ISO 2817:1999

Overview

ISO 2817:1999 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies a precise method for determining silicated residues insoluble in hydrochloric acid in tobacco and tobacco products. This test is essential for assessing the percentage of extraneous silica particles, such as sand, found in tobacco leaves, cut tobacco, scraps, and dust. By quantifying these residues, stakeholders can evaluate tobacco cleanliness and quality before processing or purchase, ensuring product safety and consistency.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  The standard applies to various forms of tobacco and focuses on detecting hydrochloric-acid-insoluble silicated residues. These particles indicate contamination by materials like sand, which impact product quality.

• Sampling and Preparation
  Sampling must comply with ISO 4874 to ensure representativeness, with sample drying and grinding to facilitate analysis. The water content should not exceed 12% to maintain test accuracy.

• Testing Procedure
  The method involves incineration of a test portion at 650 °C ± 50 °C, acid leaching with hydrochloric acid, filtration, and re-incineration to isolate insoluble silicated residues. Precision in temperature control and reagent quality is crucial.

• Reagents and Apparatus
  Analytical-grade hydrochloric acid (4 mol/L) and distilled or demineralized water are used alongside standard laboratory equipment such as muffle furnaces, porcelain crucibles, and ashless filter paper.

• Results Interpretation
  Residue content is calculated as a mass fraction in percentage, factoring in moisture content. The method provides highly repeatable and reproducible results, verified through interlaboratory studies.

• Precision and Reliability
  The standard provides repeatability and reproducibility values, ensuring confidence in test outcomes. Differences in measurements between laboratories and operators remain within defined limits.

Applications

• Quality Control in Tobacco Production
  Establishing the proportion of silicated residues helps tobacco growers, processors, and manufacturers identify contamination early, preventing inferior raw materials from entering production lines.

• Purchasing and Inspection
  Buyers utilize the standard to verify the cleanliness of tobacco leaves before purchase, mitigating risks of impurities that could affect the final product’s safety and performance.

• Regulatory Compliance and Research
  Ensures that tobacco products meet quality expectations and supports scientific research on tobacco contamination and its effects on product properties.

• Maintaining Production Standards
  Industry labs rely on this method to uphold consistent tobacco quality and meet international standards for endorsements and certifications.

Related Standards

• ISO 4874: Tobacco - Sampling of batches of raw material - General principles
  Provides guidelines on how to obtain representative tobacco samples, critical for the accuracy of silicated residue testing.

• ISO 565: Test sieves - Metal wire cloth, perforated metal plate and electroformed sheet - Nominal sizes of openings
  Specifies required sieve sizes used in sample preparation to ensure uniform particle size.

• ISO 6488-1: Tobacco - Determination of water content - Part 1: Karl Fischer method
  Details the procedure for measuring moisture content, a necessary step in calculating accurate residue percentages.

• ISO 5725-2: Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results - Part 2
  Defines statistical methods for assessing the repeatability and reproducibility of measurement processes, underpinning the validation of the ISO 2817 method.

Keywords: ISO 2817, tobacco testing, silicated residues, hydrochloric acid insoluble particles, tobacco quality control, tobacco product standards, tobacco contamination analysis, laboratory test methods, tobacco industry standards, residue determination