General Information

Abstract

This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the total polyethylene glycol (PEG) content of aromatic and aliphatic non-ionic surface active agents of the type R - (O - C2H4)p - OH, where p is the mean ethylene oxide (EO) value. It applies for concentrations of PEG higher than approximately 0,1 g/100 g of the laboratory sample.

Status
Published
Publication Date
16-Feb-1999
Withdrawal Date
30-Aug-1999
ICS
71.100.40 - Surface active agents
Technical Committee
CEN/TC 276 - Surface active agents
Drafting Committee
CEN/TC 276/WG 1 - Methods of analysis
Current Stage
9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
Start Date
31-Oct-2024
Completion Date
02-Sep-2026
Ref Project
SIST EN 12139:1999 - Surface active agents - Determination of the total polyethylene glycol content of non-ionic surface active agents (EO adducts) by HPLC/GPC

Buy Documents

Overview

EN 12139:1999 is a CEN European Standard that defines an analytical method for the determination of total polyethylene glycol (PEG) content in non‑ionic surface active agents (EO adducts) using HPLC/GPC (High‑Performance Liquid Chromatography / Gel Permeation Chromatography). The standard covers aromatic and aliphatic non‑ionic surfactants of the general type R‑(O‑C2H4)p‑OH, where p is the mean ethylene oxide (EO) value. It applies to laboratory samples with PEG concentrations greater than approximately 0.1 g/100 g.

Key topics and technical requirements

  • Scope and applicability
    • Targets non‑ionic surface active agents (EO adducts) - both aromatic and aliphatic types.
    • Minimum detectable/quantifiable PEG content: around 0.1 g/100 g of sample.
  • Analytical technique
    • Method uses HPLC/GPC for separation and quantification of PEG fractions.
    • Focuses on measuring total polyethylene glycol (PEG) rather than individual oligomers.
  • Sample type and form
    • Applies to liquid or solid laboratory samples of non‑ionic surfactants formulated as R‑(O‑C2H4)p‑OH.
  • Reporting and interpretation
    • Results are intended for quality control and specification compliance; reporting conventions follow standard analytical practice (chromatographic separation, integration, calibration).
  • Standards context
    • This is a CEN (European) normative document and aligns with ICS classification for surface active agents.

Applications and users

  • Quality control laboratories in surfactant, detergent, cosmetic, and chemical manufacturing - for batch release and supplier verification.
  • Formulation chemists who need to control PEG content in non‑ionic surfactants to achieve consistent performance in detergents, emulsifiers, and personal care products.
  • Regulatory and compliance teams assessing ingredient composition against labels, safety data sheets, or regional requirements.
  • Raw material suppliers verifying the EO (ethylene oxide) adduct composition and PEG levels before shipment.
  • Analytical service providers offering chromatographic analysis (HPLC/GPC) for industrial clients.

Related standards

  • Other CEN/ISO standards and national methods covering surfactant characterization, EO adduct analysis, or chromatographic determination of polymeric impurities are commonly used alongside EN 12139:1999 for comprehensive quality assessment.

Keywords: EN 12139:1999, surface active agents, non‑ionic surfactants, EO adducts, polyethylene glycol (PEG), HPLC/GPC, chromatographic determination, PEG content, quality control.

Relations

Refers
ISO 607:1980 - Surface active agents and detergents — Methods of sample division
Effective Date
25-Aug-2026
Refers
ISO 6353-3:1987 - Reagents for chemical analysis — Part 3: Specifications — Second series
Effective Date
25-Aug-2026
Refers
ISO 6353-2:1983 - Reagents for chemical analysis — Part 2: Specifications — First series
Effective Date
09-Feb-2026
Refers
EN ISO 3696:1995 - Water for analytical laboratory use - Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Refers
EN 14960:2006 - Inflatable play equipment - Safety requirements and test methods
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Refers
EN 14344:2004 - Child use and care articles - Child seats for cycles - Safety requirements and test methods
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Referred By
EN IEC 62705:2026 - Nuclear facilities - Instrumentation and control important to safety - Radiation monitoring systems (RMS): Characteristics and lifecycle
Effective Date
09-Feb-2026

Buy Documents

Get Certified

Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

ECOCERT

Organic and sustainability certification.

COFRAC France Verified
Visit Website

Eurofins Food Testing Global

Global leader in food, environment, and pharmaceutical product testing.

COFRAC Luxembourg Verified
Visit Website

Intertek Bangladesh

Intertek certification and testing services in Bangladesh.

BAB Bangladesh Verified
Visit Website

Sponsored listings

Frequently Asked Questions

EN 12139:1999 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Surface active agents - Determination of the total polyethylene glycol content of non-ionic surface active agents (EO adducts) by HPLC/GPC". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the total polyethylene glycol (PEG) content of aromatic and aliphatic non-ionic surface active agents of the type R - (O - C2H4)p - OH, where p is the mean ethylene oxide (EO) value. It applies for concentrations of PEG higher than approximately 0,1 g/100 g of the laboratory sample.

This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the total polyethylene glycol (PEG) content of aromatic and aliphatic non-ionic surface active agents of the type R - (O - C2H4)p - OH, where p is the mean ethylene oxide (EO) value. It applies for concentrations of PEG higher than approximately 0,1 g/100 g of the laboratory sample.

EN 12139:1999 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.100.40 - Surface active agents. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 12139:1999 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 607:1980, ISO 6353-3:1987, ISO 6353-2:1983, EN ISO 3696:1995, EN 14960:2006, EN 14344:2004, EN IEC 62705:2026. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 12139:1999 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Grenzflächenaktive Stoffe - Bestimmung des Gesamtgehaltes an Polyethylenglycol von nichtionischen grenzflächenaktiven Stoffen (EO-Addukten) mit HPLC/GPCAgents de surface - Détermination de la teneur totale en polyéthylene glycol des agents de surface non ioniques (condensats OE) par CLHP/CPGSurface active agents - Determination of the total polyethylene glycol content of non-ionic surface active agents
...