Overview
ISO 17175:2017 - "Bidis - Determination of total and nicotine‑free dry particulate matter using a linear routine analytical smoking machine" specifies a laboratory method to generate, collect and quantify mainstream smoke particulate matter from bidis using a routine analytical smoking machine. The standard defines procedures for measuring total particulate matter (TPM) and calculating nicotine‑free dry particulate matter (NFDPM) after determination of water and nicotine in the collected condensate. It is intended for routine analytical linear machines (and can be applied to rotary machines after validation).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test scope: Determination of TPM and NFDPM in bidi smoke collected on glass‑fibre filter pads (smoke traps).
- Sample preparation: Conditioning of bidi laboratory samples; selection of test bidis by mass and length; marking of butt length and insertion depth. (Bidis typically range 55–90 mm and have high wrapper‑leaf content - wrapper can contribute ~50% of weight.)
- Smoking machine and holder: Use of a routine analytical linear smoking machine equipped with a compliant bidi holder (requirements referenced in clause 5.8). Rotary machines are acceptable only after due validation.
- Smoking regime: Procedure follows ISO 4387 conventions except for a puff frequency of two puffs per minute and smoking two bidis per smoke trap to avoid filter overload.
- Analytical determinations: Gravimetric TPM, extraction and water determination (to obtain dry particulate matter), nicotine analysis (e.g., per ISO 10315), and calculation of NFDPM.
- Quality control: Use of monitor test pieces (ISO 16055) and reporting of repeatability/reproducibility data (annexed interlaboratory results).
- Safety and limitations: Standard warns about hazardous materials/processes and reiterates that machine yields are for characterization/regulatory comparison - not direct measures of human exposure or risk.
Applications and users
ISO 17175:2017 is used for:
- Tobacco product testing and quality control for manufacturers of bidis.
- Regulatory compliance and market surveillance by public health authorities and standards bodies.
- Research and product comparison in analytical laboratories studying smoke emissions and constituent yields.
- Interlaboratory studies and method validation for establishing comparable machine‑measured yields.
Typical users: tobacco testing laboratories, product developers, regulatory agencies, and scientific researchers.
Related standards
- ISO 3308 (routine analytical cigarette‑smoking machine definitions)
- ISO 3402 (conditioning/testing atmosphere)
- ISO 4387 (TPM/NFDPM for cigarettes - referenced smoking protocol)
- ISO 10315 (nicotine determination)
- ISO 10362‑1 (water in smoke condensates)
- ISO 16055 (monitor test pieces)
Keywords: ISO 17175:2017, bidis, nicotine‑free dry particulate matter, total particulate matter, TPM, NFDPM, routine analytical smoking machine, bidi holder, smoke trap, bidi testing.