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ASTM E1839

Test Method for Evaluation of Slimicides for the Paper Industry

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This standardized test method assesses the efficacy of slimicides in controlling slime-forming microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in the paper industry. It simulates conditions encountered in paper-making machines and measures the decrease in microbial activity following the application of the slimicide. This test will ensure whether the wet-end paper chemicals, commonly known as slimicides, prevent slime buildup efficiently during the paper-making process to avoid machine downtime, spoilage of product quality, and higher costs in operation. Hence, using this method, paper producers shall make a proper choice of effective slimicides to be used in production processes.

ASTM E1839 Test Conditions

The test conditions are:

  • Temperature:  Conventionally performed at approximately 20°C to 25°C (that is, between 68°F to 77°F).
  • Humidity: It shall be maintained between 30% and 50%.
  • Microbial Strains: The specific microbial strains are chosen based on the intended application of the product.

 ASTM E1839 Test Requirements

The test requirements are:

  • Contact Time: Time exposure between test material and microorganisms is well controlled and based on the claim of the product.
  • Neutralization: Once the exposure period is over, a neutralizing agent is added to prevent the action of the tested material for proper microbial count determination.
  • Control Groups: The test procedure is validated by determining both positive and negative control groups.

ASTM E1839 Test Methodology

The test methodology involves several key steps:

  1. Test Organisms Preparation: The cultures of the selected bacterial or fungal strains are prepared, and their concentrations are brought to a standard level so that identical amounts can be added during every test.
  2. Pulp Slurry Preparation: The pulp used in the study is a hardwood softwood pulp mixture prepared without any slime treatment. This prepared pulp slurry becomes the testing medium.
  3. Application of Slimicide: The slimicide is added to the pulp slurries at a defined level of concentration. The slimicide can be tested under acidic and alkaline conditions to evaluate its effectiveness under different environmental conditions.
  4. Incubation: Slurries treated are incubated at a controlled temperature and pH. The microbial growth is checked periodically during the test.
  5. Microbial Evaluation: Aliquots from the treated and untreated slurries are plated onto bacterial or fungal growth media following incubation. The number of microbial colonies growing is quantitatively compared with the mean number of microbial colonies in the control samples, thereby giving an indication of the effectiveness of the slimicide in reducing microbial growth.

Importance of ASTM E1839 Test

  • Ensuring Paper Quality: This test method  ensures that slimicides are effective in minimizing or controlling slime effects in ensuring that the end product-the paper-is of good quality and not affected by any microbial contamination.
  •  Optimizing Manufacturing Efficiency: Use of effective slimicides that match the established efficacy requirements of this standard  could reduce slime interruptions with smoother operations and better productivity.
  • Environmental and Worker Safety :Controlling microbial slime effectively minimizes excessive usage of chemicals thereby reducing environmental impacts and improving safer working conditions in a paper mill. 

Compliance and Industry Standards for ASTM E1839

It is a standard procedure for the efficacy of slimicides, thus allowing manufacturers to offer products that could comply with the regulatory requirements as well as the criteria laid down by the industries. The Companies consider these types of services to be important to keep the record for conformance to health, safety, and environmental regulations related to microbial control in industrial processes.

Advantages of ASTM E1839 Test Standard

Advantages of using this testing standard include the following

  • Consistency: This test method gives consistency in data produced for the assessment of the effectiveness of slimicides in mill systems.
  • Regulating Compliance: Following this standard helps companies comply with the regulations of an industry, then the expectations that come along with government agencies.
  • Relevance to Real Life: The experiment is carried out under laboratory conditions that closely resemble the conditions present in the actual paper mill; therefore, it applies to an actual industrial process.
  • Safety Assurance: This test thereby proves the efficacy of slimicides in protecting workers and the environment from health hazards that may have been a result of microbial contamination.

Conclusion

This test standard plays a critical role in the efficacy of slimicides in the paper manufacturing process. It helps improve quality, increases operational efficiency and productivity by enhancing the efficacy of the product, and assists in ensuring the achievement of regulatory compliance. Optimizing chemical use also benefits both environmental sustainability and the safety of the worker.Overall, this standard is an extremely important tool for manufacturers looking to produce high-quality, clean paper products under safe and efficient production processes.

At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we specialize in providing rigorous testing services that adhere to international standards. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive testing and validation services.

FAQs

This test method serves to determine the efficacy of slimicides in the prevention or control of slime caused by bacteria and fungi during paper manufacture.

The products that can  be tested with this standard include paper.

The turnaround time for this test standard typically ranges from 7-14 days.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Aspergillus niger and Chaetomium globosum.

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