PSA D10 5517 Evaluation of Odor Intensity - Cabin and Luggage

The standard “PSA D10 5517 Assessment of odour intensity - Cabin and luggage”, developed by the Peugeot automobile company, consists of four parts:

• Part 1: Reference of the sniffing method
• Part 2: Section 1 - Materials and component parts
• Chapter 3: Part 2 - All parts
• Chapter 4: Section 3 - Vehicle

All information given in the first part is valid in the three parts. To test the specificity of each part, the details of the relevant part should be consulted. To perform the olfactory assessment, the logic diagram given in the annex of the standard should be consulted (Annex 1). The logic diagram allows to identify the important steps of an odor assessment (for materials and parts) and all the information needed to be compliant.

The second part (part 1) describes the assessment of the odor intensity of raw materials and component parts of the vehicle interior. The tests are carried out with the materials constituting the vehicle interiors and the trunk, but excluding polyacetal (POM) or on sampling parts.

The third section (part 2) describes the evaluation of the odor intensity of all parts of the vehicle interior. The tests are performed on the materials that make up the vehicle interior and the boot, with the exception of polyacetal (POM), or on the parts that are sampled.

The fourth section (section 3) describes the evaluation of odor intensity in the vehicle interior.

For the purposes of this standard, the following ranges and definitions apply:

• Anosmia (loss of smell): Sensitivity to odor stimuli is the default. Anosmia may be complete or partial, permanent or temporary.
• Perceived intensity: Perceived intensity is the quantitative measure of a descriptor by a trained sensory panel. Perceived intensities range from 1 (not perceptible) to 6 (intolerable perception). Perceived intensity corresponds to the overall odor intensity.
• Monad: It means presenting the examples one by one, separately.
• Smell: It is the interpretation of signals provided by the brain during stimulation of odor receptors by odorous substances.
• Convener: The person who conducts smell tests manages the activities of the panel, recruits, forms and supervises the judges. He/she may also analyze and interpret the results.
• Initiated panel: This term consists of judges called evaluators. It follows the initiation of a sensory analysis. The panel is trained to evaluate odor strength and recognize odorous structure. Judges should not participate in the preparation of the sessions and must follow the general evaluation instructions.
• Repetition: This means independent repetition of the evaluation of the sample by the panelists.
• A bottle or marmotte refers to a small glass container closed with a stopper equipped with a screw thread and a protective cap.

In principle, for the test specificity of each part, the details of the relevant part should be examined.

Odor tests should be performed in a conditioned room at 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and 50 percent plus/minus 10 percent relative humidity. Temperature and humidity should be recorded during the test. The ventilated oven used in the tests has an accuracy class of 2 (plus/minus 2 degrees) and can be adjusted up to 80 degrees.

The equipment required for cutting materials and parts includes: cutter, scissors, scalpel, hole punch, metal saw, bench vice. Important note: A band-type electric saw is not used. The material to be cut is adjusted according to the material or part to be cut.

The panel consists of a sufficient number of people to ensure the implementation of the test. They may be internal or external to the company. Assessors are recruited, selected and trained in the assessment of general odour intensity according to PSA Peugeot-Citroen. The recruitment, selection, training and performance level of the panelists at the end of the training must comply with the guidelines in the annex to this standard (Annex 2). The test must be carried out with a minimum of 5 panelists.

Panelists should not wear perfume on the day of the test. They should not eat, smoke, drink coffee or consume any other products for at least half an hour before the test. Hands should be washed before the test. If a jury member cannot attend a session, the organizer must be notified so that another person can be assigned. The test should not be performed if the panelist has a cold or is ill. Be punctual.

Before inflating during the test, the stretch film is lifted over the jar for easy opening. The nose and mouth of the jar are placed properly. The mouth of the jar is placed between the upper lip and the nose without touching the jar. When opening the jar, normal breathing is taken (breathing should not be too slow or too fast). Perceived density differences may be related to different breathing rates. The evaluation form is filled in for each analyzed sample. In order not to saturate the nose, 2 seconds is waited between 30 samples. Water is drunk if necessary. The smell of the hand is inhaled if necessary. The test is performed individually and silently.

During the test in the bag, a valve of the bag is opened and a constant pressure is applied to the bag to obtain the maximum flow of the air valve outlet. The nose is placed 3 cm from the valve. Breathe normally at the opening of the bag (breathing should not be too slow or too fast). Perceived differences in density may be related to different breathing rates. The evaluation form is filled in for each analyzed sample. Wait 2 seconds between 30 samples to avoid saturating the nose. Drink water if necessary. Inhale the odor of the hand if necessary. The test is performed individually and silently.

In order to preserve the olfactory memory of the panelists, regular training should be organized, at least 1 1-hour session per month and at best 1 1-hour session per week. Participation in training sessions is monitored for individual and general performance of the panel. Annual evaluation rating of butanol at different concentration levels should be made by the panelist.

For panel safety, chemical analysis (volatile organic compound, VOC) should be performed on materials where formaldehyde is found to exceed the regulatory limit at 10 µg/m3. If the chemical analysis results are above the regulatory limit, odor analysis should not be performed.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its wide range of testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services in accordance with the "PSA D10 5517 Evaluation of odor intensity - Cabin and baggage" standard are also provided to businesses.