ASTM E1453-20

Standard Guide for Storage of Magnetic Tape Media that Contains Analog or Digital Radioscopic Data

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The provisions of this guide are intended to control and maintain the quality of recorded industrial electronic data from radioscopy and unrecorded magnetic and optical media only, and are not intended to control the acceptability of the materials or products examined. It is further intended that this guide be used as an adjunct to Guide E1000 and Practice E1255.  
3.2 The necessity for applying specific control procedures such as those described in this guide is dependent to a certain extent, on the degree to which the user adheres to good recording and storage practices as a matter of routine procedure. Such practices should follow the best-usage practices outlined by both the mechanism and media datasheets.  
3.3 This guide has been updated to provide guidance on the LTO and IBM 3592 families of data storage tape formats. The LTO and 3592 family of tape formats are the only remaining actively developed data tape formats.5  
3.4 While the above indicated media are the only active digital tape formats on the market, archives of older media, including those with analog data, remain under retention requirements. The changes made here are conservative and do not negatively impact the storage of older media formats.  
3.5 The longevity in which the recorded data, either analog or digital, maintains its integrity on magnetic media varies greatly from one media to another. As such, it is considered best practice to duplicate the media at the manufacturer’s suggested interval to prevent loss of the recorded data through degradation. On average, this is every five years.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide may be used for the control and maintenance of recorded and unrecorded magnetic and optical media of analog or digital electronic data from industrial radioscopy.  
1.2 Units—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.  
1.3 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. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.  
1.4 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-Nov-2020
• ICS: 35.220.01 - Data storage devices in general
• Technical Committee: E07 - Nondestructive Testing
• Drafting Committee: E07.01 - Radiography (X and Gamma) Method

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1255-23 - Standard Practice for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1000-16 - Standard Guide for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1255-09 - Standard Practice for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM E1000-98(2009) - Standard Guide for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM E1000-98(2003) - Standard Guide for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-2003
• Refers: ASTM E1000-98 - Standard Guide for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 10-May-1998
• Refers: ASTM E1255-96(2002) - Standard Practice for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Refers: ASTM E1255-96 - Standard Practice for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996

Overview

ASTM E1453-20: Standard Guide for Storage of Magnetic Tape Media that Contains Analog or Digital Radioscopic Data provides essential guidelines for the proper storage and preservation of magnetic tape media used to record analog or digital data from industrial radioscopy. This guide, developed by ASTM International, aims to protect the integrity and quality of both recorded and unrecorded media, helping organizations preserve critical radioscopic data over time.

The standard is relevant for a range of magnetic tape formats, including Linear Tape-Open (LTO) and IBM 3592 families-currently the primary actively developed data tape formats-while also addressing the storage needs for older legacy media in ongoing archives.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Application:

  • Ensures the long-term quality and readability of magnetic and optical tapes containing industrial radioscopic data.
  • Provides recommendations separate from product acceptance criteria, focusing solely on storage conditions and data preservation.

• Media Types Covered:

  • Guides storage for both analog and digital data on magnetic and optical tapes.
  • Includes modern tape formats (LTO, IBM 3592) and legacy media under data retention regulations.

• Environmental Controls:

  • Defines optimal storage conditions, addressing temperature, humidity, pressure, and air purity to prevent data loss or physical tape degradation.
  • Recommends regular monitoring and adherence to manufacturer specifications.

• Data Integrity and Duplication:

  • Advises duplicating media every five years or as recommended by the manufacturer to mitigate data loss due to media degradation.
  • Stresses the preservation of data integrity across varying tape formats and storage periods.

• Precautionary Measures:

  • Highlights hazards due to static discharge, contaminant exposure, fire, and stray magnetic fields.
  • Recommends enclosure materials to minimize chemical interactions or particulate deposition.

Applications

• Industrial Radiography and Radioscopy:

  • Used by facilities storing critical inspection data for quality control, compliance, and traceability functions.
  • Supports storage practices in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy, where radioscopic imaging plays a key role.

• Data Archive Management:

  • Vital for organizations tasked with maintaining long-term archives of radioscopic data on magnetic or optical media.
  • Applicable for both ongoing digital recording and preservation of legacy analog records.

• Compliance and Best Practice Adherence:

  • Assists in meeting industry requirements for data retention, disaster recovery planning, and non-destructive testing (NDT) documentation.
  • Encourages systematic management and periodic review of stored media to ensure continued data availability.

Related Standards

ASTM E1453-20 is intended for use alongside several key standards and best practices:

• ASTM E1000 - Guide for Radioscopy
• ASTM E1255 - Practice for Radioscopy
• INCITS 40 - Environmental and Shipping Specifications for LTO Tape Cartridges
• INCITS 39 - Environmental and Shipping Specifications for IBM 3592 Tape Cartridges
• Additional INCITS Standards - For other magnetic and optical media types
• NIST SP 500-101 - Storage and handling of magnetic media

Keywords: magnetic tape storage, analog radioscopic data, digital radioscopic data, industrial data archiving, LTO tape media, IBM 3592 storage, media preservation, industrial radioscopy, ASTM E1453-20, data degradation prevention, archive management standards.

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: E1453 − 20
Standard Guide for
Storage of Magnetic Tape Media that Contains Analog or
Digital Radioscopic Data
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1453; 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 Environmental and Shipping Specifications for 3592 Tape
Cartridges
1.1 This guide may be used for the control and maintenance
of recorded and unrecorded magnetic and optical media of
3. Significance and Use
analog or digital electronic data from industrial radioscopy.
3.1 The provisions of this guide are intended to control and
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
maintain the quality of recorded industrial electronic data from
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
radioscopy and unrecorded magnetic and optical media only,
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
and are not intended to control the acceptability of the
information only and are not considered standard.
materials or products examined. It is further intended that this
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the guide be used as an adjunct to Guide E1000 and Practice
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the E1255.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 The necessity for applying specific control procedures
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
such as those described in this guide is dependent to a certain
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
extent, on the degree to which the user adheres to good
For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.
recording and storage practices as a matter of routine proce-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dure. Such practices should follow the best-usage practices
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
outlined by both the mechanism and media datasheets.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.3 This guide has been updated to provide guidance on the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
LTO and IBM 3592 families of data storage tape formats. The
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
LTO and 3592 family of tape formats are the only remaining
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
actively developed data tape formats.
3.4 While the above indicated media are the only active
2. Referenced Documents
digital tape formats on the market, archives of older media,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
including those with analog data, remain under retention
E1000 Guide for Radioscopy
requirements. The changes made here are conservative and do
E1255 Practice for Radioscopy
not negatively impact the storage of older media formats.
2.2 Datasheets:
3.5 The longevity in which the recorded data, either analog
Environmental and Shipping Specifications for LTO Tape
or digital, maintains its integrity on magnetic media varies
Cartridges
greatly from one media to another. As such, it is considered
best practice to duplicate the media at the manufacturer’s
suggested interval to prevent loss of the recorded data through
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestruc-
degradation. On average, this is every five years.
tive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology
(X and Gamma) Method.
4. Unrecorded Media Storage
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E1453 – 14. DOI:
4.1 Un-Opened Containers:
10.1520/E1453-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the IBM website, https://www.ibm.com/support/
the ASTM website. knowledgecenter/en/STCMML8/com.ibm.storage.ts3500.doc/ipg_3584_
Available from the IBM website, https://www.ibm.com/support/ meesij.html.
knowledgecenter/en/STCMML8/com.ibm.storage.ts3500.doc/ipg_3584_ IBM 3592 is a trademark of IBM and has been found satisfactory for this
meesi.html. purpose.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1453 − 20
4.1.1 Storage Recommendations—Any media in containers preservation. The storage enclosure should limit dust particles
sealed by the manufacturer and not opened should be stored as to 0.002 in. (0.05 mm) maximum.
shipped, whenever possible, to avoid container damage and 5.1.1 Enclosure Materials for Recorded Media:
possible media damage. Storage temperature should be be-
5.1.1.1 General—The enclosure material should be free of
tween61and77 °F(16to25 °C),relativehumidityrangeof35
acids and corrosives, and be chemically stable.
6 15 %, at a pressure range of 12.5 6 2.5 psi, and a maximum
5.1.1.2 Activity Test for Enclosure Materials—At least three
stray magnetic field strength of less than 50 Oe (4000 ampere/
representative samples of recorded media to be stored together
meter).Theenvironmentalconditionsshouldalsominimizethe
with the proposed enclosures should be placed in close contact
presence of ozone and oxidizers. The optimum storage condi-
with each other and subjected to an accelerated aging test of 85
tions are 65 °F (18 °C) at 40 % relative humidity, 14.7 psi, and
6 5 °F (30 6 3 °C), 70 6 10 % relative humidity for 30 days.
a maximum magnetic field strength of 30 Oe. Damaging
No materials should be transferred from the enclosure material
stresses in the media can be produced by large temperature and to the media, and the recorded data should not be affected.
humidity variations even if they remain within the specified
5.2 Storage Area Conditions:
ranges. Specific media manufacturer’s recommendations
5.2.1 Air Impurities—Inert or inactive solid particles can be
should be consulted when large variations in temperature or
deposited on recorded media and interfere with readability and
humidity, or both, are anticipated or experienced.
produce degradation. Reactive types of solids may cause
4.1.2 HigherorLowerStorageConditions—Whentempera-
degradation of the media, and gaseous impurities may cause
ture exceeds 90 °F (32 °C) or humidity exceeds 90 %, or
data deterioration. Never smoke, wax the floors, use steel wool
pressure exceeds 15 psi, some unrecorded media should be
pads on a buffer machine, eat or drink in the media storage
used under normal existing conditions to test for degradation.
area. Solvents should not come into contact
...

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: E1453 − 14 E1453 − 20
Standard Guide for
Storage of Magnetic Tape Media that Contains Analog or
Digital Radioscopic Data
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1453; 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 may be used for the control and maintenance of recorded and unrecorded magnetic and optical media of analog
or digital electronic data from industrial radioscopy.
1.2 Units—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.
1.3 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. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.
1.4 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:
E1000 Guide for Radioscopy
E1255 Practice for Radioscopy
2.2 ANSI Standards:Datasheets:
INCITS 40 Unrecorded Magnetic TapeEnvironmental and Shipping Specifications for LTO Tape Cartridges
INCITS 39 Recorded Magnetic TapeEnvironmental and Shipping Specifications for 3592 Tape Cartridges
INCITS 125 Two-Sided, Double Density Disk
INCITS 46 Six-Disk Pack
INCITS 48 Magnetic Tape Cassettes
2.3 NIST Standard:
NBS Handbook, NBS SP 500.101
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology (X and
Gamma) Method.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2014Dec. 1, 2020. Published October 2014December 2020. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20092014
as E1453 - 09.E1453 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/E1453-14.10.1520/E1453-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.the IBM website,
https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/en/STCMML8/com.ibm.storage.ts3500.doc/ipg_3584_meesi.html.
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov. the IBM website,
https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/en/STCMML8/com.ibm.storage.ts3500.doc/ipg_3584_meesij.html.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1453 − 20
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The provisions of this guide are intended to control and maintain the quality of recorded industrial electronic data from
radioscopy and unrecorded magnetic and optical media only, and are not intended to control the acceptability of the materials or
products examined. It is further intended that this guide be used as an adjunct to Guide E1000 and Practice E1255.
3.2 The necessity for applying specific control procedures such as those described in this guide is dependent to a certain extent,
on the degree to which the user adheres to good recording and storage practices as a matter of routine procedure. Such practices
should follow the best-usage practices outlined by both the mechanism and media datasheets.
3.3 This guide has been updated to provide guidance on the LTO and IBM 3592 families of data storage tape formats. The LTO
and 3592 family of tape formats are the only remaining actively developed data tape formats.
3.4 While the above indicated media are the only active digital tape formats on the market, archives of older media, including
those with analog data, remain under retention requirements. The changes made here are conservative and do not negatively impact
the storage of older media formats.
3.5 The longevity in which the recorded data, either analog or digital, maintains its integrity on magnetic media varies greatly from
one media to another. As such, it is considered best practice to duplicate the media at the manufacturer’s suggested interval to
prevent loss of the recorded data through degradation. On average, this is every five years.
4. Unrecorded Media Storage
4.1 Un-Opened Containers:
4.1.1 Storage Recommendations—Any media in containers sealed by the manufacturer and not opened should be stored as
shipped, whenever possible, to avoid container damage and possible media damage. Storage temperature should be 60° 6 20°F
(16 6 11°C),between 61 and 77 °F (16 to 25 °C), relative humidity range of 4535 6 15 %, at a pressure range of 12.5 6 2.5 psi,
and a maximum stray magnetic field strength of 50 Oe. The less than 50 Oe (4000 ampere/meter). The environmental conditions
should also minimize the presence of ozone and oxidizers. The optimum storage conditions are 65°F (18°C)65 °F (18 °C) at 40 %
relative humidity, 14.7 psi, and a maximum magnetic field strength of 30 Oe. Damaging stresses in the media can be produced by
large temperature and humidity variations even if they remain within the specified ranges. Specific media manufacturer’s
recommendations should be consulted when large variations in temperature or humidity, or both, are anticipated or experienced.
4.1.2 Higher or Lower Storage Conditions—When temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C)90 °F (32 °C) or humidity exceeds 90 %, or
pressure exceeds 15 psi, some unrecorded media should be used under normal existing conditions to test for degradation. If
degradation is found on these samples, subsequent sampling may be done on other media to avoid unnecessary scrap. If storage
temperature falls below 30°F (−1°C),30 °F (–1 °C), media stored at these lower temperatures in unopened containers should be
allowed to stabilize at a room temperature (60°(60 to 90°F (16°90 °F (16 to 32°C))32 °C)) before opening the containers. The
stabilization time will vary with the bulk of the stored media and the storage temperature. The lower the temperature and greater
the bulk, the longer the time required to reach room temperature. If containers are opened too soon, condensation could cause the
media to stick to whatever is touching their surfaces. If the relative humidity falls below 10 % and the moisture in the media is
reduced sufficiently, damage can occur during handling after opening the sealed containers, and the media may be subjected to
static electrical discharges. Storage humidities over 60 %discharges which can damage manufacturer written servo tracks (if
applicable to the media type) or drive components. Humidity l
...