Altitude Package Testing
To assess pressure differentials for a particular mode of transportation in the distribution cycle, altitude package testing is carried out.
Transportation options in this situation include high mountain land transit or feeder aircraft. To deliver express air packages to far-flung destinations, an aircraft is referred to as a feeder if it is theoretically non-pressurized.
All altitude package testing requirements can be met by the ISO 17025 and ISTA-approved test laboratory Keystone Compliance. Throughout the whole test procedure, our engineers adopt a collaborative approach, and we provide immediate emergency scheduling.
Get in touch with us to discover for yourself why so many businesses choose Keystone to meet their certification requirements for altitude package testing. To get testing services that are tailored to your particular needs, get a quote.
Why Is Package Testing at Altitude Important?
Tests on packages are done to make sure they can endure shipping and protect the goods till it gets to the customer. Products that are damaged might result in expensive damage fees, return shipments, and diminished consumer loyalty.
Packages may be negatively impacted by pressure differentials. These differences can be as high as 19,000 feet. A unit has failed if there are bubbles that can be linked to leaks in it. This applies both while kept at maximum pressure and when the vacuum rises.
Packages composed of flexible material that may be easily adjusted are referred to as flexible packaging. These packaging designs are particularly vulnerable to altitude testing. Leaks throughout the transportation cycle allow for the egress of contents or the introduction of undesirable substances.
Procedure for Altitude Integrity Testing
To properly depict the test performance, specimens are first picked. Our experienced package test engineers provide a suggested sample size. Products that will be used along the transportation system make up each sample. Products will need to be as similar to the original product as possible if this is not achievable.
Due to the pressure disparity, when these packages or packaging methods are exposed to high elevations, the units will suffer.
The package is adjusted to the humidity and temperature of the laboratory environment. 20 to 40 degrees Celsius are possible, and 50% of the time the humidity is in the air.
Depending on which test best meets the needs of the manufacturers, testing methodologies change. A certain pressure is obtained with the unit within a vacuum chamber. The device is then taken out of the vacuum chamber and checked for alterations or damage.
The writing of a report follows. The test report contains the following details, for example.
- Conditions’ temperature and humidity
- Temperature, vacuum, and testing period
- Product information and internal packing
- the number of samples utilized and the number of failures (if any)
- Date, time, and test engineer’s name
- Results of each specimen’s tests
Infinita Lab Altitude Testing Tools and Resources
Infinita Lab Compliance makes use of several atmospheric chambers that can simulate heights of up to 70,000 feet. Additionally, we utilize dozens of thermal chambers from reach-in to walk-in chambers. Large equipment and entire automobiles can fit in these compartments.
Vacuum testing is used in test methods ASTM D3078, ASTM D4991, ASTM D6653, and ASTM D5094 to check for packing system leaks.
Leaks in Flexible Packaging, ASTM D3078
finds severe leaks in flexible packaging that is filled with headspace gas. The products contained, the type of packaging material, and the test parameters all affect the magnitude of the leak that can be detected.
To check for bubbles caused by leaks in a specimen, the standard employs a vacuum chamber. This is decided either when the vacuum is rising or while the vacuum is maintained. The test fails if there is a leak in the specimen.
The rigid containers intended for the air transportation of some liquids are tested using the standard. In ASTM D4991, an empty rigid container is pressurized in a solution and subjected to a progressively increasing vacuum.
Gross leaks in rigid and semi-rigid containers are used in ASTM D5094 testing. A container’s ability to withstand distribution without leaking is determined by the test.
Moreover, ASTM D5094 evaluates a container’s ability to stop leaks when it is being transported or kept on its side, upside-down, or upright. There are two ASTM D5094 test procedures. Vibration and storage testing is testing technique A. Vibration and vacuum chamber testing is testing procedure B. Although test method B is a shorter test procedure than test method A, it is less rigorous.
ASTM D6653: High Altitude on Packing Systems
identifies the impacts of pressure differences when packaged goods are transported via certain techniques. This includes land traffic across significant mountain passes or feeder planes.
The item is put in a vacuum chamber by ASTM D6653. The outlet valve is then opened after the inlet valve has been shut. The gauge rises at a rate of 305m 30-60s until the desired pressure is reached when the vacuum source is turned on. Typically, the suction is kept in place for a total of 60 minutes.
