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D1833-87 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📋 Overview and Significance
ASTM D1833-87 (Reapproved 2017), jointly issued under the fixed designations D1833, TAPPI T 654 ts-64, and IP 185/65(85), provides a standardized numerical scale for rating the odor intensity of waxes derived from petroleum. This test method is essential for applications such as food packaging, where the organoleptic impact of wax is a critical property often defined in procurement specifications. By translating subjective descriptive terms into a reproducible numerical rating, this method ensures consistent evaluation across different laboratories and production batches.
⚠️ Key Insight: While the method is primarily intended for rating odor intensity, the standard acknowledges that results can be influenced by the specific type of odor. This is an important consideration when comparing waxes from different crude sources or refining processes.
⚙️ Test Method and Panel Procedures
The test specimen is prepared by taking at least 100 g of thin shavings from a block of wax at room temperature using a clean knife, vegetable scraper, or mechanical shredder. Each panel member receives approximately 10 g of these shavings placed on odor-free paper or glassine for immediate evaluation. An alternative procedure involves placing the 10 g of shavings into an 8 oz (250 mL) wide-mouth bottle with a cap, with the evaluation taking place between 15 and 60 minutes after preparation to allow the headspace to develop.
The odor test panel must consist of a minimum of five people. Panelists are selected based on their agreement with a known “true” rating and their individual consistency over time. Members suffering from respiratory infections must be omitted from the panel due to the risk of impaired olfactory sensitivity.
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 Specification | 🎯 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Specimen Mass per Panelist | Approx. 10 g | Thin, clean shavings from wax block |
| Total Sample Required | At least 100 g | Block of wax at room temperature |
| Minimum Panel Size | 5 members | Assessed for consistency |
| Bottle Size (Alternative) | 8 oz (250 mL) | Wide-mouth with cap |
💡 Best Practice: The scraper or mechanical device must be thoroughly cleaned and odor-free before use. Any residual organic material on the cutting tool can contaminate the wax shavings and directly interfere with the panel’s evaluation.
📊 Data Interpretation and Key Parameters
Each panel member independently evaluates their specimen and assigns a rating based on the established odor intensity scale. The final reported odor rating for the sample is the arithmetic average of the ratings from all individual panel members. This statistical approach minimizes the impact of individual outliers and provides a reliable consensus value for the wax’s odor intensity.
The evaluation timing is critical to the procedure’s reproducibility, whether the open dish method or the alternative bottle method is utilized.
| 📐 Evaluation Route | ⚡ Timing Requirement |
|---|---|
| Open Dish (Primary) | Shavings on odor-free paper/glassine, evaluated immediately after preparation. |
| Bottle (Alternative) | Shavings in 250 mL wide-mouth bottle, evaluated 15 to 60 minutes after preparation. |
| Final Reported Value | Arithmetic average of the ratings from the entire test panel. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What types of materials are covered under this standard?
This test method specifically covers a procedure for rating the odor intensity of waxes derived from petroleum.
💡 What is the alternative bottle procedure and when is it used?
An alternative to immediate open-dish evaluation involves placing the 10 g wax shavings into an 8 oz (250 mL) wide-mouth bottle. The panelist then evaluates the odor between 15 and 60 minutes after the specimen is prepared, allowing the odor to concentrate in the headspace.
⚡ How is the final odor rating for a sample calculated?
Each member of the test panel assigns a numerical rating to their test specimen. The arithmetic average of all individual panel ratings is then reported as the official odor rating of the sample.
📌 How is the test panel selected for odor testing?
The panel must consist of at least five people. The key factors for selection are (1) agreement with a known “true” rating, and (2) individual consistency. Any panel member with a respiratory infection should be omitted due to potentially impaired sensitivity.