ASTM D1251-94

Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Permeability of Packages by Cycle Method (Withdrawn 1999)

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water vapor permeability of finished packages subjected to extremes of temperature and relative humidity when closed and sealed in the conventional manner. It is intended for "shelf-size packages" that are shipped in outside containers.
1.2 This test method may be applied to the package as packed, after one or more performance tests such as drop (Test Method D5276), drum (Method D782), vibration (Method D999), after a series of tests simulating the shipping environment (Practice D4169), or after shipping tests have been completed, as required.
1.3 Packages with body walls having the property of absorbing water are not suitable for testing under this test method.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1993
• Withdrawal Date: 09-Oct-1999
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging

Standards Content (Sample)

Designation: D 1251 – 94
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
1
Water Vapor Permeability of Packages by Cycle Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1251; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope tion environments are found in Terminology D 996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water
3.2.1 cycle—one series of test atmospheres to which the test
vapor permeability of finished packages subjected to extremes
specimens are exposed.
of temperature and relative humidity when closed and sealed in
3.2.2 water vapor permeability—of a package, the rate at
the conventional manner. It is intended for “shelf-size pack-
which water is transmitted into the package from the test
ages” that are shipped in outside containers.
atmosphere surrounding it while a desiccant is sealed within.
1.2 This test method may be applied to the package as
packed, after one or more performance tests such as drop (Test
4. Significance and Use
Method D 5276), drum (Test Method D 782), vibration (Test
4.1 This test method is normally used to:
Method D 999), after a series of tests simulating the shipping
4.1.1 Evaluate materials and constructions for a specific
environment (Practice D 4169), or after shipping tests have
type of package,
been completed, as required.
4.1.2 Compare performance of different types of packages,
1.3 Packages with body walls having the property of ab-
4.1.3 Determine adequacy of protection for a specific prod-
sorbing water are not suitable for testing under this test
uct or application, and
method.
4.1.4 Maintain quality control.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 When this test method is conducted to determine the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
water vapor permeability of the packages for research, devel-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
opment, manufacturing control, specification acceptance, etc.,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
a desiccant is used as the water-absorbing medium.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.3 When this test method is used to determine the suitabil-
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
ity of the package with respect to water vapor resistance for a
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
particular product, the product is used instead of the desiccant.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Weighing Balance—A suitable laboratory balance sen-
D 782 Test Methods for Shipping Containers in Revolving
sitive to 1 mg, or to one ten-thousandth of the mass of the
2
Hexagonal Drum
package, whichever is larger.
D 895 Test Method for Water Vapor Permeability of Pack-
5.2 Test Chamber—A test room or cabinet provided with
2
ages Under Constant Conditions
temperature and humidity controls that will allow conditioned
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
air to circulate continuously around the specimens under test.
2
ments
The chamber must be capable of maintaining 38 6 2°C (100 6
D 999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping
4°F) and 90 6 2 % relative humidity, or as otherwise specified.
2
Containers
The conditions in the chamber must be such that no conden-
D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
sation occurs on the specimens except during that portion of
2
tainers and Systems
the cycle when the exposure is changed from a low temperature
D 5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
to a high-humid temperature.
2
Free Fall
5.3 Cold Chamber, which must be capable of maintaining
3. Terminology
−18 6 2°C (0 6 4°F) or as otherwise specified.
3.1 Definitions—General terms for packaging and distribu-
6. Materials
6.1 Desiccant—A desiccant shall be used that has a high
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-10 on
affinity for water vapor and a high drying efficiency, that is,
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.23 on Natural
having a low water vapor pressure even after absorbing a large
Environment Test Methods.
Current edition approved May 15, 1994. Published July 1994. Originally
amount of water.
1
published as D 1251 – 53T. Last previous edition D 1251 – 79 (1987)e .
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09. NOTE 1—A suitable desiccant is anhydrous calcium chloride in the
1

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D 1251
form of small lumps that will pass a No. 8 (2.36-mm) sieve, and free of
low-temper
...