Overview
ISO 607:1980 - Surface active agents and detergents - Methods of sample division specifies mechanical procedures for reducing a bulk sample of surfactants and detergents to representative reduced, laboratory, reference, storage or test samples. Originally published in 1980, this ISO standard covers powders (including spray‑dried and additive‑containing powders), pastes and liquids and describes equipment and handling practices to ensure representative sampling for analysis and testing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Covers reduction of a blended bulk sample into a reduced sample, final sample, laboratory sample, reference sample, storage sample, and test sample. Typical mass thresholds: preparation of laboratory/reference/storage samples each >250 g from blended bulk >500 g; minimum test sample mass is 10 g.
- Apparatus: Recommended mechanical dividers include the conical divider and rotary sample divider (rotational frequency > 40 min‑1). Auxiliary tools: scoops/spatulas, domestic or mechanical mixers, glass flasks, weighing pipettes and manual stirrers.
- Procedures by form:
- Powders: Use conical or rotary dividers to split bulk into quantitatively similar portions; repeat division cycles until required mass is obtained. Special care for powders with post‑drying additives (they may separate).
- Pastes: Warm (35–40 °C) and blend using a domestic mixer/beater to a homogeneous mass before sampling; avoid removing paste from original container before mixing.
- Liquids: Mix manually or mechanically, minimise foaming and evaporation; for cloudy or sedimenting liquids, use a mechanical stirrer and, if needed, warm gently (~30 °C) to re‑dissolve solids.
- Storage and containers: Place reduced samples in airtight bottles or flasks of glass or plastics. Do not use metal containers. Record mass and preserve original condition until testing.
- Reporting: Reports must state the method used, types and numbers of samples prepared, masses, times taken, apparatus type and any unusual observations during division.
Applications and users
- Quality control and laboratory personnel in detergent and surfactant manufacturing
- Testing laboratories performing chemical, physical or performance analyses
- Regulatory bodies and inspectors validating product conformity and traceability
- R&D teams preparing representative samples for formulation or stability testing
Using ISO 607 helps ensure representative sampling, repeatability of test results, and defensible handling of disputes using retained reference or storage samples.
Related standards
- ISO 6206 - Chemical products for industrial use: Sampling - Vocabulary (definitions referenced in ISO 607)
Keywords: ISO 607:1980, sample division, surface active agents, detergents, conical divider, rotary sample divider, sampling procedures, laboratory sample, test sample, representative sampling.
