ASTM D7887-20

Standard Guide for Selection of Substitute, Non-hazardous, Liquid Filling Substances for Packagings Subjected to the United Nations Performance Tests

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Regulations prescribing the test procedures for hazardous materials packaging allow for the substitution of non-hazardous fill materials for packaging performance tests with certain limitations as outlined in 49 CFR 178.602(c). This regulatory guidance has proven to be flexible enough, in common industry practice, to produce variations in the selection of fill materials for package performance tests that may cause inconsistent and non-repeatable test results. This variation has the potential to create significant problems in product liability, packaging selection, and regulatory enforcement in this highly regulated industry. Use of this guide should enhance uniformity in test procedures.  
5.2 Consistent and repeatable test results coupled with clear test fill product descriptions will enhance transportation safety by simplifying packaging selection. This will also increase the general level of confidence that package testing, manufacture and use are being guided by sound, generally accepted engineering principles. It also aids in clarifying expectations between the packaging industry and the regulatory authorities.  
5.3 The guide will be used by packaging manufacturers, and packaging test labs to create packaging test plans that meet customer needs and conform to the HMR under the widest possible situational circumstances. In addition, for the user of a packaging, certain information about the type and physical characteristics of the material used to test the packaging must be available in the test report and/or notification instruction to allow them to evaluate whether a particular packaging was tested with a substitute material appropriate for the hazardous material to be shipped.  
5.4 For more information on the UN certification tests, refer to Guide D4919. For guidance on determining the appropriate fill materials for preparing samples for UN certification testing with solids reference Guide D8135. For conditioning of plastic packaging designs referenc...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended to clarify the selection, use, and description criteria of non-hazardous liquid substitutes used to replace liquid hazardous materials on packagings designs being subjected to United Nations (UN) performance-oriented packaging certification as required by United States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN). This includes identification of the physical parameters of substitute non-hazardous liquid test fill materials that may affect packaging performance and test results and should be considered when selecting and describing a test fill material that conforms to the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).  
1.2 This guide provides information to assist packaging users, manufacturers, and performance testing service suppliers regarding the types of physical properties that should be considered when selecting substitute liquid filling substances for the testing, certification, and manufacture of packagings under the United Nations packaging protocols as adopted by US DOT in 49 CFR HMR..  
1.3 This guide provides the suggested minimum information concerning the physical characteristics of the filling substances that should be documented in the certification test report and notification to users to allow for test repeatability and analysis. Attention should be paid to the differences in physical characteristics of the substance used in the test compared to the materials transported.  
1.4 This guide does not purport to address regulatory requirements regarding the compatibility of filling substances with transport packagings. Compatibility requirements must be assessed separately, but it should be noted that under certain national and international dangerous goods regulations, the selection of the filling substances for package performance testing may be prescrib...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 13.020.60 - Product life-cycles
• ICS: 13.300 - Protection against dangerous goods
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.22 - Hazardous Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D445-24 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM D7790-19(2023) - Standard Guide for Preparation of Plastic Packagings Containing Liquids for United Nations (UN) Drop Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D445-23 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D7790-19 - Standard Guide for Preparation of Plastic Packagings Containing Liquids for United Nations (UN) Drop Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4359-90(2019) - Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material Is a Liquid or a Solid
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D445-16 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1200-10(2014) - Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM D445-14 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM D445-14e1 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM D7790-12 - Standard Guide for Preparation of Plastic Packagings Containing Liquids for United Nations (UN) Drop Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4359-90(2012) - Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material Is a Liquid or a Solid
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM D445-12 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1200-10 - Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM D891-09 - Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity, Apparent, of Liquid Industrial Chemicals (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4919-03(2008) - Standard Specification for Testing of Hazardous Materials Packagings (Withdrawn 2017)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008

Overview

ASTM D7887-20 is a standard guide published by ASTM International that addresses the selection and use of non-hazardous, liquid filling substances for packagings subjected to United Nations (UN) performance tests. This guide supports compliance with regulations, such as the United States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. It provides criteria to help packaging manufacturers, users, and test laboratories ensure consistency, repeatability, and regulatory conformity during hazardous materials packaging testing.

Proper selection and documentation of substitute fill materials are critical for safety and compliance, especially when actual hazardous materials are not used for package certification tests. Consistent use of this guide helps optimize packaging performance validation and contributes to reliable product liability management and regulatory acceptance.

Key Topics

• Regulatory Context

  • Permits the use of non-hazardous liquid substitutes in place of hazardous materials for UN packaging performance tests.
  • Aligns with guidelines from 49 CFR 178.602(c) and the UN Orange Book.

• Physical Properties to Consider

  • Substitute liquids must be selected based on relevant parameters such as specific gravity, viscosity, density, and flow characteristics.
  • The chosen fill material should closely match or exceed the density and mimic other critical physical properties of the hazardous liquid.
  • Water and certain anti-freeze solutions are often preferred as default substitutes due to simplicity and wide applicability.

• Documentation Requirements

  • Test reports must include detailed descriptions of the fill material's physical characteristics (e.g., density, viscosity).
  • When non-Newtonian or weight-augmented liquids are used, additional details such as material type, proportion, and placement method should be included.
  • Such transparency ensures test reproducibility and supports regulatory reviews.

• Testing and Safety Considerations

  • Substitute materials should not favorably alter test outcomes or mask potential packaging failures.
  • Specialized scenarios-such as transporting highly viscous or non-Newtonian liquids-require appropriate matching of substitute material properties.
  • Safety, health, and environmental requirements must still be met during testing.

Applications

• Packaging Manufacturers

  • Use ASTM D7887-20 to design and certify packagings that meet hazardous material transport regulations without the need to handle hazardous goods during testing.
  • Develop documentation that supports client and regulatory queries.

• Testing Laboratories

  • Establish test plans and select appropriate filling substances to assure consistent, repeatable, and regulatory-compliant results.
  • Minimize safety risks by substituting hazardous materials with safe, non-hazardous alternatives that closely match target properties.

• Shippers and End Users

  • Evaluate test documentation to confirm that packaging was evaluated with a fill material suitable for the intended hazardous contents.
  • Enhance confidence in the suitability and safety of certified packaging for dangerous goods transportation.

• Regulatory Compliance

  • Facilitate communication and clarity between the packaging industry and authorities by standardizing descriptions and expectations for substitute fill materials.
  • Support adherence to national and international codes for the safe transport of dangerous goods.

Related Standards

For comprehensive packaging and material testing, the following related ASTM and regulatory standards are referenced within ASTM D7887-20:

• ASTM D4919 - Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials Packagings
• ASTM D8135 - Guide for Selection of Substitute, Non-hazardous, Particulate Solid Filling Substances
• ASTM D7790 - Guide for Preparation of Plastic Packagings Containing Liquids for UN Drop Testing
• ASTM D445 - Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids
• ASTM D891 - Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Liquid Industrial Chemicals
• ASTM D4359 - Test Method for Determining Whether a Material Is a Liquid or a Solid
• 49 CFR Parts 100-185 - US DOT Code governing transportation of hazardous materials
• UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Orange Book)
• ICAO Technical Instructions
• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
• IMDG Code

These standards collectively support industry best practices for hazardous materials packaging design, testing, and compliance worldwide.

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: D7887 − 20
Standard Guide for
Selection of Substitute, Non-hazardous, Liquid Filling
Substances for Packagings Subjected to the United Nations
Performance Tests
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7887; 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* selection of the filling substances for package performance
testing may be prescribed with respect to chemical compatibil-
1.1 This guide is intended to clarify the selection, use, and
ity requirements.
description criteria of non-hazardous liquid substitutes used to
NOTE1—UndertheUSHMRdeterminationofpackagingcompatibility
replaceliquidhazardousmaterialsonpackagingsdesignsbeing
with a particular hazardous fill material is “the responsibility of the person
subjected to United Nations (UN) performance-oriented pack-
offering the hazardous material for transportation” as prescribed in 49
aging certification as required by United States Department of
CFR § 173.24(e).
Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR)
1.5 The units of measurement are consistent with the HMR.
and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of
1.6 When testing packaging designs intended for hazardous
Dangerous Goods (UN). This includes identification of the
materials (dangerous goods), the user of this guide shall be
physical parameters of substitute non-hazardous liquid test fill
trained in accordance with 49 CFR §172.700 and other
materials that may affect packaging performance and test
applicable hazardous materials regulations such as the ICAO
resultsandshouldbeconsideredwhenselectinganddescribing
Technical Instructions, IMDG Code, other applicable national
a test fill material that conforms to the requirements of the
or international dangerous goods regulations that govern the
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
testing, manufacture and use of packagings authorized for the
1.2 This guide provides information to assist packaging
transportation of Dangerous Goods, and carrier rules such as
users,manufacturers,andperformancetestingservicesuppliers
the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
regarding the types of physical properties that should be
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
considered when selecting substitute liquid filling substances
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
for the testing, certification, and manufacture of packagings
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
under the United Nations packaging protocols as adopted by
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
US DOT in 49 CFR HMR.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This guide provides the suggested minimum informa-
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
tion concerning the physical characteristics of the filling
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
substances that should be documented in the certification test
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
report and notification to users to allow for test repeatability
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
and analysis. Attention should be paid to the differences in
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
physical characteristics of the substance used in the test
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
compared to the materials transported.
2. Referenced Documents
1.4 This guide does not purport to address regulatory
requirements regarding the compatibility of filling substances 2.1 ASTM Standards:
with transport packagings. Compatibility requirements must be
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
assessed separately, but it should be noted that under certain and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
national and international dangerous goods regulations, the
ity)
D891 TestMethodsforSpecificGravity,Apparent,ofLiquid
Industrial Chemicals
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.22 on Hazardous
Materials. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D7887–13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7887-20. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7887 − 20
D1200 Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup 3.1.1.3 Discussion—Since the specific gravity of water at
D4359 Test Method for Determining Whether a Material Is 68.4°F (20.2°C) is almost one (1), the kinematic viscosity of
a Liquid or a Solid water at 68.4°F is for all practical purposes 1.0 cSt.
D4919 Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials (Danger-
3.1.2 liquid, n—a material, other than an elevated tempera-
ous Goods) Packagings
ture material, with a melting point or initial melting point of
D7790 Guide for Preparation of Plastic Packagings Contain-
20°C (68°F) or lower at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa (14.7
ing Liquids for United Nations (UN) Drop Testing
psia). A viscous material for which a specific melting point
D8135 Guide for Selection of Substitute, Non-hazardous,
cannot be determined must be subjected to the procedures
Particulate Solid Filling Substances for Packagings Sub-
specified in ASTM D4359 “Standard Test Method for Deter-
jected to the United Nations Performance Tests
mining Whether a Material is Liquid or Solid” (IBR, see
§171.7).
2.2 Federal Standard:
U.S. Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regu-
3.1.3 Newtonian liquid, n—a liquid that exhibits a constant
lations Title 49, Transportation (49 CFR) Parts 100-185
coefficient of viscosity as represented by a shear rate/shear
stress plot that is both linear and passes through the origin of
2.3 UN Standard:
UN United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of the shear rate/shear stress plot within the ranges of shear rates
encountered in testing. A material not meeting this definition
Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (UN Orange Book)
5 would be considered non-Newtonian.
2.4 IATA Standard:
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Newtonian liquids: Water, ethanol
IATA International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dan-
solutions, un-treated glycol solutions (glycol solutions treated
gerous Goods Regulations
to coat surfaces as a de-icing agent, such as airplane de-icing
2.5 ICAO Standard:
products, are formulated to be non-Newtonian).
ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of
3.1.3.2 Discussion—Non-Newtonian liquids: Many paints,
Dangerous Goods by Air
toothpaste, peanut butter, ketchup, mayonnaise, blood, drilling
2.6 IMDG Standard:
mud, many fine particle slurries and pastes.
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG
3.1.4 shear rate, n—the relative velocities in the flow of
Code)
parallel adjacent layers (laminar flow) of a fluid from the
application shear force. In aggregate, this is the rate of flow for
3. Terminology
a liquid in proportion to the amount of force causing the flow.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.5 shear stress, n—the resistance (both internal and at the
3.1.1 kinematic viscosity, n—the ratio of absolute or dy-
boundary) of a fluid to flow in reaction to a force applied
namic viscosity to density - a quantity in which no force is
parallel to the direction of motion in the flow channel (shear
involved. Kinematic viscosity can be obtained by dividing the
force).
absolute viscosity of a fluid with its mass density:
3.1.6 specification packaging, n—a packaging conforming
ν 5 µ⁄ρ~2! (1)
to one of the specifications or standards for packagings in 49
CFR part 178 or part 179 of this subchapter.
where:
3.1.6.1 Discussion—Packaging, as used in this guide, in-
ν = kinematic viscosity,
cludes packaging constructed and tested to UN performance
µ = absolute or dynamic viscosity, and
standards as adopted in the HMR (the focus of this guide) but
ρ = density.
does not exclude its use for other types of packagings.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—In the SI-system, the theoretical unit is
3.1.7 specific gravity, n—ratio of the testing substance
2 -4 2
m /s or commonly used Stoke (St) where: 1 St = 10 m /s.
density to a standard substance (i.e. water) density at a specific
3.1.1.2 Discussion—Since the Stoke is an impractically
temperature and pressure.
large unit, it is usual divided by 100 to give the unit called
-6 2
3.1.8 viscous liquid, n—a liquid material which has a
Centistokes (cSt) where: 1 St = 100 cSt; 1 cSt = 10 m /s.
measured viscosity in excess of 2500 centistokes at 25°C
(77°F) when determined in accordance with the procedures
specifiedinASTMTestMethodD445-72“KinematicViscosity
Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and the Calculation of
Office, Washington, DC 20402-9371 (website: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/phmsa-
regulations). Dynamic Viscosity)” or ASTM Test Method D1200-70 “Vis-
Available from the UN Economic Commission for Europe, Information
cosity of Paints, Varnishes, and Lacquers by Ford Viscosity
Service, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland (website: http://
Cup.”
www.unece.org/trans/danger/danger.htm).
Available from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 800 Place
NOTE2—Additionaltermsanddefinitionsarelocatedin49CFRsection
Victoria PO Box 113 Montreal - H4Z 1M1 Quebec - Canada (website: http://
171.8 and the UN Orange Book, section 1.2.1.
www.iata.org).
Available from the International Civil Aviation Organization, (ICAO) 999
University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3C 5H7, Canada (website: http:// 4. Summary of Guide
www.icao.org/).
4.1 The manufacturer, test facility or user of a packaging
Available from the International Marine Organization (IMO, 4 Albert
Embankment, London, SE1 7SR United Kingdom (website: http://www.imo.org/). will apply the procedural considerations, based on the physical
D7887 − 20
characteristics of the liquid hazardous material to be 6.1.1 For drop testing, if water is used as the substitute
transported, outlined in this guide to select an appropriate fill filling substance, drop heights must be determined using the
material to use when testing a packaging. In addition, packag- prescribed methods in 49 CFR §§ 178.603(e). For packagings
ing manufacturers and test facilities will use this guide to thatmustbetestedinconformancewith49CFR§§178.603(c),
provide sufficient information concerning the relevant physical water/antifreeze solutions having a minimum specific gravity
characteristics (density, viscosity, net weight) of the test fill of .95 @ –18°C (0°F) may be substituted as water equivalents,
material to the user of a packaging to allow for a proper provided they remain completely liquid at test temperatures
evaluation of suitability of a packaging for a particular liquid with viscosity approximating water. Examples of commonly
hazardous material. used (and recommended) water/anti-freeze solutions:
6.1.1.1 Propyleneglycol/watermixture:minimum50%Pro-
5. Significance and Use pylene Glycol/Water
6.1.1.2 Methanol/water mixture:
5.1 Regulations prescribing the test procedures for hazard-
(1) By weight: 30%–45% methanol/water (produces freez-
ous materials packaging allow for the substitution of non-
ing point of –25°C; density @ –18°C: 0.97–0.95)
hazardous fill materials for packaging performance tests with
(2) By volume: ≈ 37%–53%
certain limitations as outlined in 49 CFR 178.602(c). This
6.1.1.3 Ethylene glycol/water mixture: minimum 40% Eth-
regulatory guidance has proven to be flexible enough, in
ylene Glycol/Water
common industry practice, to produce variations in the selec-
tion of fill materials for package performance tests that may
NOTE 3—Other anti-freeze mixtures may be used, but they must not be
cause inconsistent and non-repeatable test
...

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: D7887 − 13 D7887 − 20
Standard Guide for
Selection of Substitute, Non-hazardous, Liquid Filling
Substances for Packagings Subjected to the United Nations
Performance Tests
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7887; 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 Scope*
1.1 The purpose of this This guide is intended to clarify the selection, use, and description criteria of non-hazardous liquid
substitutes used to replace hazardous materials for the purpose of performance testing packagings.liquid hazardous materials on
packagings designs being subjected to United Nations (UN) performance-oriented packaging certification as required by United
States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) and the United Nations Recommendations on
the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN). This includes identification of the physical parameters of substitute non-hazardous liquid
test fill materials that may affect packaging performance and test results and should be considered when selecting and describing
a test fill material that conforms to the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
1.2 This guide provides information to assist packaging users, manufacturers, and performance testing service suppliers
regarding the types of physical properties that should be considered when selecting substitute liquid filling substances for the
testing, certification, and manufacture of packagings under the United Nations packaging protocols (UN Recommendations on the
Transport of Dangerous Goods-Model Regulations) as adopted by US DOT in 49 CFR HMR.HMR.
1.3 This guide provides the suggested minimum information concerning the physical characteristics of the filling substances that
should be documented in the certification test report and notification to users to allow for test repeatability and analysis, and to
provide guidance to the user of a packaging of pertinent physical differences between potential hazardous lading and the filling
substance with which the packaging was tested.analysis. Attention should be paid to the differences in physical characteristics of
the substance used in the test compared to the materials transported.
1.4 This guide does not purport to address regulatory requirements regarding the compatibility of filling substances with
transport packagings. Compatibility requirements must be assessed separately, but it should be noted that under certain national
and international dangerous goods regulations, the selection of the filling substances for package performance testing may be
prescribed with respect to chemical compatibility requirements.
NOTE 1—Under the US HMR determination of packaging compatibility with a particular hazardous fill material is “the responsibility of the person
offering the hazardous material for transportation” as prescribed in 49 CFR § 173.24(e).
1.5 The units of measurement are consistent with the HMR.
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, other applicable national or international dangerous goods regulations that govern the testing,
manufacture and use of packagings authorized for the transportation of Dangerous Goods, and carrier rules such as the IATA
Dangerous Goods Regulations.
1.7 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.
1.8 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.
This test method 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 Oct. 1, 2013April 1, 2020. Published October 2013June 2020. Originally approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D7887–13.
DOI: 10.1520/D7887-13.10.1520/D7887-20.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7887 − 20
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
D891 Test Methods for Specific Gravity, Apparent, of Liquid Industrial Chemicals
D1200 Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
D4359 Test Method for Determining Whether a Material Is a Liquid or a Solid
D4919 Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods) Packagings
D7790 Guide for Preparation of Plastic Packagings Containing Liquids for United Nations (UN) Drop Testing
D8135 Guide for Selection of Substitute, Non-hazardous, Particulate Solid Filling Substances for Packagings Subjected to the
United Nations Performance Tests
2.2 Federal Standard:
U.S. Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation
Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Transportation (49 CFR) Parts 100-199100-185
2.3 UN Standard:
United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, UN United Nations Recommendations on the
Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (UN Orange Book)
2.4 International Air Transport Association (IATA) IATA Standard:
IATA IATA International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations
2.5 ICAO Standard:
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by
Air
2.6 IMDG Standard:
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 kinematic viscosity, n—the ratio of absolute or dynamic viscosity to density - a quantity in which no force is involved.
Kinematic viscosity can be obtained by dividing the absolute viscosity of a fluid with its mass density:
ν 5 μ⁄ρ 2 (1)
~ !
where:
ν = kinematic viscosity,
μ = absolute or dynamic viscosity, and
ρ = density.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
2 -4 2
In the SI-system, the theoretical unit is m /s or commonly used Stoke (St) where: 1 St = 10 m /s.
3.1.1.2 Discussion—
Since the Stoke is an impractically large unit, it is usual divided by 100 to give the unit called Centistokes (cSt) where: 1 St = 100
-6 2
cSt; 1 cSt = 10 m /s.
3.1.1.3 Discussion—
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 Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9371 (website: phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat).https://
www.phmsa.dot.gov/phmsa-regulations).
Available from the UN Economic Commission for Europe, Information Service, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland (website: http://www.unece.org/
trans/danger/danger.htm).http:// www.unece.org/trans/danger/danger.htm).
Available from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 800 Place Victoria PO Box 113 Montreal - H4Z 1M1 Quebec - Canada (website:
http://www.iata.org).http:// www.iata.org).
Available from the International Civil Aviation Organization, (ICAO) 999 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3C 5H7, Canada (website: http://www.icao.org/).http://
www.icao.org/).
Available from the International Marine Organization (IMO, 4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR United Kingdom (website: http://www.imo.org/).
D7887 − 20
Since the specific gravity of water at 68.4°F (20.2°C) is almost one (1), the kinematic viscosity of water at 68.4°F is for all practical
purposes 1.0 cSt.
3.1.2 liquid, n—a material, other than an elevated temperature material, with a melting point or initial melting point of 20°C
(68°F) or lower at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia). A viscous material for which a specific melting point cannot be
determined must be subjected to the procedures specified in ASTM D4359 “Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a
Material is Liquid or Solid” (IBR, see §171.7).
3.1.3 Newtonian liquid, n—a liquid that exhibits a constant coefficient of viscosity as represented by a shear rate/shear stress
plot that is both linear and passes through the origin of the shear rate/shear stress plot within the ranges of shear rates encountered
in testing. A material not meeting this definition would be considered non-Newtonian.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
Newtonian liquids: Water, ethanol solutions, un-treated glycol solutions (glycol solutions treated to coat surfaces as a de-icing
agent, such as airplane de-icing products, are formulated to be non-Newtonian).
3.1.3.2 Discussion—
Non-Newtonian liquids: Many paints, toothpaste, peanut butter, ketchup, mayonnaise, blood, drilling mud, many fine particle
slurries and pastes.
3.1.4 shear rate, n—the relative velocities in the flow of parallel adjacent layers (laminar flow) of a fluid from the application
shear force. In aggregate, this is the rate of flow for a liquid in proportion to the amount of force causing the flow.
3.1.5 shear stress, n—the resistance (both internal and at the boundary) of a fluid to flow in reaction to a force applied parallel
to the direction of motion in the flow channel (shear force).
3.1.6 specification packaging, n—a packaging conforming to one of the specifications or standards for packagings in 49 CFR
part 178 or part 179 of this subchapter.
3.1.6.1 Discussion—
Packaging, as used in this guide, includes packaging constructed and tested to UN performance standards as adopted in the HMR
(the focus of this guide) but does not exclude its use for other types of packagings.
3.1.7 specific gravity, n—ratio of the testing substance density to a standard substance (i.e. water) density at a specific
temperature and pressure.
3.1.8 viscous liquid, n—a liquid material which has a measured viscosity in excess of 2500 centistokes at 25°C (77°F) when
determined in accordance with the procedures specified in ASTM Test Method D445-72 “Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and
Opaque Liquids (and the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)” or ASTM Test Method D1200-70 “Viscosity of Paints, Varnishes,
and Lacquers by Ford Viscosity Cup.”
NOTE 2—Additional terms and definitions are located in 49 CFR section 171.8 and the UN Orange Book, section 1.2.1.
4. Summary of Guide
4.1 The manufacturer, test facility or user of a packaging will apply the procedural considerations, based on the physical
characteristics of the liquid hazardous material to be transported, outlined in this guide to select an appropriate fill material to use
when testing a packaging. In addition, packaging manufacturers and test facilities will use this guide to provide sufficient
information concerning the relevant physical characteristics (density, viscosity, net weight) of the test fill material to the user of
a packaging to allow for a proper evaluation of suitability of a packaging for a particular liquid hazardous material.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Regulations prescribing the test procedures for hazardous materials packaging allow for the substitution of non-hazardous
fill materials for packaging performance tests with certain limitations prescribed and guidance offered [See: as outlined in 49 CFR
178.602(c)].178.602(c). This regulatory guidance has proven to be flexible enough, in common industry practice, to produce
variations in the selection of fill materials for package performance tests sufficient tothat may cause inconsistent and non-repeatable
test results. This variation creates has the potential to create significant problems in product liability, packaging selection, and
regulatory enforcement in this highly regulated industry. Use of this guide should enhance uniformity in test procedures.
5.2 Consistent and repeatable test results coupled with clear test fill product descriptions will enhance transportation safety by
simplifying packaging selection. This will also increase the
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