DRAFT FOR DEVELOPMENT DD ENV

12625-8:2001

Tissue paper and tissue

products —
Part 8: Water absorption time, water
absorption capacity — Manual and
automated test method

ICS 85. 080

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

DD ENV 12625-8:2001
This Draft for Development,
having been prepared under
the direction of the Sector
Policy and Strategy Committee
for Materials and Chemicals,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Policy and Strategy Committee
on 24 August 2001
© BSI 24 August 2001
ISBN 0 580 38409 8
National foreword
This Draft for Development is the English language version of
ENV 12625-8:2001.
This publication is not to be regarded as a British Standard.
It is being issued in the Draft for Development series of publications and is of
a provisional nature because work on determining the precision of the water
absorption time, in the form of round-robin tests, is still ongoing. It should be
applied on this provisional basis, so that information and experience of its
practical application may be obtained.
Comments arising from the use if this Draft for Development are requested so
that UK experience can be reported to the European organization responsible
for its conversion into a European Standard. A review of this publication will
be initiated 2 years after its publication by the European organization so that
a decision can be taken on its status at the end of its three-year life. The
commencement of the review period will be notified by an announcement in
Update Standards.
According to the replies received by the end of the review period, the
responsible BSI Committee will decide whether to support the conversion into
a European Standard, to extend the life of the prestandard or to withdraw it.
Comments should be sent in writing to the Secretary of BSI Technical
Committee PAI/11, Paper, board and pulps, at 389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL, giving the document reference and clause number and
proposing, where possible, an appropriate revision of the text.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Standards
Catalogue under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence
Index”, or by using the “Find” facility of the BSI Standards Electronic
Catalogue.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the ENV title
page, pages 2 to 11, and a back cover.
The BSI copyright date displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Comments
EUROPEAN PRESTANDARD ENV 1 2625-8
PRÉNORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE VORNORM May 2001

ICS 85.080

English version

Tissue paper and tissue products - Part 8: Water absorption

time, water absorption capacity - Manual and automated test
method
Papier tissue et produits tissues - Partie 8: Temps
d'absorption d'eau, capacité d'absorption d'eau - Méthodes
d'essai manuelle et automatique
Tissue-Papier und Tissue-Produkte - Teil 8: Zeit für die
Wasseraufnahme, Wasseraufnahmekapazität - Manuelles
und automatisches Prüfverfahren

This European Prestandard (ENV) was approved by CEN on 1 9 April 2001 as a prospective standard for provisional application.
The period of validity of this ENV is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the ENV can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this ENV in the same way as for an EN and to make the ENV available promptly
at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the ENV) until the final
decision about the possible conversion of the ENV into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALIS ATION
E U R O P Ä I S C H E S K O M I T E E FÜ R N O R M U N G

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1 050 Brussels

© 2001 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. ENV 1 2625-8:2001 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Page 2
ENV 1 2625-8:2001

Contents
page
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................................2
Foreword ......................................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................4
2 Normative reference ......................................................................................................................................4
3 Terms and definitions....................................................................................................................................4
3.1 water absorption time....................................................................................................................................4
3.2 water absorption capacity.............................................................................................................................4
4 Principle ..........................................................................................................................................................5
5 Reagent ...........................................................................................................................................................5
6 Preparation and conditioning of the test pieces ........................................................................................5
6.1 Sampling .........................................................................................................................................................5
6.2 Preparation of test pieces .............................................................................................................................5
6.3 Conditioning ...................................................................................................................................................5
7 Manual test method .......................................................................................................................................5
7.1 Apparatus .......................................................................................................................................................5
7.1 .1 Water container ..............................................................................................................................................5
7.1 .2 Draining equipment .......................................................................................................................................6
7.1 .3 Stopwatches ...................................................................................................................................................6
7.1 .4 Watch glass ....................................................................................................................................................6
7.1 .5 Balance ...........................................................................................................................................................6
7.1 .6 Cylindrical metal wire basket........................................................................................................................6
7.2 Procedure .......................................................................................................................................................7
8 Automated test method .................................................................................................................................8
8.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................8
8.2 Apparatus .......................................................................................................................................................8
8.2.1 Water container ..............................................................................................................................................9
8.2.2 Draining equipment .......................................................................................................................................9
8.2.3 Stopwatch .......................................................................................................................................................9
8.2.4 Watch glass ....................................................................................................................................................9
8.2.5 Balance ...........................................................................................................................................................9
8.2.6 Cylindrical metal wire basket........................................................................................................................9
8.3 Procedure .......................................................................................................................................................9
9 Expression of results ..................................................................................................................................1 0
10 Test report ....................................................................................................................................................1 0
11 Precision .......................................................................................................................................................1 0
1 1 .1 Reliability ......................................................................................................................................................1 0
1 1 .2 Repeatability.................................................................................................................................................1 0
1 1 .3 Reproducibility .............................................................................................................................................1 1
 Page 3
ENV 1 2625-8:2001

Foreword

This European Prestandard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 1 72, "Pulp, paper and board", the
secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This Standard of the series EN 1 2625 contains the following parts:
- Part 2: Procedure for sampling and conditioning (currently available as a prENV)
- Part 3: Determination of thickness, bulking thickness and apparent bulk density
- Part 4: Determination of tensile strength, stretch at break and tensile energy absorption
- Part 5: Determination of wet tensile strength
- Part 6: Determination of grammage
- Part 7: Determination of optical properties
- Part 8: Water absorption time, water absorption capacity - Manual and automated test method (currently
available as ENV)
The following Standard of this series is in preparation:
- Part 1 : General guidance on terms
In addition, it is expressly stated that the detection of impurities and contraries in tissue paper and tissue products
should be applied according to the following European Standard:
- EN ISO 1 5755 "Paper and board – Estimation of contraries (ISO 1 5755 : 1 999)
For the determination of moisture content in tissue paper and tissue products, EN 20287 should be applied.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this European Prestandard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Page 4
ENV 1 2625-8:2001

Introduction
This European Prestandard contains test methods on which the following determinations can be proceeded:
- water absorption time;
- water absorption capacity.
In the European and International region both properties present important requirement parameters in the field of
comparison of products.
As the test method for the water absorption time could be developed more precise for the time being, it was
decided to publish this content as a European Prestandard. Concerning the determination of water absorption
round robins are in preparation but up to now, not finished.
In contrary, a wide consensus could be found on the water absorption capacity, so that this test method can be
considered as practicable.

1 Scope
These test methods specify the evaluation of the behaviour of tissue paper and tissue products in the presence of
water.
The purpose of this European Prestandard is to determine, on the same sample:
- water absorption time;
- water absorption capacity.

2 Normative reference
This European Prestandard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Prestandard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
ENV 1 2625-2, Tissue paper and tissue products – Part 2: Procedures for sampling and conditioning
ISO 1 4487, Pulps – Standard water for physical testing

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Prestandard, the following terms and definitions apply:

3.1 water absorption time

the time required for complete wetting of an absorbent material

3.2 water absorption capacity

the weight of liquid that is absorbed per unit weight of the sample
 Page 5
ENV 1 2625-8:2001

4 Pri nci ple

A test piece of the tissue product being tested is progressively immersed by allowing it to come into contact with
water for a defined period of time.
The time required for complete wetting of the test piece is determined, the weight of water absorbed then being
determined after a stated immersion time followed by a given draining time, under specified conditions.

5 Reag ent

For official tests, water shall have a conductivity value less than 0,25 mS/m, in accordance with ISO 1 4487.
For control tests, water shall be demineralised.
In both cases, water shall be changed after each series of five tests, to avoid liquid pollution due to migration of
surfactants included in samples.

6 Preparation and conditioning of the test pieces

6.1 Sampl i ng

Test pieces shall be selected in accordance with ENV 1 2625-2.

Five test pieces shall be taken from the sample.
When sampling finished roll products, the first six sheets have to be eliminated because of the possible presence of
glue.

6.2 Preparati on of test pi eces

Cut the test pieces in machine direction (76 ? 1 ) mm wide and of sufficient length to have 5 stacks of (5,0 ? 0,2) g.
Report the weight of each test piece ( M O).
Stacks need to be prepared comprising a number of sheets superimposed with all individual test pieces having the
same face up.
If several sheets are cut at once, it is essential to dissociate them before testing.
NOTE Test pieces could be cut in 1 0 cm x 1 0 cm squares with a punch and treated exactly as above.

6.3 Condi ti oni ng

Condition the test pieces in accordance with ENV 1 2625-2.

7 Manual test method

7.1 Apparatu s

7.1 .1 Water container

It shall be large enough for the basket to be submerged lying on its side (appropriate capacity: 3 l).
Fill it with sufficient water to have 1 00 mm depth. Liquid shall be at room temperature.
Page 6
ENV 1 2625-8:2001
7.1 .2 Draining equipment

Use a support which is adjusted in a way that the hanging basket forms a 30° angle with the horizontal (see figure
2).

7.1 .3 Stopwatches

Accurate within 1 /1 00 s.

7.1 .4 Watch glass

Appropriate for weighing (diameter approximately 1 00 mm).

7.1 .5 Balance

Precise within 0,01 g with a tare corresponding to the weight of the watch glass.

7.1 .6 Cylindri cal m etal wire basket

Dimensions in millimetres

Figure 1 - Di mensions of the basket

 Page 7
ENV 1 2625-8:2001
The height and the diameter are constructed of suitable gauge wire to weigh (3 ? 0,1 ) g.
Solders or electric fusion should be used to create a firm structure. If using solders, distribute them symmetrically in
order to maintain the balance of the basket.
One can compensate for the weight of the bottom by partially doubling one of the rings.
Record its weight ( M b).

7.2 Procedure

a) Roll each weighed test piece into a loose roll of about the same diameter as that of the cylindrical basket. Place
the test piece in the basket, loosely packed, (particularly avoiding any hand pressure), with its 76 mm edge
parallel to the side of the basket and gently spread the test piece using fingers so it moulds itself to the contour
of the basket (when using squares, place the stack in the basket, do not roll);
b) Drop the basket, on its side, from a height of (25 ? 5) mm above the water surface into the container of water
and simultaneously start the stopwatch;
c) Record the time required for complete wetting of the test piece. It means that the stopwatch shall be stopped
as soon as the test piece is completely submerged;
d) Allow the basket and test piece to remain submerged in the water for (30 ? 1 ) s;
e) Remove the basket, keeping it in a horizontal position, and hang it on the support to form an 30° angle with the
horizontal;
f) Allow it to drain for (60 ? 1 ) s;
g) Immediately weigh the basket and its content in the tared watch glass. Record the value ( M n);
h) Repeat the procedure with each of the other four test pieces.
NOTE Water should be changed after each series of five tests.
Page 8
ENV 1 2625-8:2001

8 Au tomated test method

8.1 General

The accuracy of the time measurement can be rendered less dependent upon the operator's visual interpretation.
The accuracy can be improved through the use of an apparatus which measures the time electronically.

8.2 Apparatu s

The apparatus is constructed as shown in figure 2.

Key

1 basket
2 test piece
3 support system
4 level detection
5 start bolt
6 magnet
7 stopwatch
8 constant level water tank

Figure 2 - M easurement principl e of the apparatus

 Page 9
ENV 1 2625-8:2001
8.2.1 Water container

As described in 7.1 .1 .

8.2.2 Draining equipment

As described in 7.1 .2.

8.2.3 Stopwatch

As described in 7.1 .3.

8.2.4 Watch glass

As described in 7.1 .4.

8.2.5 Balance

As described in 7.1 .5.

8.2.6 Cylindri cal m etal wire basket

In principle in accordance with 7.1 .6 but modified in that way that the basket is fitted with a special hook whose
weight is negligible.

8.3 Proced ure

a) Roll each test piece into a loose roll of about the same diameter as that of the cylindrical basket. Place the test
piece in the basket, loosely packed, (particularly avoiding any hand pressure), with its 76 mm edge parallel to
the side of the basket and gently spread the test piece using fingers so it moulds itself to the contour of the
basket (when using squares, place the stack in the basket, do not roll);
b) Follow apparatus instructions (to be defined);
c) Drain for (60 ? 1 ) s;
d) Immediately weigh the basket and its content in the tared watch glass. Record the value ( M n);
e) Repeat the procedure with each of the other four test pieces.
NOTE Water should be changed after each series of five tests.
Page 1 0
ENV 1 2625-8:2001

9 Expression of results
Calculate the mean water absorption time, in seconds, and the mean water absorption capacity ( Wa), in grams per
gram of each test piece, from the formula (1 ):

W ? M - MM - M
a
n o b
(1 )
o

where
Wa is the average water absorption capacity in grams per gram of each test piece;
M n is the weight of the basket and its content in grams;
M o is the weight of each test piece in grams;
M b is the weight of the basket in grams.

1 0 Test report
The test report shall refer to this European Prestandard and state:
a) the date and place of testing;
b) all details necessary to the identification of the test pieces;
c) dimensions of the test pieces;
d) test format (manual or automated);
e) mean absorption time and standard deviation;
f) mean absorption capacity and standard deviation;
g) any deviation from this standardised procedure that may have effected the result.

1 1 Precision
1 1 .1 Reliability
Test reliability depends on how closely the tissue paper or tissue product samples being tested match (see table 1 ).

1 1 .2 Repeatability
The repeatability is the difference, in percent, between two individual results, obtained on a same material by a
single operator, using the same apparatus, over a limited period.
 Page 1 1
ENV 1 2625-8:2001
1 1 .3 Reproducibility
The reproducibility is the difference between two individual results, independently obtained by two operators,
working in different laboratories, on the same material.

Table 1

Measurement of the Value range Repeatability in % Reproducibility in %

time 2 s to 4 s 8 9
time 5 s to 1 0 s 6 9
absorption 5 g/g to 8 g/g 3 4
absorption 1 0 g/g to 1 6 g/g 2,5 4,5
DD ENV
12625-8:2001
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