5.1 The meaning of the test is related to the manufacturing and end use of the material, to determine characteristics of products.

5.2 A manufacturer of raw psyllium will base the grade of psyllium produced on multiple properties of which swell volume is one.

5.3 Erosion control contractors and those writing erosion control specifications will use this test method to evaluate the grade of psyllium being used as a hydraulically applied erosion control product. The swell volume will help determine the application rate of psyllium needed to meet the erosion control performance criteria.

Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 The purpose of this quantitative test method is to provide a means of determining the swell volume plantago insularis (Ovata, Psyllium).

1.2 The volume of swell reflects the amount of hydrophilic mucilloid present in psyllium. The higher the grade of psyllium the higher the swell volume, thus a greater percent of mucilloid present. For the erosion control industry, the higher the swell volume of the psyllium the greater it’s bonding strength and relative performance.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.4.1 For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.

1.4.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user's objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.