ASTM D6536/D6536M-18

Standard Practice for Measuring the Dip Tube Length of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 This practice is to be used to measure the length of a specified dip tube from the bottom of the sealing surface to the end of the dip tube in a mechanical pump dispenser.  
2.2 This practice is to be used to measure the exposed length of a specified dip tube of a mechanical pump dispenser.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the measurement technique for a dip tube of a mechanical pump dispenser.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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.  
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-Apr-2018
• ICS: 55.130 - Aerosol containers
• Technical Committee: F02 - Primary Barrier Packaging
• Drafting Committee: F02.30 - Mechanical Dispensers

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6536/D6536M-00(2010)e1 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Dip Tube Length of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018

Overview

ASTM D6536/D6536M-18 is the standard practice established by ASTM International for the measurement of dip tube length in mechanical pump dispensers. This standard specifies the correct procedures for measuring both the overall and exposed dip tube lengths, ensuring consistency and repeatability in quality control within manufacturing and packaging industries. The accurate measurement of dip tube length is essential for the proper function of pump dispensers in delivering liquid products efficiently.

Applicability of this standard extends to various industries where mechanical pump dispensers are utilized, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, and personal care packaging. The standard ensures that results are reliable, whether using metric (SI) or inch-pound units, highlighting the importance of international conformity.

Key Topics

• Dip Tube Length Measurement
  The standard covers techniques for measuring both the overall dip tube length (from the bottom of the sealing surface to the tube end) and exposed dip tube length (from the end of the body outward).
• Measurement Instruments
  • Thin metal ruler with clear 1 mm or 1/16 in. increments and a zero index at the end.
  • Calipers for precise alignment when required.
• Procedural Steps
  • Holding the dispenser horizontally
  • Aligning the ruler or calipers with the tube
  • Straightening the dip tube for an accurate parallel alignment
  • Recording measurements to the nearest 1 mm or 1/16 in., based on the measurement system used
• Reporting Requirements
  Test results must include:
  • Type of pump dispenser
  • Measured dip tube length
  • Measurement method used
• Precision and Units
  Standard allows a measurement tolerance of ±1 mm or ±1/16 in. as per the chosen unit system. The use of both SI and inch-pound units is permitted, but they must not be mixed within a single application.

Applications

• Quality Control in Manufacturing
  Ensuring every mechanical pump dispenser meets design and performance specifications by verifying dip tube length for efficient fluid delivery.
• Product Design Verification
  Standardized measurements support the development and verification of new pump dispenser designs by maintaining consistency and reliability in product performance.
• Supplier and Compliance Checks
  Provides a recognized method for suppliers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to verify compliance, facilitating global trade and regulatory conformity.
• Performance Optimization
  Precise dip tube measurement is critical for maximizing product evacuation from containers in consumer and industrial packaging, reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction.

Related Standards

• ASTM F02.30 Standards
  The subcommittee responsible for mechanical pump dispenser standards, including related practices for flexible packaging and closure systems.
• ISO Packaging Standards
  International standards governing quality and measurement techniques for packaging and dispensing systems.
• Other ASTM Packaging and Dispensing Standards
  Refer to further documentation under the ASTM F02 committee for additional best practices on barrier packaging, closures, and component measurements.

Keywords: dip tube length, dip tube measurement, mechanical pump dispenser, ASTM D6536/D6536M-18, packaging standards, quality control, exposed dip tube, overall dip tube, pump dispenser testing

By following the ASTM D6536/D6536M-18 standard, organizations can ensure reliable, accurate, and internationally recognized methods for measuring the dip tube length of mechanical pump dispensers, improving both product performance and regulatory compliance across global markets.

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: D6536/D6536M − 18
Standard Practice for
Measuring the Dip Tube Length of a Mechanical Pump
Dispenser
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6536/D6536M; 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 4. Procedure
1.1 This practice covers the measurement technique for a
PRACTICE “A”—MEASUREMENT OF OVERALL
dip tube of a mechanical pump dispenser.
DIP TUBE LENGTH
NOTE 1—This practice is used when the exposed sealing surface of the
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
mechanical pump dispenser is large enough to measure from.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
4.1 While holding the mechanical pump dispenser with its
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
axis in a horizontal plane, place the zero index end of the ruler
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
against the bottom of the seal surface. Fig. 1—dimension “X.”
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
4.2 If needed, straighten the dip tube out so that it is parallel
with the length of the ruler.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4.3 Measure the overall length of the dip tube to within a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- full millimetre or ⁄16 in. length.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.4 Record the length measured in 5.1.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
PRACTICE “B”—MEASUREMENT OF EXPOSED DIP
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
TUBE LENGTH
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
NOTE 2—This practice is used in all applications.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.5 While holding the mechanical pump dispenser with its
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
axis in a horizontal plane, place the zero index end of the ruler
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
against the bottom end of the body. Fig. 1—dimension “Z.”
4.6 If needed straighten the dip tube out so that it is parallel
2. Significance and Use
with the length of the ruler.
2.1 This practice is to be used to measure the length of a
4.7 Measure the exposed length of the dip tube to within a
specified dip tube from the bottom of the sealing surface to the
full millimetre or ⁄16 in. length.
end of the dip tube in a mechanical pump dispenser.
4.8 Record the length measured in 5.1.
2.2 Thisp
...

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.
´1
Designation: D6536/D6536M − 00 (Reapproved 2010) D6536/D6536M − 18
Standard Test Method Practice for
Measuring the Dip Tube Length of a Mechanical Pump
Dispenser
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6536/D6536M; 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.
ε NOTE—Units information was editorially revised in December 2010.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method practice covers the measurement technique for a dip tube of a mechanical pump dispenser.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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.
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. Significance and Use
2.1 This test method practice is to be used to measure the length of a specified dip tube from the bottom of the sealing surface
to the end of the dip tube in a mechanical pump dispenser.
2.2 This test method practice is to be used to measure the exposed length of a specified dip tube of a mechanical pump dispenser.
3. Apparatus
3.1 Thin Metal Ruler, with minimum gradients of 1 mm or ⁄16 in., or both, along with a zero index at the end of the ruler.
3.2 Calipers.
4. Procedure
TEST METHOD PRACTICE “A”—MEASUREMENT OF OVERALL DIP TUBE LENGTH
NOTE 1—This test method practice is used when the exposed sealing surface of the mechanical pump dispenser is large enough to measure from.
4.1 While holding the mechanical pump dispenser with its axis in a horizontal plane, place the zero index end of the ruler against
the bottom of the seal surface. Fig. 1—dimension “X.”
4.2 If needed, straighten the dip tube out so that it is parallel with the length of the ruler.
4.3 Measure the overall length of the dip tube to within a full millimetre or ⁄16 in. length.
4.4 Record the length measured in 5.1.
TEST METHOD PRACTICE “B”—MEASUREMENT OF EXPOSED DIP TUBE LENGTH
NOTE 2—This test method practice is used in all applications.
4.5 While holding the mechanical pump dispenser with its axis in a hor
...