ASTM F2467-06(2019)

Standard Practice for Measuring Static Sealing Pressure Using Pressure-Indicating Film (PIF) in Transportation Applications

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is a screening tool and should be used in conjunction with other more accurate real-time load-measuring techniques.  
5.2 This practice covers the use of PIF, which is available in several load ranges. This practice also covers the use of a manual or automatic scanning device to read indicated load.  
5.3 Limitations include those applications in which the PIF may be kinked, twisted, or buckled. PIF does not withstand elevated temperature, low temperature, or fluid aging and does not take into account any relaxation of bolts, gasket materials, or flange twisting, as it provides only the maximum attained pressure.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a standard means for measuring initial static sealing pressure in transportation applications.  
1.2 It uses a pressure-indicating film (PIF) that will record the maximum load imprint of the seal-to-flange interfaces. The imprints will vary in intensity based on load across and along the interface.  
1.3 These imprints can be used to determine if initial load on the gasket is adequate to attain a seal. These imprints may also indicate correct bolt torque sequence. These imprints may also be used to determine if the mating surface waviness or local flatness meets gasket requirements. Roughness is rarely found by PIFs because peak-to-peak wavelengths are too short. PIF is very good at finding waviness (peak to peak > 2.5 mm) and local flatness dips. PIFs provide an approximation of maximum pressures, and do not take into account relaxation of the joint after the torque sequence. Other methods involving dynamic measurement should be used if flange loading after relaxation is desired.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2019
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: F03 - Gaskets
• Drafting Committee: F03.10 - Composite Gaskets

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2467-06(2013) - Standard Practice for Measuring Static Sealing Pressure Using Pressure-Indicating Film (PIF) in Transportation Applications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019

Overview

ASTM F2467-06(2019): Standard Practice for Measuring Static Sealing Pressure Using Pressure-Indicating Film (PIF) in Transportation Applications establishes a consistent approach for evaluating static sealing pressure at seal-to-flange interfaces. This standard outlines a method utilizing pressure-indicating films (PIFs) to record and visualize the distribution and magnitude of clamping force in transportation-related assemblies, such as gaskets and flanges. The method is intended primarily as a screening tool and complements more precise, real-time load measurement techniques.

Key Topics

• Measurement Methodology: The standard details the process of placing PIF between gaskets or seals and mating flanges, torquing the assembly, and later interpreting the colored imprints that indicate pressure distribution.
• Types of PIF: Different pressure ranges are available to suit various sealing scenarios, with suitable selection based on expected load ranges and application areas.
• Interpretation of Imprints: The intensity and distribution of the color on the film reveal maximum load points, adequacy of gasket load, bolt torque sequence accuracy, and mating surface flatness or waviness.
• Limitations: PIF does not account for temperature extremes, fluid aging, or bolt relaxation over time. It records only the highest pressure attained, and is unsuitable where the film might be crimped, twisted, or subjected to adverse environmental conditions.
• Reporting and Documentation: Visual records, including photographs and color density measurements, form the basis of reporting, supported by details on test conditions and materials.

Applications

• Transportation Industry: Commonly used for initial static sealing pressure assessment in automotive and heavy-duty vehicle engine assemblies, particularly for heads, exhausts, or other gasketed flanges.
• Seal and Gasket Evaluation: Helps determine if the applied load at the gasket interface is sufficient to form a reliable seal, assisting in design validation and production quality control.
• Bolt Torquing Validation: Useful in verifying correct bolt tightening sequence and magnitude by revealing uneven pressure distributions that may compromise sealing integrity.
• Surface Flatness and Waviness Assessment: Ideal for identifying local deviations in flange or mating part flatness and waviness greater than 2.5 mm, which may affect sealing performance.
• Rapid Screening Tool: Enables quick, cost-effective evaluation of seal integrity during prototype development or in troubleshooting assembly issues.

Note: While PIF is valuable as a non-destructive testing and visualization technique, it is not a substitute for comprehensive load-measuring systems when detailed force relaxation or dynamic loading data are required.

Related Standards

• ASTM F03 Series: Addresses standards for gaskets and related sealing technologies.
• ASTM Specifications for Torque Measurement: Provides guidance on torque control methods in assembly, complementing static sealing assessments.
• ISO and EN International Flange Standards: Define requirements for flange compatibility and assembly, often referenced in conjunction with sealing assessments.
• ASTM D3767: Standard Practice for Rubber Measurements, relevant for gasket material characterization.

By following ASTM F2467-06(2019), industry professionals ensure reliable, repeatable assessment of gasket and flange assembly pressure, supporting quality assurance, compliance with transportation safety requirements, and improved sealing performance across a range of engineered applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: F2467 − 06 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Measuring Static Sealing Pressure Using Pressure-
Indicating Film (PIF) in Transportation Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2467; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope density that correlates directly with the joint clamp force
applied in a given area.
1.1 This practice covers a standard means for measuring
initial static sealing pressure in transportation applications.
3. Special Test Equipment and Materials
1.2 It uses a pressure-indicating film (PIF) that will record
3.1 Pressure-indicating film (PIF) in the required pressure
the maximum load imprint of the seal-to-flange interfaces. The
range(s).
imprints will vary in intensity based on load across and along
3.2 A bolt micrometer or torque wrench for quantifying
the interface.
fastener load or sequence or both. For yielded fastener
1.3 These imprints can be used to determine if initial load
applications, torque versus yield or angle recording equipment
on the gasket is adequate to attain a seal. These imprints may
is also required.
also indicate correct bolt torque sequence. These imprints may
3.3 Subassembly test stand with one set of mating parts of
also be used to determine if the mating surface waviness or
the joint (minimum) and a complete set of fasteners.Anew set
local flatness meets gasket requirements. Roughness is rarely
of fasteners for each run shall be used if the torque loading is
found by PIFs because peak-to-peak wavelengths are too short.
high enough to cause plastic deformation of the bolts.
PIF is very good at finding waviness (peak to peak > 2.5 mm)
and local flatness dips. PIFs provide an approximation of 3.4 Asufficient quantity of gaskets to complete the required
maximum pressures, and do not take into account relaxation of
number of tests as agreed upon between producer and user.
the joint after the torque sequence. Other methods involving Reuse of gaskets after initial tightening is not allowed, unless
dynamic measurement should be used if flange loading after
approved by the user.
relaxation is desired.
3.5 Manual densitometer or automatic scanning device for
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
reading color density (optional).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Practice
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 PIF is placed between a gasket or seal and one or both
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of the mating flanges. Using the specified torque sequence, the
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
assembly is clamped together. After the specified waiting
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
period, the system is unclamped and the PIF removed. The
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
visible color pattern denotes where clamp pressure is present.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
The approximate pressure can be determined from color
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
density using a reflective (optical) densitometer or an auto-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
matic scanning device in conjunction with a computer conver-
sion program designed for the films. Follow the PIF supplier’s
2. Terminology
guidelines with regard to how color density relates to pressure
for a given PIF.
2.1 Definitions:
2.1.1 pressure-indicating film (PIF), n— film that will,
5. Significance and Use
under varying clamp forces, give a varying imprint or color
5.1 This practice is a screening tool and should be used in
conjunction with other more accurate real-time load-measuring
1 techniques.
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F03 on Gaskets and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F03.10 on Composite Gaskets.
5.2 This practice covers the use of PIF, which is available in
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally
several load ranges. This practice also covers the use of a
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2467 – 06 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/F2467-06R19. manual or automatic scanning device to read indicated load.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2467 − 06 (2019)
5.3 Limitations include those applications in which the PIF 9.2 Using properly sized film, punch holes to allow clear-
may be kinked, twisted, or buckled. PIF does not withstand ance for fasteners, dowels, and so forth.
elevated temperature, low temperature, or fluid aging and does
9.3 Properly clean parts to ensure they are free of fluids
...