Overview
ISO 20193:2019/Amd 1:2021 is an important international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that amends ISO 20193:2019. It focuses on the determination of the width of strands of cut tobacco, a key quality parameter in tobacco and tobacco products. This amendment introduces a modernized measurement method based on digital image processing, enhancing precision and repeatability compared to traditional manual techniques.
The document was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 126, subcommittee SC 1, which specializes in physical and dimensional tests for tobacco products. The amendment aligns with ISO/IEC editorial rules and reflects evolving technology for improved laboratory analysis.
Key Topics
- Digital Image Processing Method: Addition of Annex C describing a novel measurement approach using a camera system and software to determine strand width.
- Sampling and Preparation: Guidelines specify taking at least 30 strands of cut tobacco, each a minimum of 10 mm long, ensuring representative and uniform samples.
- Apparatus Specifications:
- Color camera with CCD or CMOS sensor and minimum 5-megapixel resolution.
- Uniform LED lighting to prevent shadowing or distortion.
- Sample holder sized to accommodate at least 30 strands without overlap.
- Imaging precision of at least 0.05 mm for high-resolution measurements.
- Measurement Procedure: Steps to calibrate the instrument, place strands without stretching or damage, and capture images for analysis.
- Calculation of Width: Calculation based on orthogonal distances between nearly parallel edges of strands; averages the width of multiple points per strand and across all strands.
- Expression of Results: Results expressed as arithmetic mean and standard deviation to two and three decimal places respectively, ensuring consistent quality reporting.
Applications
This standard amendment is critical for:
- Tobacco Product Manufacturers: Ensuring consistent strand width which impacts cutting quality, burn rate, and overall product performance.
- Quality Control Laboratories: Implementing precise, automated methods reduces human error and improves reproducibility of dimensional measurements.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting international standards supports product certification, facilitates trade, and enables regulatory approvals.
- Research and Development: Facilitates product innovation by providing reliable measurement data for new tobacco blends and cutting methods.
- Digital Transformation: Encourages adoption of image processing technology in tobacco testing, aligning with broader trends in industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.
Related Standards
- ISO 4387 - Tobacco and tobacco products - Determination of volatile matter content - Essential for understanding cutting and drying impacts.
- ISO 3402 - Tobacco and tobacco products - Atmosphere for conditioning and testing - Provides controlled environment parameters for accurate measurements.
- ISO 3308 - Routine analytical cigarette-smoking machine - Standardizes smoking parameters, related to cut tobacco strand quality.
- ISO 3160 - Tobacco and tobacco products - Sampling - Key for representative sample selection in physical tests.
By integrating advanced image processing techniques for strand width determination, ISO 20193:2019/Amd 1:2021 enhances the reliability and efficiency of tobacco quality assessments. Its adoption supports manufacturers and laboratories in maintaining product consistency and regulatory adherence while embracing technological innovation.
Open preview (PDF)Tobacco and tobacco products — Determination of the width of the strands of cut tobacco — Amendment 1