ASTM D6653: A Game Changer for Ensuring Packaging Integrity in High Altitude Transits

Maximizing Product Safety: Harnessing the Power of the ASTM D6653 Test Method.

You have poured your heart and soul into creating a product that you're truly proud of. The countless hours of innovation, perfection, and hard work have finally paid off, and now, you're ready to ship your product out to your customers. But what happens if something goes wrong during transportation?

Imagine your product traveling through high mountain passes or flying thousands of meters above sea level on its journey to the customer. Each mode of transportation poses a unique set of challenges - especially when it comes to changing atmospheric pressure. A product damaged in transit isn't just a logistical nightmare; it can also result in substantial financial losses.

Take, for example, the case of products shipped over mountain passes, which can reach altitudes as high as 3,600 meters. Or consider commercial airline cabins, which are pressurized to simulate an altitude of 2,400 meters. The scenario gets even more challenging for feeder aircraft, often used for transporting aid or military packages, which can fly at altitudes up to 4,900 meters and without pressurization. If your products are destined for cities like San Francisco (16 meters above sea level), Mexico City (2,240 meters), or La Paz Bolivia (3,600 meters), it is paramount that your packaging can withstand the changes in atmospheric pressure it'll encounter along the way.

ASTM D6653: The Gold Standard for Transportation Testing

When it comes to mitigating the risks of leaks, damage, or deformation during transit, the ASTM D6653 methodology for Transportation Testing shines brightly. By using a vacuum chamber, this test method helps assess the potential risks your products might face during transportation, factoring in specific altitude and transportation conditions.

For instance, consider products traveling from high to low atmospheric pressure. If your production plant is located at sea level and you're shipping your products via commercial flights (with cabin pressure resembling the average atmospheric pressure found around 2,400 meters), calculating the pressure difference is vital. Subtract the altitude of the production plant (Altitude 1) from the pressurized altitude (Altitude 2) and divide the result by 10. While a quick calculation could serve as a rough estimate, following the “Temperature and pressure correlation” tables found on the ASTM D6653 ensures higher accuracy.

Simplifying the Process with CDV's ORION OS

Fortunately, with CDV's ORION OS, you don't have to grapple with these calculations manually. By using the “transportation test” and inputting the production and delivery altitudes, ORION OS calculates the necessary pressure for each test. With the ability to store up to 99 transportation profiles, the system can effortlessly manage tests for various products and travel conditions.

Executing the Test

When it's time to run the test, the process begins by gradually increasing the vacuum to simulate an equivalent rate of altitude increase, maintaining this level for a prescribed time, and then returning to the initial pressure. Once the test is over, the interpretation stage begins.

Interpreting the Results

Determining a package's success or failure depends on its content and packaging type. For packages containing liquids, leaks will be evident. For containers without liquids, irreversible deformations may be the telltale sign of failure. A seemingly perfect container might still have leaks, and in such cases, a leak test is highly recommended.

Remember, our CDV Vacuum chambers are designed to perform all these test methods intuitively. Our instructional videos will guide you through the entire process. If you're interested in acquiring one of these chambers, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Package leak testing instruments are critical for ensuring your products reach their destinations safe and sound. Trust DVACI for uncompromised quality and accuracy.

Stay tuned for more information and insights. Happy Testing!