ASTM E769-85(1997)

Standard Test Methods for Odor of Methanol, Ethanol, n-Propanol, and Isopropanol

SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for observing characteristic and residual odors and estimating odor intensity of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol for the purpose of determining their odor acceptability. Several test methods are included and any or all may be used. These test methods may be used for both denatured and undenatured alcohols.
1.2 These test methods are not intended to determine subtle odor differences between alcohols, which do not affect their end use.  
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Sep-1997
• ICS: 71.080.60 - Alcohols. Ethers
• Technical Committee: E18 - Sensory Evaluation
• Drafting Committee: E18.06 - Food and Beverage Evaluation

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: E 769 – 85 (Reapproved 1997)
Standard Test Methods for
Odor of Methanol, Ethanol, n-Propanol, and Isopropanol
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 769; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.3 These tests may be used to qualify the suitability of
these products for use in a customer-producer relationship.
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for observing
characteristic and residual odors and estimating odor intensity
4. Reference Standards
of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol for the
4.1 Reference standards of the products to be tested, having
purpose of determining their odor acceptability. Several test
odor characteristics satisfactory to the consumer and producer,
methods are included and any or all may be used. These test
are required.
methods may be used for both denatured and undenatured
4.2 Periodically examine reference standards to assure their
alcohols.
continued acceptability, and replace when necessary.
1.2 These test methods are not intended to determine subtle
odor differences between alcohols, which do not affect their
5. Selection of Panel
end use.
5.1 A panel of at least five trained judges is recommended
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
for these evaluations.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2 The panel may be selected and trained in accordance
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
with the methods outlined in ASTM STP 758. Since discrimi-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
nation tests are involved, panel members must have a complete
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
understanding of the nature of the judgements required, the test
procedures, and test controls required. During the training
2. Referenced Documents
period, panelists should examine both acceptable and unac-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2 ceptable products to become familiar with the range of
D 86 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products
acceptability.
E 133 Specification for Distillation Equipment
2.2 ASTM Manual:
6. Procedure A—Characteristic and Residual Odors by
STP 758 Selection and Training of Sensory Evaluation
Evaporation
Panels
6.1 Apparatus:
6.1.1 Rapid Qualitative Filter Paper, 2.5 by 7.5-cm strips,
3. Significance and Use
odor-free.
3.1 These test methods are intended to provide procedures
6.1.2 Glass Containers, odor-free, with fitted closures.
that may be used to evaluate denatured and undenatured
6.2 Sample Preparation—Each panelist dips separate strips
alcohols with 1 to 3 carbon atoms for characteristic and
of the filter paper to a depth of 5.0 cm into the sample and
residual odors that will affect their end use.
standard, which are provided in suitable, clean, odor-free glass
3.2 The products tested are compared to reference standards
containers with fitted closures.
using one or all of the test methods described. Interpretation of
6.3 Sample Evaluation:
results and acceptability of the product for a specific end use
6.3.1 For characterization, after wetting the filter papers,
are the responsibility of the panel supervisor and are based on
make an immediate odor comparison between the standard and
the results obtained in testing.
sample(s). Permit the papers to air dry at room temperature.
6.3.2 For residual odor, as soon as the papers appear dry and
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-18 on the characteristic odor has dissipated, evaluate them for pos-
Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products and are the direct responsibility of
sible differences.
Subcommittee E18.06 on Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Evaluation.
6.3.3 Panel members should record individual results as
Current edition approved Sept. 27, 1985. Published November 1985. Originally
outlined in 10.1 and 10.2.
published as E 769 – 81. Last previous edition E 769 – 81.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
Available from ASTM Headquarters, 1916 Race St., Phila., PA 19103.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 769
7. Procedure B—Odor Character Intensity by Dilution cylindrical weighing bottle with ground-in, hollow, closed-
bottom stopper. Place in oven set at 150°F (65°C) for 5 min.
7.1 Methanol and Ethanol:
Remove from the oven and allow to cool sufficiently to handle.
7.1.1 Sample Preparation—Add 25 mL of alcohol sample
Prepare a blank, consisting of filter paper without sample, but
to a 250-mL flask containing 75 mL of odor free water. Swirl
treated in same manner.
to mix and cover with an appropriate closure (glass, aluminum,
8.3 Sample Evaluation—Evaluate the odor of the sample
or stainless steel). Prepare the reference standard in the same
and blank as compared to a standard prepared in the same
manner.
manner. Report the odor intensity as outlined in 10.3.1 and list
7.1.2 Sample Evaluation—Remove closure from the stan-
odor notes as in 10.3.2.3.
dard and without agitating, take three short sniffs to evaluate.
Repeat, if necessary. Swirl the standard three times (gently in
9. Interpretation of Results
order not to incorporate air into the sample) and resmell to
9.1 It is the responsibility of the panel supervisor to evaluate
detect any ad
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