ASTM D7660-10(2018)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN) Packagings
Standard Guide for Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN) Packagings
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Dangerous goods (hazardous materials) regulations require performance tests to be conducted on packaging designs before being authorized for use. The regulations do not include standardized procedures for conducting performance tests and, because of this, may result in a non-uniform approach and differences in test results between testing facilities.
4.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance and to establish a set of common practices for conducting internal pressure tests on packagings under going UN certification testing or packagings required to meet pressure capability requirements. For more information on the UN certification requirements, refer to Guide D4919.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended to provide a standardized method and a set of basic instructions for performing internal and hydrostatic pressure testing on packaging designs.
1.2 This guide provides information to help clarify various terms used as part of the United Nations (UN) certification process that may assist in determining the applicable test.
1.3 This guide provides the suggested minimum information that should be documented when conducting pressure testing.
1.4 This guide provides information for recommended equipment and fittings for conducting pressure tests.
1.5 This guide is based on the current information contained in 49 CFR, §173.27 and §178.605.
1.6 When testing packaging designs intended for hazardous materials (dangerous goods), the user of this guide shall be trained in accordance with 49 CFR §172.700 and other applicable hazardous materials regulations such as the ICAO Technical Instructions, IMDG Code, and carrier rules such as the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.8 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.
1.9 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.
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Designation: D7660 − 10 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Guide for
Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN)
Packagings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7660; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 Thisguideisintendedtoprovideastandardizedmethod 2.1 ASTM Standards:
and a set of basic instructions for performing internal and D4919Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials (Danger-
hydrostatic pressure testing on packaging designs. ous Goods) Packagings
D4991Test Method for Leakage Testing of Empty Rigid
1.2 This guide provides information to help clarify various
Containers by Vacuum Method
terms used as part of the United Nations (UN) certification
2.2 Federal Standard:
process that may assist in determining the applicable test.
49 CFRU.S. Department of Transportation Code of Federal
1.3 This guide provides the suggested minimum informa-
Regulations Title 49, Transportation Parts 100-185
tion that should be documented when conducting pressure
2.3 UN Standard:
testing.
UNUnited Nations Recommendations on the Transport of
1.4 This guide provides information for recommended
Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations
equipment and fittings for conducting pressure tests.
2.4 IATA Standard:
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
1.5 Thisguideisbasedonthecurrentinformationcontained
in 49 CFR, §173.27 and §178.605. 2.5 ICAO Standard:
ICAOTechnical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dan-
1.6 When testing packaging designs intended for hazardous
gerous Goods by Air
materials (dangerous goods), the user of this guide shall be
2.6 IMDG Standard:
trained in accordance with 49 CFR §172.700 and other
IMDG CodeInternational Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
applicable hazardous materials regulations such as the ICAO
Technical Instructions, IMDG Code, and carrier rules such as
3. Terminology
the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
3.1 Definitions:
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.1 bar, n—metric unit of atmospheric pressure equal to
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
2 2
14.50 psi (lb/in. ), 1.02 kg/cm , 29.53 in.-Hg, or 0.9869
standard.
atmosphere.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.2 hydrostatic pressure test, n—internal pressure test
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
conducted on a container or packaging filled with water and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
pressurized with water or other suitable means; regulatory
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the ASTM website.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Washington, DC 20402–9371, http://phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat.
Available from the UN Economic Commission for Europe, Information
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Service, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland, http://
www.unece.org/trans/danger/danger.htm.
Available from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 800 Place
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD10onPackagingand Victoria, PO Box 113, Montreal, Quebec, H4Z 1M1, Canada, http://www.iata.org.
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.22 on Hazardous Materials. Available from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 999
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published June 2018. Originally University St., Montreal, Quebec, H3C 5H7, Canada, http://www.icao.org.
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D7660–10. DOI: Available from the International Marine Organization (IMO), 4 Albert
10.1520/D7660–10R18. Embankment, London, SE1 7SR, U.K., http://www.imo.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7660 − 10 (2018)
referencesections:49CFR§178.605,UN6.1.5.5,IMDGCode ments for transport by air; regulatory reference sections: 49
6.1.5.5, ICAO 6.4.5, and IATA 6.3.5. CFR §173.27(c), ICAO 4; 1.1.6, and IATA 5.0.2.9.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—This test is required for all single and 3.1.8.1 Discussion—The pressure differential is intended to
composite packagings intended for shipping liquid dangerous consider both the reduced external pressure as a result of
goods (hazardous materials). For single and composite changes in altitude as well as increased internal pressure as a
packagings, the test pressure rating will appear as part of the result of the vapor pressure of the hazardous materials in the
UNspecificationmarkingsequence.Thistestmayalsobeused package. To meet the pressure differential requirement, the
to comply with the pressure differential requirements for air following tests may be used:
transportation (49 CFR §173.27) for inner packagings of (1) hydrostatic pressure, n—The hydrostatic pressure test
combination packagings intended for shipping liquid hazard- method should be used for all nonrigid containers and inner
ous materials. For further discussion and clarification, refer to packagings. Nonrigid containers are those that expand under
the pressure differential section. pressure such as plastic bottles or vials and thin walled metal
containers;
3.1.3 inches-mercury, in.-Hg, n—pressure exerted by a
(2) vacuum pressure, n—The vacuum pressure test is an
2.54-cm high column of mercury that has a density of
appropriatemethodforrigidcontainersandinnerpackagingsif
13.5951g⁄cm when the acceleration of gravity has the stan-
2 the required test pressure (pressure differential) is 95 kPa or
dard value of 9.8 m/s ; used as a unit in the measurement of
less. A container is considered rigid if it does not volumetri-
atmospheric pressure. One in.-Hg is equal to 3.3864 kPa or
cally expand more than 0.5 % of its nonpressurized volume at
0.491154 psi.
ambient temperature when subjected to an internal pressure of
3.1.4 kilopascal,kPa,n—unitofpressureintheSIsystemof
1 atmosphere (100 kPa) as specified in Test Method D4991.
international units, the primary, standard system used by the
Rigid containers are those such as glass bottles and vials,
United Nationals (UN) and the U.S. Department of Transpor-
earthenware, and plastic and metal containers with thicker
tation (DOT) throughout their respective regulations per 49
walls that do not significantly expand under pressure.
CFR §171.10.
3.1.8.2 Discussion—The appropriate pressure differential
3.1.4.1 Discussion—To convert kPa to psi, multiply by
testmethodshallbevalidatedtoconfirmtheminimumrequired
0.14513 (95 kPa × 0.14513 = 13.8 psi). For single and
internal pressure has been met.
composite packagings, the test pressure rating will appear as
3.1.8.3 Discussion—The vacuum pressure method should
part of the UN specification marking sequence and shall be
not be used for “nonrigid” or flexible containers. When a
shown in kPa.
flexible packaging such as a plastic bag is subjected to a
3.1.5 leakproofness test, n—pressure test conducted on an
vacuum test, the air (fill material) inside the bag will cause the
emptycontainerorpackagingandpressurizedwithairorother
flexible packaging to expand and, subsequently, the internal
suitable means; regulatory reference sections: 49 CFR
pressure will decrease. The pressure differential of the test is
§178.604, UN 6.1.5.4, IMDG Code 6.1.5.4, ICAO 6.4.4, and
inversely related to the volume increase of the sample;
IATA 6.3.4.
therefore, large volume increases detract from the severity of
3.1.5.1 Discussion—All packagings intended to contain the test.
liquids, except the inner packagings of combination
3.1.9 torr, n—unit of measure for the pressure exerted by 1
packagings, shall be capable of passing a leakproofness test.
mm of mercury equal to ⁄760 th of standard atmospheric
Methods to comply are outlined inAppendix B to Part 178 of
pressure; used to measure pressure in vacuum systems.
DOT, 49 CFR.
3.1.9.1 Discussion—The corresponding SI unit is the pascal
3.1.5.2 Discussion—Thedefinitionforleakproofnessispro-
(Pa). It is a unit of pressure that is equal to approximately
–3
vided in this guide, but the test methods will be addressed in a
1.316×10 atmospheres or 133.3Pa (0.1333kPa).
separate standard.
4. Significance and Use
3.1.6 packagings, n—receptacles and any other components
or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its con-
4.1 Dangerous goods (hazardous materials) regulations re-
tainment function and includes nonbulk packagings and com-
quire performance tests to be conducted on packaging designs
posite packagings and are: designed to contain a net mass not
beforebeingauthorizedforuse.Theregulationsdonotinclude
exceeding 400 kg; designed with a capacity not exceeding 450
standardized procedures for conducting performance tests and,
L; not intended to transport most gases; not intended to
because of this, may result in a non-uniform approach and
transport infectious substances; not intended to transport most
differences in test results between testing facilities.
radioactive materials; and not an intermediate bulk container
4.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance and to
(IBC) as defined in UN Recommendations 6.5.
establish a set of common practices for conducting internal
3.1.7 pounds per square inch, psi, n—unit of measure in the
pressure tests on packagings under going UN certification
English measurement system.
testing or packagings required to meet pressure capability
3.1.7.1 Discussion—To convert psi to kPa, multiply by 6.89
requirements. For more information on the UN certification
(13.8 psi × 6.89 = 95 kPa).
requirements, refer to Guide D4919.
3.1.8 pressure differential test, n—combination packagings
5. Equipment
with inner packagings containing liquid hazardous materials
shall be capable of meeting the pressure differential require- 5.1 Recommended Test Equipment :
D7660 − 10 (2018)
should be kept as short as possible to maintain accurate values and stable
5.1.1 Appropriate Packaging Closing Equipment (Cali-
fittings.
brated as Applicable)—Closing equipment such as torque
wrench, torque meter, lid press, cover/closure crimping tools, 5.1.8 Drill and appropriate drill bit.
and so forth to prepare the packaging as for transport. 5.1.9 Thermometer—Calibrated 0 to 50°C minimum range.
5.1.2 Water Supply Source: 5.1.10 Timer with Audible Alarm—0 to 60 min.
5.1.2.1 Water supply source system should be designed to
5.2 Recommended Safety Equipment:
minimize water pressure fluctuations during the test.
5.2.1 Safety glasses with side shield.
5.1.2.2 The water source can be building supplied water
5.2.2 Gloves—fabric, leather, or rubber slip resistant, as
provided fluctuations in pressure do not occur during the test.
appropriate.
5.1.2.3 Recommended to have a separate water supply tank
assembly. Air pressure may be used to pressurize the water 6. Sample Size
supply tank to provide adequate water pressure to the test
6.1 Inner Packagings for Air Transport—The regulations
sample. Refer to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
currently do not have a required sample size specified for the
5.1.3 Regulator valve to maintain proper water pressure to
pressure differential test on the inner packaging of a combina-
test containers used to maintain an even pressure throughout
tion packaging, but three specimens are recommended. Refer-
the duration of the test.
ence 49 CFR, § 173.27(c) for additional information.
5.1.4 Manifoldstationtodistributewaterfromwatersupply
NOTE 2—The number of test specimens does not invalidate the test
sourcethroughtheregulatortothetestcontainers.RefertoFig.
results.
1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
6.2 Packagings (Nonbulk)—Three specimens are required.
5.1.5 Hose or hard piping as required.
7. Containers
5.1.6 Pressuregauge(s),psi/kPa,dualmarkedandcalibrated
(digital preferred).
7.1 Selection:
5.1.6.1 Gauge to monitor water supply pressure.
7.1.1 Randomly select appropriate specimens to be tested.
5.1.6.2 Gauge(s) to monitor pressure inside test packag-
7.1.2 Visually inspect specimens to:
ing(s).
7.1.2.1 Verifyallclosures,plugs,gasket,accessories,andso
5.1.6.3 Any gauges used should be calibrated and have an
forth match the closing instructions, and
accuracy in the range of 63%.
7.1.2.2 Determine if the container has a properly formed
5.1.7 Connection Fitting/Valves, Adaptors, Gaskets, and
sealing surface (record any blemishes or defects).
Bushings (or Other Equally Effective Means) as Needed—
7.2 Preparation:
5.1.7.1 Fitting/valve for water inlet to test container.
7.2.1 Location of Fittings and Gauges—Care should be
5.1.7.2 Fitting/valve for air release, drainage, and pressure
taken not to attach fittings to container embossments or other
monitoring.
geometries that could possibly compromise the integrity of the
5.1.7.3 Fitting/valve for pressure monitoring (if this is not
container or invalidate the test. The report should describe in
combined with air release fitting).
general how many fittings are used and where fittings and
NOTE 1—When combining fittings and valves, take care to make sure
gauges are located. Photo documentation is appropriate.
the assembly does not interfere with the reading on the gauge. A long
extensionofthefittingmaynotprovideanaccuratepressurereadingofthe
NOTE 3—To reduce the possibility of inconsistent results between test
test container. Fittings extending above or beyond the test container samples, gauges and fittings should be located in the same location.
FIG. 1 Larger Container Internal Hydrostatic Pressure Station Example (Drawing)
D7660 − 10 (2018)
FIG. 2 Larger Container Internal Hydrostatic Pressure Station Example (Photograph)
D7660 − 10 (2018)
FIG. 3 Small Container Internal Hydrostatic Pressure Station Example
7.2.1.1 Single and Composite Packagings—For all single 7.2.2.3 Connect the pressure gauge assembly to this fitting
and composite pack
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7660 − 10 D7660 − 10 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Guide for
Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN)
Packagings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7660; 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
1.1 This guide is intended to provide a standardized method and a set of basic instructions for performing internal and
hydrostatic pressure testing on packaging designs.
1.2 This guide provides information to help clarify various terms used as part of the United Nations (UN) certification process
that may assist in determining the applicable test.
1.3 This guide provides the suggested minimum information that should be documented when conducting pressure testing.
1.4 This guide provides information for recommended equipment and fittings for conducting pressure tests.
1.5 This guide is based on the current information contained in 49 CFR, §173.27 and §178.605.
1.6 When testing packaging designs intended for hazardous materials (dangerous goods), the user of this guide shall be trained
in accordance with 49 CFR §172.700 and other applicable hazardous materials regulations such as the ICAO Technical
Instructions, IMDG Code, and carrier rules such as the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.8 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4919 Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods) Packagings
D4991 Test Method for Leakage Testing of Empty Rigid Containers by Vacuum Method
2.2 Federal Standard:
49 CFR U.S. Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Transportation Parts 100-185
2.3 UN Standard:
UN United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations
2.4 IATA Standard:
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
2.5 ICAO Standard:
ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.22 on Hazardous Materials.
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 2010May 1, 2018. Published September 2010June 2018. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as
D7660–10. DOI: 10.1520/D7660–10.10.1520/D7660–10R18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402–9371, http://phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat.
Available from the UN Economic Commission for Europe, Information Service, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland, http://www.unece.org/trans/
danger/danger.htm.
Available from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 800 Place Victoria, PO Box 113, Montreal, Quebec, H4Z 1M1, Canada, http://www.iata.org.
Available from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 999 University St., Montreal, Quebec, H3C 5H7, Canada, http://www.icao.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7660 − 10 (2018)
2.6 IMDG Standard:
IMDG Code International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
2 2
3.1.1 bar, n—metric unit of atmospheric pressure equal to 14.50 psi (lb/in. ), 1.02 kg/cm , 29.53 in.-Hg, or 0.9869 atmosphere.
3.1.2 hydrostatic pressure test, n—internal pressure test conducted on a container or packaging filled with water and pressurized
with water or other suitable means; regulatory reference sections: 49 CFR §178.605, UN 6.1.5.5, IMDG Code 6.1.5.5, ICAO 6.4.5,
and IATA 6.3.5.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
This test is required for all single and composite packagings intended for shipping liquid dangerous goods (hazardous materials).
For single and composite packagings, the test pressure rating will appear as part of the UN specification marking sequence. This
test may also be used to comply with the pressure differential requirements for air transportation (49 CFR §173.27) for inner
packagings of combination packagings intended for shipping liquid hazardous materials. For further discussion and clarification,
refer to the pressure differential section.
3.1.3 inches-mercury, in.-Hg, n—pressure exerted by a 2.54-cm high column of mercury that has a density of 13.5951 g ⁄cm
when the acceleration of gravity has the standard value of 9.8 m/s ; used as a unit in the measurement of atmospheric pressure.
One in.-Hg is equal to 3.3864 kPa or 0.491154 psi.
3.1.4 kilopascal, kPa, n—unit of pressure in the SI system of international units, the primary, standard system used by the United
Nationals (UN) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) throughout their respective regulations per 49 CFR §171.10.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
To convert kPa to psi, multiply by 0.14513 (95 kPa × 0.14513 = 13.8 psi). For single and composite packagings, the test pressure
rating will appear as part of the UN specification marking sequence and shall be shown in kPa.
3.1.5 leakproofness test, n—pressure test conducted on an empty container or packaging and pressurized with air or other
suitable means; regulatory reference sections: 49 CFR §178.604, UN 6.1.5.4, IMDG Code 6.1.5.4, ICAO 6.4.4, and IATA 6.3.4.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—
All packagings intended to contain liquids, except the inner packagings of combination packagings, shall be capable of passing
a leakproofness test. Methods to comply are outlined in Appendix B to Part 178 of DOT, 49 CFR.
3.1.5.2 Discussion—
The definition for leakproofness is provided in this guide, but the test methods will be addressed in a separate standard.
3.1.6 packagings, n—receptacles and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its containment
function and includes nonbulk packagings and composite packagings and are: designed to contain a net mass not exceeding 400
kg; designed with a capacity not exceeding 450 L; not intended to transport most gases; not intended to transport infectious
substances; not intended to transport most radioactive materials; and not an intermediate bulk container (IBC) as defined in UN
Recommendations 6.5.
3.1.7 pounds per square inch, psi, n—unit of measure in the English measurement system.
3.1.7.1 Discussion—
To convert psi to kPa, multiply by 6.89 (13.8 psi × 6.89 = 95 kPa).
3.1.8 pressure differential test, n—combination packagings with inner packagings containing liquid hazardous materials shall be
capable of meeting the pressure differential requirements for transport by air; regulatory reference sections: 49 CFR §173.27(c),
ICAO 4; 1.1.6, and IATA 5.0.2.9.
Available from the International Marine Organization (IMO), 4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR, U.K., http://www.imo.org.
D7660 − 10 (2018)
3.1.8.1 Discussion—
The pressure differential is intended to consider both the reduced external pressure as a result of changes in altitude as well as
increased internal pressure as a result of the vapor pressure of the hazardous materials in the package. To meet the pressure
differential requirement, the following tests may be used:
(1) hydrostatic pressure, n—The hydrostatic pressure test method should be used for all nonrigid containers and inner packagings.
Nonrigid containers are those that expand under pressure such as plastic bottles or vials and thin walled metal containers;
(2) vacuum pressure, n—The vacuum pressure test is an appropriate method for rigid containers and inner packagings if the
required test pressure (pressure differential) is 95 kPa or less. A container is considered rigid if it does not volumetrically expand
more than 0.5 % of its nonpressurized volume at ambient temperature when subjected to an internal pressure of 1 atmosphere (100
kPa) as specified in Test Method D4991. Rigid containers are those such as glass bottles and vials, earthenware, and plastic and
metal containers with thicker walls that do not significantly expand under pressure.
3.1.8.2 Discussion—
The appropriate pressure differential test method shall be validated to confirm the minimum required internal pressure has been
met.
3.1.8.3 Discussion—
The vacuum pressure method should not be used for “nonrigid” or flexible containers. When a flexible packaging such as a plastic
bag is subjected to a vacuum test, the air (fill material) inside the bag will cause the flexible packaging to expand and, subsequently,
the internal pressure will decrease. The pressure differential of the test is inversely related to the volume increase of the sample;
therefore, large volume increases detract from the severity of the test.
3.1.9 torr, n—unit of measure for the pressure exerted by 1 mm of mercury equal to ⁄760 th of standard atmospheric pressure;
used to measure pressure in vacuum systems.
3.1.9.1 Discussion—
–3
The corresponding SI unit is the pascal (Pa). It is a unit of pressure that is equal to approximately 1.316 × 10 atmospheres or
133.3 Pa (0.1333 kPa).
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Dangerous goods (hazardous materials) regulations require performance tests to be conducted on packaging designs before
being authorized for use. The regulations do not include standardized procedures for conducting performance tests and, because
of this, may result in a non-uniform approach and differences in test results between testing facilities.
4.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance and to establish a set of common practices for conducting internal pressure
tests on packagings under going UN certification testing or packagings required to meet pressure capability requirements. For more
information on the UN certification requirements, refer to Guide D4919.
5. Equipment
5.1 Recommended Test Equipment :
5.1.1 Appropriate Packaging Closing Equipment (Calibrated as Applicable)—Closing equipment such as torque wrench, torque
meter, lid press, cover/closure crimping tools, and so forth to prepare the packaging as for transport.
5.1.2 Water Supply Source:
5.1.2.1 Water supply source system should be designed to minimize water pressure fluctuations during the test.
5.1.2.2 The water source can be building supplied water provided fluctuations in pressure do not occur during the test.
5.1.2.3 Recommended to have a separate water supply tank assembly. Air pressure may be used to pressurize the water supply
tank to provide adequate water pressure to the test sample. Refer to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
5.1.3 Regulator valve to maintain proper water pressure to test containers used to maintain an even pressure throughout the
duration of the test.
5.1.4 Manifold station to distribute water from water supply source through the regulator to the test containers. Refer to Fig.
1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
5.1.5 Hose or hard piping as required.
5.1.6 Pressure gauge(s), psi/kPa, dual marked and calibrated (digital preferred).
5.1.6.1 Gauge to monitor water supply pressure.
5.1.6.2 Gauge(s) to monitor pressure inside test packaging(s).
D7660 − 10 (2018)
FIG. 1 Larger Container Internal Hydrostatic Pressure Station Example (Drawing)
5.1.6.3 Any gauges used should be calibrated and have an accuracy in the range of 63 %.
5.1.7 Connection Fitting/Valves, Adaptors, Gaskets, and Bushings (or Other Equally Effective Means) as Needed—
5.1.7.1 Fitting/valve for water inlet to test container.
5.1.7.2 Fitting/valve for air release, drainage, and pressure monitoring.
5.1.7.3 Fitting/valve for pressure monitoring (if this is not combined with air release fitting).
NOTE 1—When combining fittings and valves, take care to make sure the assembly does not interfere with the reading on the gauge. A long extension
of the fitting may not provide an accurate pressure reading of the test container. Fittings extending above or beyond the test container should be kept as
short as possible to maintain accurate values and stable fittings.
5.1.8 Drill and appropriate drill bit.
5.1.9 Thermometer—Calibrated 0 to 50°C minimum range.
5.1.10 Timer with Audible Alarm—0 to 60 min.
5.2 Recommended Safety Equipment:
5.2.1 Safety glasses with side shield.
5.2.2 Gloves—fabric, leather, or rubber slip resistant, as appropriate.
6. Sample Size
6.1 Inner Packagings for Air Transport—The regulations currently do not have a required sample size specified for the pressure
differential test on the inner packaging of a combination packaging, but three specimens are recommended. Reference 49 CFR,
§ 173.27(c) for additional information.
NOTE 2—The number of test specimens does not invalidate the test results.
6.2 Packagings (Nonbulk)—Three specimens are required.
7. Containers
7.1 Selection:
7.1.1 Randomly select appropriate specimens to be tested.
7.1.2 Visually inspect specimens to:
7.1.2.1 Verify all closures, plugs, gasket, accessories, and so forth match the closing instructions, and
7.1.2.2 Determine if the container has a properly formed sealing surface (record any blemishes or defects).
7.2 Preparation:
7.2.1 Location of Fittings and Gauges—Care should be taken not to attach fittings to container embossments or other geometries
that could possibly compromise the integrity of the container or invalidate the test. The report should describe in general how many
fittings are used and where fittings and gauges are located. Photo documentation is appropriate.
NOTE 3—To reduce the poss
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