FEA 642: Olfactive Control Test for Aerosol Gaskets

Standard Overview

FEA 642 is an industry standard issued by the European Aerosol Federation (FEA) that defines an olfactive control test for aerosol valve gaskets.

The method is designed as a receiving inspection tool, allowing incoming gasket batches to be compared against a previously approved reference batch.

Objective of the Test

The objective of FEA 642 is to detect:

• Unacceptable odours released by gasket materials
• Changes in smell compared to an approved reference batch
• Potential sensory contamination of the aerosol formulation

This test is particularly critical for:

• Perfumed cosmetic aerosols
• Household products with fragrance claims
• Pharmaceutical or medical sprays

Scope of Application

The standard applies primarily to:

• Cup gaskets for aerosol valves

It may also be applied to other gasket types (e.g. inner gaskets), provided the number of samples is adjusted so that the total exposed surface corresponds to that of five cup gaskets.

Principle of the Olfactive Test

The test relies on comparative sensory evaluation performed by at least three experienced assessors.

Odour intensity and persistence are evaluated by spraying test solutions onto blotters and comparing them with reference solutions.

Test Equipment

• Glass aerosol containers
• Crimping machine adapted to valve diameter
• Inert aerosol valves with polyethylene cup gasket
• Oven controlled at 40 ± 3 °C
• Blotters for olfactive evaluation

Sample Preparation

Each test container is prepared as follows:

• Five uncut cup gaskets are placed inside a glass aerosol container
• The container is filled with:
  • 5 g ethyl alcohol (96% vol.)
  • 2.5 g liquefied propellant
• An inert valve (without dip tube) is crimped onto the container

Reference Solutions

Three types of samples are prepared:

1. Solution without any gasket (blank)
2. Solution with approved reference gaskets
3. Solution with gaskets from the batch under evaluation

Storage Conditions

All samples are stored:

• For 72 hours
• At 40 ± 3 °C
• In upright position

After storage, samples are allowed to return to room temperature.

Olfactive Evaluation

Two hours after removal from the oven:

• Samples are sprayed onto blotters
• Evaluation is performed 10 seconds after spraying

Assessors assign a score from 1 to 6:

Evaluation and Acceptance

Two aspects are evaluated:

• Odour intensity
• Odour persistence

Both evaluations are made on the same spray. The final result is the average score of the three assessors.

In parallel, the physical appearance of the solution is compared with the reference:

• Sedimentation
• Suspension
• Opalescence
• Colour change

Reference Gaskets Management

Reference gaskets must be:

• Stored in glass containers
• Protected from light
• Kept under inert atmosphere

To avoid ageing effects:

• Reference batches must be renewed
• Maximum storage time: 6 months

Relationship with Other Standards

• FEA 641 – Gasket swell test for material selection
• FEA 405 – Valve leak testing

FAQ – Quality, Engineering & Purchasing