 For a commercially available pre-blended and quality controlled product, separate 30 g of psyllium sample from an
undamaged bag, bag. Take one sample per blended lot.
8.2 For unblended commercially prepackaged material, separate a 30 g sample from an undamaged bag by taking one third from
the top of the bag, one third from the middle of the bag, and one third from the bottom of the bag
8.3 Place the representative sample of psyllium in a bowl or plastic bag and thoroughl
...