ASTM D6633-18

Standard Practice for Basic Functional Stability of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice is used for determining the accelerated usage of a mechanical pump dispenser for consumer usage.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the determination of the basic functional stability of a mechanical pump dispenser with a product.  
1.2 This practice covers accelerated usage evaluations of mechanical pump dispensers (spray or flow types) with a product.  
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.Specific precautions are given in Section 5.  
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 D6633-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Basic Functional Stability of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4336-18 - Standard Practice for Determination of the Output Per Stroke of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3890-18 - Standard Practice for Number of Strokes to Prime a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3890-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Number of Strokes to Prime a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4336-05(2010) - Standard Test Methods for Determination of the Output Per Stroke of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM E122-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D3890-05 - Standard Test Method for Number of Strokes to Prime a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM D4336-05 - Standard Test Methods for Determination of the Output Per Stroke of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM D4336-01 - Standard Test Methods for Determination of the Output Per Stroke of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D3890-01 - Standard Test Method for Number of Strokes to Prime a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM E122-00 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With a Specified Tolerable Error, the Average for Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Refers: ASTM E122-99 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With a Specified Tolerable Error, the Average for Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Refers: ASTM D2063-91(2002) - Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Torque Retention for Packages with Continuous Thread Closures
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-1991

Overview

ASTM D6633-18: Standard Practice for Basic Functional Stability of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser is a globally recognized protocol developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines methods for determining the basic functional stability and accelerated usage performance of mechanical pump dispensers, including both spray and flow types, when used with a specific product. By providing guidelines for simulating consumer use, ASTM D6633-18 helps manufacturers, quality assurance professionals, and packaging engineers ensure that pump dispensers meet functional expectations and maintain product integrity throughout their lifecycle.

Key Topics

• Functional Stability Evaluation
  The standard defines procedures to assess the operational reliability of mechanical pump dispensers under real-world and accelerated conditions. Primary parameters tested include leakage, prime retention, clogging, output per stroke, and spray quality.

• Accelerated Usage Testing
  Simulated usage under various environmental conditions (ambient, elevated temperatures, cycling chambers) is required to test durability and reliability.

• Sample Preparation and Conditioning
  Detailed requirements address specimen selection, cleaning, assembly, and pre-test conditioning to ensure accurate, repeatable results.

• Safety and Reporting
  Emphasis on addressing any safety, health, or environmental considerations during testing. Robust reporting guidelines ensure traceability, including technician identification, test period, test results, and any deviations from standard procedures.

Applications

This standard offers significant practical value across various sectors where mechanical pump dispensers are used, including:

• Consumer Products: Validates the reliability of pump dispensers found in personal care items (like liquid soaps, shampoos, lotions), household cleaners, and food products.
• Quality Assurance and Manufacturing: Supports consistent product performance through standardized test methods, helping reduce product failures and customer complaints.
• Packaging Development: Assists packaging engineers in qualifying new pump designs and formulations before market release by providing clear testing benchmarks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates adherence to internal and external quality protocols and helps demonstrate conformance with globally recognized standards during audits or certifications.

Related Standards

ASTM D6633-18 references several essential ASTM standards to supplement its procedures:

• ASTM D2063 – Test Methods for Measurement of Torque Retention for Packages with Continuous Thread Closures
• ASTM D3890 – Practice for Number of Strokes to Prime a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• ASTM D4336 – Practice for Determination of the Output Per Stroke of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• ASTM E122 – Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process

These related documents provide methodologies for critical measurement and testing aspects that support comprehensive functional stability assessment.

Conclusion

Adoption of ASTM D6633-18 offers a systematic approach for evaluating and documenting the functional stability of mechanical pump dispensers. By following this standard, companies can ensure product reliability, reduce risks associated with dispenser failures, and demonstrate commitment to quality and safety in product packaging. This standard supports ongoing improvements in the design, manufacturing, and quality assurance of pump dispensers, ultimately enhancing consumer satisfaction and trust.

Keywords: ASTM D6633-18, mechanical pump dispenser, functional stability, accelerated usage testing, package quality, leakage, clogging, quality assurance, packaging 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: D6633 − 18
Standard Practice for
Basic Functional Stability of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6633; 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 3. Significance and Use
3.1 This practice is used for determining the accelerated
1.1 This practice covers the determination of the basic
usage of a mechanical pump dispenser for consumer usage.
functional stability of a mechanical pump dispenser with a
product.
4. Apparatus
1.2 This practice covers accelerated usage evaluations of
4.1 Containers, that will allow the mechanical pump dis-
mechanical pump dispensers (spray or flow types) with a penser to be affixed to them (Note 1) and also be capable of
containing product for a period of time at various environmen-
product.
tal conditions (Note 2).
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
NOTE 1—If possible, the actual container to be marketed should be
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
used.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 Product, a sufficient amount to fill the number of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
containers in accordance with 4.1, reference 10.2.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to us-
e.Specific precautions are given in Section 5.
4.3 Balance, with direct reading to 0.01 g. Top loading or
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- analytical style is recommended.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.4 Environments, where the mechanical pump dispenser
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and product will be kept during the test period.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.4.1 Ambient Area, maintained at 23 6 3°C (73 6 5.4°F).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.4.2 Oven (45°C) , maintained at 45 6 3°C (113 6 5.4°F).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
NOTE 2—The oven temperature can be changed according to product
formulation. If different temperatures are used, this should be noted in the
2. Referenced Documents
test report discussed in 11.
4.4.3 Cycle Chamber, optional, alternating 5 to 50°C (41 to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
122°F) every 24 h.
D2063 Test Methods for Measurement of Torque Retention
for Packages with Continuous Thread Closures
4.5 Oven-Safe Tray, with absorbent paper towels laid in the
D3890 Test Method for Number of Strokes to Prime a
tray.
Mechanical Pump Dispenser
4.6 Food Coloring or Dye, optional.
D4336 Test Methods for Determination of the Output Per
Stroke of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser 5. Precautions
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
5.1 Appropriate handling considerations should be given to
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
flammable, toxic, caustic, or other potentially hazardous ma-
Lot or Process
terial used. When testing at any temperature, safety should be
the number one consideration and special attention should be
used on the flash points of the products tested.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on Primary
6. Sampling
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.30 on
Mechanical Dispensers.
6.1 Based upon the desired precision, sampling shall be
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published June 2018. Originally
performed in accordance with Practice E122.
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D6633 – 05(2010).
DOI: 10.1520/D6633-18.
6.2 In the absence of any special sampling plan, perfor-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mance shall be based on not less than the number of represen-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
tative specimens exposed to any of the environmental condi-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. tions as specified in Section 9.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6633 − 18
7. Test Specimen 10.5 For trigger sprayers, remove all of the test specimens
from their respective environments once every two weeks for
7.1 Test specimens shall be clean, dry and previously
a duration of 12 weeks for a total of 7 test days.
unused mechanical pump dispensers.
10.6 Allow the temperature of the test specimens to equili-
8. Conditioning
brate (generally 4 to 6 h) to ambient temperature prior to the
8.1 Ifpossible,conditionthetestspecimensat23 63°C(73
actual evaluations.
6 5.4°F) for not less than 4 h. If the test specimens are not
10.7 Evaluate the primed mechanical pump dispensers for
conditioned at the recommended temperature, this should be
each of the following parameters:
noted in the test report discussed in 11.
10.7.1 Leakage—Visually inspect for the presence of prod-
8.2 Test pumps should be tested no sooner than 24 h after
uct on the outside of either the mechanical pump dispenser or
assembly when possible. If pumps are not conditioned at the
the container. If any test specimen exhibits a high degree of
recommended time, this should be noted in the test report
leakage, discontinue any additional testing with that particular
discussed in 11.
mechanical pump dispenser and report the findings in 11.1.
10.7.2 Retention of Prime—Fully stroke each mechanical
9. Test Specimen Preparation
pump dispenser to determine if the mechanical pump dispenser
9.1 Prepare a minimum of 12 mechanical pump dispensers
has retained its prime. If any test specimen has lost prime and
with product and containers to be used for accelerated usage
it is unable to be reprimed, then discontinue any additional
evaluation.
testing with that particular mechanical pump dispenser and
9.1.1 Affix the mechanical pump dispensers to containers at
report the findings in 11.1.
the minimum recommended torque load in accordance with
NOTE 3—If the mechanical pump dispenser fails to re-prime as a result
Test Method D2063.
of a clog, then try cleaning in accordance with 10.7.3 before concluding
9.1.2 Label all of the assembled units with the product
the test.
name, any safety hazards for the product, name of the
10.7.3 Clogging—Visually inspect the orifi
...

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: D6633 − 05 (Reapproved 2010) D6633 − 18
Standard Test Method Practice for
Basic Functional Stability of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6633; 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 test method practice covers the determination of the basic functional stability of a mechanical pump dispenser with a
product.
1.2 This test method practice covers accelerated usage evaluations of mechanical pump dispensers (spray or flow types) with
a product.
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.Specific precautions are given in Section 5.
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:
D2063 Test Methods for Measurement of Torque Retention for Packages with Continuous Thread Closures
D3890 Practice for Number of Strokes to Prime a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
D4336 Practice for Determination of the Output Per Stroke of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method practice is used for determining the accelerated usage of a mechanical pump dispenser for consumer usage.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Containers, that will allow the mechanical pump dispenser to be affixed to them (Note 1) and also be capable of containing
product for a period of time at various environmental conditions (Note 2).
NOTE 1—If possible, the actual container to be marketed should be used.
4.2 Product, a sufficient amount to fill the number of containers in accordance with 4.1, reference 10.2.
4.3 Balance, with direct reading to 0.01 g. Top loading or analytical style is recommended.
4.4 Environments, where the mechanical pump dispenser and product will be kept during the test period.
4.4.1 Ambient Area, maintained at 23 6 3°C (73 6 5.4°F).
4.4.2 Oven (45°C) , maintained at 45 6 3°C (113 6 5.4°F).
NOTE 2—The oven temperature can be changed according to product formulation. If different temperatures are used, this should be noted in the test
report discussed in 11.
4.4.3 Cycle Chamber, optional, alternating 5 to 50°C (41 to 122°F) every 24 h.
This test method practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on FlexiblePrimary Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.30
on Mechanical Pump Dispensers.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010May 1, 2018. Published March 2011June 2018. Originally approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as
D6633 – 05.D6633 – 05(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D6633-05R10.10.1520/D6633-18.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6633 − 18
4.5 Oven-Safe Tray, with absorbent paper towels laid in the tray.
4.6 Food Coloring or Dye, optional.
5. Precautions
5.1 Appropriate handling considerations should be given to flammable, toxic, caustic, or other potentially hazardous material
used. When testing at any temperature, safety should be the number one consideration and special attention should be used on the
flash points of the products tested.
6. Sampling
6.1 Based upon the desired precision, sampling shall be performed in accordance with Practice E122.
6.2 In the absence of any special sampling plan, performance shall be based on not less than the number of representative
specimens exposed to any of the environmental conditions as specified in Section 9.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 Test specimens shall be clean, dry and previously unused mechanical pump dispensers.
8. Conditioning
8.1 If possible, condition the test specimens at 23 6 3°C (73 6 5.4°F) for not less than 4 h. If the test specimens are not
conditioned at the recommended temperature, this should be noted in the test report discussed in 11.
8.2 Test pumps should be tested no sooner than 24 h after assembly when possible. If pumps are not conditioned at the
recommended time, this should be noted in the test report discussed in 11.
9. Test Specimen Preparation
9.1 Prepare a minimum of 12 mechanical pump dispensers with product and containers to be used for accelerated usage
evaluation.
9.1.1 Affix the mechanical pump dispensers to containers at the minimum recommended torque load in accordance with Test
Method D2063.
9.1.2 Label all of the assembled units with the product name, any safety hazards for the product, name of the technician
completing the test, and the test number or means of identifying the test along with the following:
9.1.2.1 Minimum 3 units labeled, “Upright, Ambient.”
9.1.2.2 Minimum 3 units labeled, “Upright, Oven 45°C.”
9.1.2.3 Optional: Minimum 3 units labeled, “Upright, Cycle Chamber.”
9.1.2.4 Minimum 3 units labeled “On-Side, Ambient.”
9.1.2.5 Minimum 3 units labeled, “On-Side, Oven 45°C).”
9.1.2.6 Optional: Minimum 3 units labeled “On-Side, Cycle Chamber.”
10. Procedure
10.1 Test each mechanical pump dispenser for strokes to prime in accordance with Test Method D3890. Report the findings in
11.1.
10.2 Test each mechanical pump dispenser for output per stroke in accordance with Test Methods D4336. Visually inspect the
spray or flow of the product to ensure that no obstructions are present.
10.3 Place all of the test specimens as prepared in 9.1 in their respective environments as indicated by the appropriate label on
each unit. Except for trigger sprayers, place specimens labeled “On-Side” with the orifice facing down. Trigger sprayers may have
the orifice oriented to the side while in the “on-side” position. If the mechanical pump dispensers use a
...