ASTM E769-85(2004)

Standard Test Methods for Odor of Methanol, Ethanol, <i>n</i>-Propanol, and Isopropanol

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
These test methods are intended to provide procedures that may be used to evaluate denatured and undenatured alcohols with 1 to 3 carbon atoms for characteristic and residual odors that will affect their end use.
The products tested are compared to reference standards using one or all of the test methods described. Interpretation of results and acceptability of the product for a specific end use are the responsibility of the panel supervisor and are based on the results obtained in testing.  
These tests may be used to qualify the suitability of these products for use in a customer-producer relationship.
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.
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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2004
• 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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E769 – 85 (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Test Methods for
Odor of Methanol, Ethanol, n-Propanol, and Isopropanol
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E769; 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. Reference Standards
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for observing 4.1 Reference standards of the products to be tested, having
characteristic and residual odors and estimating odor intensity odor characteristics satisfactory to the consumer and producer,
of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol for the are required.
purpose of determining their odor acceptability. Several test 4.2 Periodically examine reference standards to assure their
methods are included and any or all may be used. These test continued acceptability, and replace when necessary.
methods may be used for both denatured and undenatured
5. Selection of Panel
alcohols.
5.1 A panel of at least five trained judges is recommended
1.2 These test methods are not intended to determine subtle
odor differences between alcohols, which do not affect their for these evaluations.
5.2 The panel may be selected and trained in accordance
end use.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the with the methods outlined inASTM STP 758. Since discrimi-
nation tests are involved, panel members must have a complete
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- understanding of the nature of the judgements required, the test
procedures, and test controls required. During the training
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. period, panelists should examine both acceptable and unac-
ceptable products to become familiar with the range of
2. Referenced Documents
acceptability.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6. Procedure A—Characteristic and Residual Odors by
D86 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at
Evaporation
Atmospheric Pressure
6.1 Apparatus:
E133 Specification for Distillation Equipment
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.
3.3 These tests may be used to qualify the suitability of 6.3.2 For residual odor, as soon as the papers appear dry and
these products for use in a customer-producer relationship. the characteristic odor has dissipated, evaluate them for pos-
sible differences.
6.3.3 Panel members should record individual results as
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E18 on
outlined in 10.1 and 10.2.
Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products and are the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E18.06 on Food and Beverage Evaluation.
7. Procedure B—Odor Character Intensity by Dilution
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2004. Published October 2004. Originally
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as E769 – 85 (1997).
7.1 Methanol and Ethanol:
DOI: 10.1520/E0769-85R04.
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 Selection and Training of Sensory Evaluation Panels, ASTM STP 758, ASTM
the ASTM website. International, 1981.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E769 – 85 (2004)
7.1.1 Sample Preparation—Add 25 mL of alcohol sample bottom stopper. Place in oven set at 150°F (65°C) for 5 min.
to a 250-mL flask containing 75 mL of odor free water. Swirl Remove from the oven and allow to cool sufficiently to handle.
to mix and cover with an appropriate closure (glass, aluminum, Prepare a blank, consisting of filter paper without sample, but
or stainless steel). Prepare the reference standard in the same treated in same manner.
manner. 8.3 Sample Evaluation—Evaluate the odor of the sample
7.1.2 Sample Evaluation—Remove closure from the stan- and blank as compared to a standard prepared in the same
dard and without agitating, take three short sniffs to evaluate. manner. Report the odor intensity as outlined in 10.3.1 and list
Repeat, if necessary. Swirl the standard three times (gently in odor notes as in 10.3.2.3.
order not to incorporate air into the sample) and resmell to
9. Interpretation of Results
detect any additional odor notes not obser
...