GB/T 13216-2026 Test methods for glycerols English, Anglais, Englisch, Inglés, えいご
This is a draft translation for reference among interesting stakeholders. The finalized translation (passing through draft translation, self-check, revision and verification) will be delivered upon being ordered.
ICS
CCS
National Standard of the People's Republic of China
GB/T 13216-2026
Test methods for glycerols
甘油试验方法
Issue date: 2026-01-28 Implementation date: 2027-02-01
Issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China
the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China
Contents
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Sampling method for glycerol in drums
5 Determination of transparency
6 Determination of odour
7 Determination of colour
8 Determination of density at 20 °C
9 Determination of glycerol content
10 Limit test for chlorides
11 Determination of sulphated ash
12 Determination of acidity or alkalinity
13 Determination of saponification equivalent
14 Limit test for arsenic
15 Limit test for heavy metals
16 Test for reducing substances
17 Requirements for reporting of test results
Test methods for glycerol
1 Scope
This document describes various test methods for glycerol.
This document is applicable to the testing of glycerol.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 3143, Liquid chemical products — Determination of colour (Hazen unit — platinum-cobalt scale)
GB/T 4472, Determination of density and relative density of chemical products
GB/T 6682, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods
QB/T 2739-2005, Common test methods for washing products — Preparation of test solutions for titration analysis (volumetric analysis)
SN/T 2544, Determination of glycerol content — High performance liquid chromatography
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are required to be defined in this document.
4 Sampling method for glycerol in drums
4.1 General
This method is applicable to refined glycerol without solid sediment or suspended matter in the drum. It is also applicable to drummed refined glycerol that has frozen due to cold and can return to its original state after warming.
All samples for laboratory determination shall be prepared and stored in accordance with this method.
4.2 Principle
A sampling tube is inserted through the bung hole to the bottom of the drum, and samples are taken from the entire depth of the drum. Equal volumes are taken from each sample drum. All samples from the same batch are combined, mixed homogeneously, and subdivided into the required number of laboratory sample portions.
4.3 Apparatus
4.3.1 Sampling tube: As shown in Figure 1. It consists of two cylinders made of stainless steel or other chemical-resistant material, with the inner cylinder fitting closely inside the outer cylinder. Each cylinder has two rows of staggered longitudinal slots, with each slot occupying one quarter of the cylinder circumference and distributed in four equal segments over the full length. The slots on the inner and outer cylinders can be precisely aligned or sealed by rotating the handle of the inner cylinder (which is fitted with a pointer), and the pointer indicates the relative position of the slots on a scale on the outer cylinder. In the "filling" position, the slots form two rows of staggered openings, allowing samples from all depths in the drum to enter the sampling tube simultaneously.
Both the inner and outer cylinder bases are perforated. When the pointer is in the "draining" position, the bottom openings align to form an opening while the longitudinal slots remain sealed.
The length of the sampling tube shall be proportional to the depth of the material to be sampled, and its effective capacity shall be approximately 0.1 % of the drum capacity.
4.3.2 Wiping plug: Fits the bung hole of the drum to be sampled.
4.3.3 Cylindrical collector: Made of the same material as the sampling tube, but preferably glass, fitted with a sealing lid, with a capacity of approximately 1.5 L, suitable for the product to be sampled.
4.3.4 Sample bottles: Glass bottles with ground glass stoppers or sealing caps with polyethylene liners, with a capacity just sufficient to be completely filled by the prepared laboratory sample.
4.4 Procedure
4.4.1 Precautions
Because glycerol is highly hygroscopic, the following precautions shall be observed during sampling, analysis and storage to protect the sample from moisture:
a) Containers used for mixing and storing samples shall be sealed and shall remain closed during filling and during each individual sampling operation;
b) Sampling should preferably be carried out with the containers protected from rain and other accidental contamination;
c) All apparatus and containers shall be clean and dry before use;
d) Laboratory samples obtained by subdividing the mixed sample shall completely fill the sample bottle (4.3.4).
4.4.2 Sample preparation
Insert the sampling tube (4.3.1) with the slots closed through the wiping plug (4.3.2) to the bottom of the drum. Rotate the handle so that the pointer is at the "filling" position to open the longitudinal slots. After the sampling tube is filled, close the slots, withdraw the sampling tube, and wipe the outer wall of the tube clean against the wiping plug.
Insert the glycerol-filled sampling tube into the cylindrical collector (4.3.3), rotate the handle so that the pointer is at the "draining" position, and empty the sampling tube. In this way, take equal samples from each sample drum in sequence, so that the total amount exceeds the required amount. Keep the collector sealed during the intervals between emptying operations.
Seal the sample container, lay it on its side and roll it to mix the entire sample thoroughly and quickly. Immediately take approximately 500 g (or other required amount) of the sample and place it into a sample bottle (4.3.4), and prepare the required number of identical laboratory samples in this manner. Seal tightly with a stopper or sealing cap, and seal with sealing wax (or adhesive). Affix a sample label indicating the sample name, batch number, specification, sampling date and signature of the sampler.
If the glycerol in the drum has frozen due to cold, gently warm the drum, lay it on its side and roll it to thaw and mix the glycerol before proceeding with the above sampling procedure.
5 Determination of transparency
5.1 Apparatus
5.1.1 Nessler colorimetric tube, 50 mL.
5.1.2 Opalescent electric lamp.
5.2 Procedure
Mix the glycerol sample uniformly and degas by vacuum or ultrasonication. Measure 50 mL and place it in a Nessler colorimetric tube. Observe against an opalescent electric lamp at room temperature, then observe by reflected light against a white cloth background. If no turbidity is observed in either case, it is judged to be transparent.
6 Determination of odour
Apply a small amount of glycerol sample to the back of the hand and spread it, then smell the odour. If only the characteristic odour of glycerol is present without any other off-odour, it is judged to have no undesirable odour.
7 Determination of colour
Determine by visual observation in a Nessler colorimetric tube in accordance with GB/T 3143, or read the corresponding colour value using a 721 colorimeter with a 100 mm cuvette.
The colour of the sample is expressed in Hazen (platinum-cobalt colour) units corresponding to the platinum-cobalt standard colour solution that most closely matches the sample. If the colour of the sample lies between two platinum-cobalt standard colour solutions, the Hazen unit of the darker standard solution shall be used.
8 Determination of density at 20 °C
Determined in accordance with GB/T 4472.
The conversion of glycerol density between different temperatures is calculated according to Formula (1).
9 Determination of glycerol content
9.1 General
Methods for the determination of glycerol content include the density method, the titrimetric method and the liquid chromatography method.
The density method is applicable to high-content refined glycerol products and aqueous solutions of pure glycerol. The titrimetric method is applicable to various glycerol products, but is not applicable to glycerol products containing organic compounds with more than two hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbon atoms, such as sugars, because these can also be oxidized to produce formic acid and interfere with the determination. The liquid chromatography method is applicable to the determination of saponification glycerol and synthetic glycerol of different content specifications, and is also applicable to the qualitative identification of glycerol substitutes containing ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and sorbitol as main raw materials.
Note: Non-glycerol organic matter in glycerol will cause the density method to give high results, while the titrimetric method and liquid chromatography method are not affected.
9.2 Density method
9.2.1 Principle
For high-content refined glycerol or aqueous solutions of pure glycerol, the glycerol content corresponds to the density. The glycerol content can be obtained by looking up the measured density value in a table or by calculation. Within a narrow range, the glycerol content is linearly related to the density, and the exact glycerol content can be calculated by interpolation from the density value.
Standard
GB/T 13216-2026 Test methods for glycerols (English)
GB/T 13216-2026 Test methods for glycerols English, Anglais, Englisch, Inglés, えいご
This is a draft translation for reference among interesting stakeholders. The finalized translation (passing through draft translation, self-check, revision and verification) will be delivered upon being ordered.
ICS
CCS
National Standard of the People's Republic of China
GB/T 13216-2026
Test methods for glycerols
甘油试验方法
Issue date: 2026-01-28 Implementation date: 2027-02-01
Issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China
the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China
Contents
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Sampling method for glycerol in drums
5 Determination of transparency
6 Determination of odour
7 Determination of colour
8 Determination of density at 20 °C
9 Determination of glycerol content
10 Limit test for chlorides
11 Determination of sulphated ash
12 Determination of acidity or alkalinity
13 Determination of saponification equivalent
14 Limit test for arsenic
15 Limit test for heavy metals
16 Test for reducing substances
17 Requirements for reporting of test results
Test methods for glycerol
1 Scope
This document describes various test methods for glycerol.
This document is applicable to the testing of glycerol.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 3143, Liquid chemical products — Determination of colour (Hazen unit — platinum-cobalt scale)
GB/T 4472, Determination of density and relative density of chemical products
GB/T 6682, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods
QB/T 2739-2005, Common test methods for washing products — Preparation of test solutions for titration analysis (volumetric analysis)
SN/T 2544, Determination of glycerol content — High performance liquid chromatography
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are required to be defined in this document.
4 Sampling method for glycerol in drums
4.1 General
This method is applicable to refined glycerol without solid sediment or suspended matter in the drum. It is also applicable to drummed refined glycerol that has frozen due to cold and can return to its original state after warming.
All samples for laboratory determination shall be prepared and stored in accordance with this method.
4.2 Principle
A sampling tube is inserted through the bung hole to the bottom of the drum, and samples are taken from the entire depth of the drum. Equal volumes are taken from each sample drum. All samples from the same batch are combined, mixed homogeneously, and subdivided into the required number of laboratory sample portions.
4.3 Apparatus
4.3.1 Sampling tube: As shown in Figure 1. It consists of two cylinders made of stainless steel or other chemical-resistant material, with the inner cylinder fitting closely inside the outer cylinder. Each cylinder has two rows of staggered longitudinal slots, with each slot occupying one quarter of the cylinder circumference and distributed in four equal segments over the full length. The slots on the inner and outer cylinders can be precisely aligned or sealed by rotating the handle of the inner cylinder (which is fitted with a pointer), and the pointer indicates the relative position of the slots on a scale on the outer cylinder. In the "filling" position, the slots form two rows of staggered openings, allowing samples from all depths in the drum to enter the sampling tube simultaneously.
Both the inner and outer cylinder bases are perforated. When the pointer is in the "draining" position, the bottom openings align to form an opening while the longitudinal slots remain sealed.
The length of the sampling tube shall be proportional to the depth of the material to be sampled, and its effective capacity shall be approximately 0.1 % of the drum capacity.
4.3.2 Wiping plug: Fits the bung hole of the drum to be sampled.
4.3.3 Cylindrical collector: Made of the same material as the sampling tube, but preferably glass, fitted with a sealing lid, with a capacity of approximately 1.5 L, suitable for the product to be sampled.
4.3.4 Sample bottles: Glass bottles with ground glass stoppers or sealing caps with polyethylene liners, with a capacity just sufficient to be completely filled by the prepared laboratory sample.
4.4 Procedure
4.4.1 Precautions
Because glycerol is highly hygroscopic, the following precautions shall be observed during sampling, analysis and storage to protect the sample from moisture:
a) Containers used for mixing and storing samples shall be sealed and shall remain closed during filling and during each individual sampling operation;
b) Sampling should preferably be carried out with the containers protected from rain and other accidental contamination;
c) All apparatus and containers shall be clean and dry before use;
d) Laboratory samples obtained by subdividing the mixed sample shall completely fill the sample bottle (4.3.4).
4.4.2 Sample preparation
Insert the sampling tube (4.3.1) with the slots closed through the wiping plug (4.3.2) to the bottom of the drum. Rotate the handle so that the pointer is at the "filling" position to open the longitudinal slots. After the sampling tube is filled, close the slots, withdraw the sampling tube, and wipe the outer wall of the tube clean against the wiping plug.
Insert the glycerol-filled sampling tube into the cylindrical collector (4.3.3), rotate the handle so that the pointer is at the "draining" position, and empty the sampling tube. In this way, take equal samples from each sample drum in sequence, so that the total amount exceeds the required amount. Keep the collector sealed during the intervals between emptying operations.
Seal the sample container, lay it on its side and roll it to mix the entire sample thoroughly and quickly. Immediately take approximately 500 g (or other required amount) of the sample and place it into a sample bottle (4.3.4), and prepare the required number of identical laboratory samples in this manner. Seal tightly with a stopper or sealing cap, and seal with sealing wax (or adhesive). Affix a sample label indicating the sample name, batch number, specification, sampling date and signature of the sampler.
If the glycerol in the drum has frozen due to cold, gently warm the drum, lay it on its side and roll it to thaw and mix the glycerol before proceeding with the above sampling procedure.
5 Determination of transparency
5.1 Apparatus
5.1.1 Nessler colorimetric tube, 50 mL.
5.1.2 Opalescent electric lamp.
5.2 Procedure
Mix the glycerol sample uniformly and degas by vacuum or ultrasonication. Measure 50 mL and place it in a Nessler colorimetric tube. Observe against an opalescent electric lamp at room temperature, then observe by reflected light against a white cloth background. If no turbidity is observed in either case, it is judged to be transparent.
6 Determination of odour
Apply a small amount of glycerol sample to the back of the hand and spread it, then smell the odour. If only the characteristic odour of glycerol is present without any other off-odour, it is judged to have no undesirable odour.
7 Determination of colour
Determine by visual observation in a Nessler colorimetric tube in accordance with GB/T 3143, or read the corresponding colour value using a 721 colorimeter with a 100 mm cuvette.
The colour of the sample is expressed in Hazen (platinum-cobalt colour) units corresponding to the platinum-cobalt standard colour solution that most closely matches the sample. If the colour of the sample lies between two platinum-cobalt standard colour solutions, the Hazen unit of the darker standard solution shall be used.
8 Determination of density at 20 °C
Determined in accordance with GB/T 4472.
The conversion of glycerol density between different temperatures is calculated according to Formula (1).
9 Determination of glycerol content
9.1 General
Methods for the determination of glycerol content include the density method, the titrimetric method and the liquid chromatography method.
The density method is applicable to high-content refined glycerol products and aqueous solutions of pure glycerol. The titrimetric method is applicable to various glycerol products, but is not applicable to glycerol products containing organic compounds with more than two hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbon atoms, such as sugars, because these can also be oxidized to produce formic acid and interfere with the determination. The liquid chromatography method is applicable to the determination of saponification glycerol and synthetic glycerol of different content specifications, and is also applicable to the qualitative identification of glycerol substitutes containing ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and sorbitol as main raw materials.
Note: Non-glycerol organic matter in glycerol will cause the density method to give high results, while the titrimetric method and liquid chromatography method are not affected.
9.2 Density method
9.2.1 Principle
For high-content refined glycerol or aqueous solutions of pure glycerol, the glycerol content corresponds to the density. The glycerol content can be obtained by looking up the measured density value in a table or by calculation. Within a narrow range, the glycerol content is linearly related to the density, and the exact glycerol content can be calculated by interpolation from the density value.
