ISO 3550-2:1997

Overview

ISO 3550-2:1997 specifies a standardized method for determining the loss of tobacco from the ends of cigarettes using a rotating cubic box, also known as a sismelatophore. This particular part of the ISO 3550 series focuses on assessing tobacco loss that occurs primarily throughout the distribution network and during consumer handling, such as in the smoker’s pocket. The method involves subjecting a test portion of cigarettes to controlled tumbling impacts inside a cubic rotating box to simulate these conditions and measure tobacco fallout.

The standard is crucial for tobacco manufacturers and quality control laboratories aiming to evaluate and improve the mechanical integrity and quality of cigarettes by minimizing tobacco loss at the ends-a key factor influencing consumer satisfaction and product consistency.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope ISO 3550-2 specifically targets tobacco loss occurring due to handling and distribution processes. It complements Part 1 of ISO 3550, which uses a rotating cylindrical cage to evaluate manufacturing and packaging losses.

• Testing Principle The test portion of cigarettes is tumbled inside a cubic box rotating around its main diagonal to artificially induce tobacco strand loss from cigarette ends. The loss is quantified by weighing the cigarettes before and after tumbling, with tobacco fallout collected and measured.

• Apparatus Description

  • Rotating cubic box (sismelatophore): Constructed from poly(methyl methacrylate) or similar plastic, with 140 mm edges, mounted to rotate at 60 ± 2 revolutions per minute.
  • Conditioning chamber: Controls atmosphere following ISO 3402 to ensure consistent moisture and temperature.
  • Measurement tools: Analytical balance accurate to ±0.0001 g and equipment for measuring cigarette diameter per ISO 2971.

• Testing Procedure

  • Cigarettes are conditioned under standardized atmosphere.
  • A test portion of 20 cigarettes is weighed, subjected to 120 seconds tumbling in the sismelatophore, and weighed again to determine mass loss.
  • Non-tobacco components are separated and weighed to isolate tobacco loss.
  • Water content is determined via ISO 6488 since moisture affects tobacco fallout results.

• Calculations Tobacco loss is expressed in parts per thousand (‰) relative to the initial tobacco mass. Specific fallout metrics include:

  • Loss per open cigarette end (mg per open end)
  • Loss per unit cross-sectional area of the cigarette end (mg/cm²)

• Reporting Requirements Test reports must comprehensively document sample identification, cigarette characteristics (including length, diameter, and number of open ends), sampling and testing details, water content, statistical results, and any factors influencing outcomes.

Applications

• Quality Control in Tobacco Production Enables manufacturers to quantify and reduce tobacco loss during product handling, ensuring better package integrity and product quality.

• Product Development Assists in evaluating new cigarette designs or materials aimed at enhancing resistance to tobacco fallout.

• Distribution and Handling Assessment Offers insights into tobacco loss occurring post-manufacture, helping optimize packaging and transport conditions.

• Consumer Experience Enhancement By minimizing tobacco fallout, the method supports efforts to reduce waste and improve consumer satisfaction.

Related Standards

• ISO 3550-1: Method using a rotating cylindrical cage Focuses on tobacco loss during manufacturing and packaging.

• ISO 2971: Cigarettes and filter rods – Determination of nominal diameter using a laser beam Ensures accurate measurement of cigarette dimensions to support loss calculations.

• ISO 3402: Tobacco and tobacco products – Atmosphere for conditioning and testing Defines standardized conditioning environments for tobacco products.

• ISO 6488: Tobacco – Determination of water content using the Karl Fischer method Provides moisture content measurement critical for interpreting tobacco loss data.

• ISO 8243: Cigarettes – Sampling Describes proper sampling procedures to ensure representative test portions.

Keywords

Cigarette tobacco loss, tobacco fallout measurement, sismelatophore method, rotating cubic box test, cigarette quality control, tobacco product testing, ISO 3550-2, tobacco loss determination, cigarette end tobacco loss, tobacco testing standards.