A good specification for HCO or 12-HSA names the product, form and use, then sets a limit and a test method for each figure that affects your process. It also covers packing, labelling, documents and what happens if a lot fails.
Base the limits on your own needs and on what good plants can meet, not on a supplier's sales sheet. Test a few samples first so your limits are realistic.
Chemical and physical limits
Set a range or a maximum for each item below, and state the test method next to it. Typical figures are covered in our guides on HCO melting point and hydroxyl value and the acid value of 12-HSA.
- Hydroxyl value, as a minimum, because it drives performance.
- Acid value, as a maximum for HCO and a minimum for 12-HSA.
- Iodine value, as a maximum, to confirm full hydrogenation.
- Saponification value, as a range, to spot contamination.
- Melting point, as a range, with the method stated.
- Colour, on a named scale such as Gardner or Lovibond.
- Moisture, as a maximum.
- Nickel content, as a maximum, if your use is sensitive to it.
Form and packing
- The form: flakes, powder, micronised powder, beads or prills.
- A particle size limit for powders, with the method.
- Bag type, liner, net weight per bag and pallet pattern.
- Label content, including product name, lot number, net weight and dates of manufacture and expiry.
- Storage conditions and the shelf life the plant guarantees.
Documents and acceptance
- A certificate of analysis for each lot, showing actual results, not just the specification.
- A current safety data sheet in your market's format.
- Any certificates you need, such as kosher, halal or REACH coverage.
- Your right to sample at loading and to have an independent lab test the lot.
- A retained sample from each lot, kept by the plant for an agreed period.
- What happens if a lot fails: replacement, credit or return, and who pays testing costs.
Make it part of the contract
Attach the specification to your purchase order or contract and refer to it by version number. Our guide on what a chemical purchase contract should include explains how. Update the version when you change a limit, and tell the plant in writing.
Write one specification for HCO and another for 12-HSA, even if you buy both from the same plant. Their acid values move in opposite directions, and a shared document invites mistakes.
Give each specification a version number and a date. Keep a list of which plants have been approved against which version. If you change a limit, retest the approved plants against the new version before the next order.
Next step
We can help draft your HCO or 12-HSA specification, share it with audited plants and check each lot against it. Book a free sourcing review to start.