ASTM D3078-02(2008)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determination of Leaks in Flexible Packaging by Bubble Emission
Standard Test Method for Determination of Leaks in Flexible Packaging by Bubble Emission
ABSTRACT
This test method covers the determination of gross leaks in flexible packaging containing a headspace gas by bubble emission. A vacuum chamber shall be any transparent container capable of withstanding approximately one atmosphere pressure differential, fitted with a vacuum-tight cover. A vacuum gage, an inlet tube from a source of vacuum, and an outlet tube to the atmosphere shall be connected to the chamber cover. Use an immersion fluid which does not degrade the package being tested. The test sample and test fluid shall be at equilibrium with normal room temperature. The procedures for testing are presented in details.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of gross leaks in flexible packaging containing a headspace gas. Test sensitivity is limited to 1 × 10−5 atm cm3/s (1 × 10−6 Pa m3/s) or even less sensitive as indicated in a recent interlaboratory test (reported in Section 12).
1.2 Small leaks may not be detected by this procedure. Viscoelastic effects on the products, or entrapped air, become significant and prevent passage through small openings. Positive pressure inside the pouch after the vacuum is drawn may force the product to plug small leaks. The size of the leak that can be detected is dependent upon the products contained, the nature of the packaging material, and the test parameters selected.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D3078 − 02(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Leaks in Flexible Packaging by Bubble
Emission
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3078; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
´ NOTE—The research report footnote was added to the Precision and Bias section in July 2010.
1. Scope E425Definitions of Terms Relating to Leak Testing (With-
drawn 1991)
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationofgrossleaks
E515Practice for Leaks Using Bubble EmissionTechniques
in flexible packaging containing a headspace gas. Test sensi-
F98Recommended Practice for Determining Hermeticity of
−5 3 −6 3
tivity is limited to 1×10 atm cm /s (1×10 Pa m /s) or 3
Electron Devices by aBubble Test (Withdrawn 1990)
even less sensitive as indicated in a recent interlaboratory test
(reported in Section 12). 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 Small leaks may not be detected by this procedure.
3.1.1 leak—any opening in a flexible package that, contrary
Viscoelastic effects on the products, or entrapped air, become
to intention, either allows the contents to escape or substances
significant and prevent passage through small openings. Posi-
to enter.
tive pressure inside the pouch after the vacuum is drawn may
force the product to plug small leaks. The size of the leak that
4. Apparatus
can be detected is dependent upon the products contained, the
4.1 Vacuum Chamber—Any transparent container capable
nature of the packaging material, and the test parameters
of withstanding approximately one atmosphere pressure
selected.
differential, fitted with a vacuum-tight cover. A vacuum gage,
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
aninlettubefromasourceofvacuum,andanoutlettubetothe
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
atmosphere shall be connected to the chamber cover. The inlet
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and outlet tubes shall be equipped with hand valves.Attached
and are not considered standard.
to the underside of the cover shall be a transparent plate that
willcloselyapproximatetheinsidedimensionsofthecontainer
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and be such a distance from the top of the container that when
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
it is two-thirds filled with fluid, the attached plate will be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
positioned 1 in. (25 mm) under the fluid.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Materials
5.1 Immersion Fluids—Use an immersion fluid which does
2. Referenced Documents
notdegradethepackagebeingtested.Fluidswithalowsurface
tension are generally more sensitive. Examples include water,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
water treated with a wetting agent, denatured alcohol, and
mineral oil. Other possible fluids are listed in Test Method
E515 and Practices F98.
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF02onFlexible
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.40 on
6. Sampling
Package Integrity.
Current edition approved April 1, 2008. Published May 2008. Originally
6.1 The number of specimens used in the test sample may
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D3078–02. DOI:
be varied according to the nature of the product, its cost, its
10.1520/D3078-02R08E01.
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 last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D3078 − 02 (2008)
size, and whether the specimens are taken from a production 11.1.2 Identification of the specimen and the specific mate-
line in a normal packaging operation, or are few in number, or rial tested.
are to be used only for purposes of comparative evaluation of 11.1.2.1 Identification of the test fluid and the maximum
procedures or materials. vacuum level employed;
11.1.2.2 Astatementregardingtheapproximateaverageand
7. Test Specimen
range of sample expansions when at maximum vacuum; and
7.1 Flexible Package, with or without its intended contents. 11.1.2.3 The time period held at maximum vacuum.
11.1.3 A statement whether or not leakage occurred, and if
8. Conditioning
possible, a report of the location of each leak.
8.1 The test sample and test fluid shall be at equilibrium
11.1.4 Astatement of the number of specimens included in
with normal room temperature.
the test and the number of failures, if any.
11.1.5 Whenthetestisperformedtocheckcompliancewith
9. Procedure
requirements, a statement that the sample did or did not meet
9.1 Submerge the specimen in fluid contained in the vessel
the requirement, and identification of the source for the
within the vacuum chamber. The uppermost surface of the
requirement.
specimen shall be covered by not less than 1 in. (25 mm) of
11.1.6 When the test is conducted to evaluate or compare
fluid.
products, materials, or methods, a statement of any observa-
tions that may lead to improvements.
NOTE 1—Two or more small packages may be tested at the same time,
provided that they are placed in such a manner that all parts of every
12. Precision and Bias
package under test can be observed for leakage during the test.
12.1 An interlaboratory test was conducted to determine
9.2 Set the cover on the vacuum chamber, close the outlet
eachparticipatinglaboratory’sabilitytodetectleaksofvarious
valve, and turn on the vacuum so that t
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