Malaysian Institute of Chemical

& Bioengineering Technology

Food Technology Department Document SOP /TP/003 Versio 03

n
Titl Ash determination Date 07/01/0
e 9
Page 1 of 3
1. Introduction
This document will be used for determine Ash content in food product through ashing procedure.
Principle: Ash is the inorganic residue of organic materials remaining after incineration at elevated
temperature.

2. Scope
For solid material

3. Procedure
3.1 Equipment and Supplies:
a. Electric muffle oven
b. Ashing crucibles - prepare by washing thoroughly, rinsing with distilled water, rinsing with HCl,
rinsing with distilled water, drying by placing in hot muffle oven at the same temperature to be
used for the sample, cool in desiccator’s
c. laboratory blender
d. Metal tongs

3.2 Test Procedure

NOTE: All samples and blanks should be prepared in triplicate.
1. Record weight of cool crucibles, after preheat with 100°C.
2. Weigh 2 gram sample into crucible and record weight.
3. If sample is moist, place in 100°C oven and allow drying for 1 hour.
4. Place in muffle oven at 550°C for 12 hours. (Ash should be light gray in color).
NOTE: For short time consuming, burn the sample using Bunsen burner until sample appearance turn to
black color. Perform it under fume hood. Allow it cool for a while before transfer to furnace for 4 hours.
5. Turn off the furnace and wait to open it until the temperature has dropped to at least 250°C., preferably
lower. Open the door carefully to avoid losing ash that may be fluffy.
6. Using tong, place sample into desiccator’s and allows cooling to room temperature.
7. Record weight

3.3 Calculation
 Weight of ash = (weight of ash + crucible) – weight of crucible
 % ash = (weight of ash/ sample weight) X 100

4. Precautions
1. Nickel ash dishes are preferred by some over silica and porcelain; however, they must be thoroughly
cleaned after each incineration.
2. For determination of ash by direct weighing, Platinum ash dishes are preferable. If silica or porcelain is
used, polish with fine emery paper to maintain smooth, glossy inner surface.
 Malaysian Institute of Chemical
& Bioengineering Technology

Food Technology Department Document SOP /TP/003 Versio 03

n
Titl Ash determination Date 07/01/0
e 9
Page 2 of 3
5. Distribution List
1. Original – Document controller
2. Copy - Analysis Laboratory Food Technology Department

6. Appendix
 F/SOP/TP/003 – Ash Determination Test Form

7. Document History
Document No & Description Description Version Date
Issued
SOP/TP/003 Ash Determination New document 01 090207

SOP/TP/003-Ash Determination Update format 02 060308

SOP/TP/003-Ash Determination Update format ,edit calcualtion 03 070109

Document End
 Malaysian Institute of Chemical
& Bioengineering Technology

Food Technology Department Document SOP /TP/003 Versio 03

n
Titl Ash determination Appendix Date 07/01/0
Originating
e Document No: SOP/TP/003 Ash Determination 9
Title: Ash Determination Test Form Page 3 of 3

Form No: F/SOP/TP/003 Page: 3 of 3

Test Information
Date & Time Equipment Operator
Test Parameter :

Sample Information
Sample Name
Company
Sample Description

Test Data
Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3
Empty container, A (g)
Container + Sample, B (g)
Sample weight, C = [B – A ] (g)
Container + sample after ashing,
D (g)
Ash weight, E = [D – A ] (g)

Test Result
Test Data Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3
E
Ash (%) =  100
C
Mean of Ash (%)

Done By, Date Approved By, Date