ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
When products or packaging systems are exposed to high-altitude conditions, they may be affected negatively by the resultant pressure differential. For example, if the packaged products are transported via the feeder aircraft network, they are liable to experience altitudes as high as 5791 m. Effects due to this pressure difference are determined by ASTM D6653.
Introduction to ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 High Altitude Packaging Testing by Vacuum Method
The test procedure ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 intends to assess the impact of the conditions of the higher altitudes upon the packaging systems by simulation of the vacuum. It covers all packaging systems: the semi-rigid, the rigid, flexible, and composite containers, most frequently employed for pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, electronics, and industrial products.
ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 supplies the controlled test conditions to match diminished atmospheric pressure experienced at higher altitudes, so producers are capable of checking deflection or leak resistance, sealing effectiveness, and packaging structural integrity. Packaging vacuum tracking assists in qualifying suspect failure locations and verifying packaged material homogeneity and integrity.
Scope of ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 High Altitude Packaging Test
ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 specification identifies the packaging response to low ambient pressure. This procedure simulates air transportation, warehouse or shipping, or shipping at high altitudes and gives details of pressure-induced effects like bulging, collapse, or seal failure.
The test procedure applies to container shapes and sizes of any form – bottles, cans, cartons, flexible pouches, and vacuum pack containers – and allows packaging producers to predict packaging integrity upon transportation at elevation. Test outputs are container material, shape, fill level, and type of closure dependent, and provide a detailed understanding of packaging strength under ambient pressure conditions.
ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 Test Procedure
During the ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 test procedure, the packaging specimens are sealed within a vacuum chamber where the chamber pressure gradually decreases to mimic commercial airline cruising altitudes, usually matched with the pressure found there.
It comprises the following stages:
- Sample Preparation:
The package systems are filled, sealed, and conditioned according to the requirements of the product to get steady test conditions. - Vacuum Application:
The vacuum chamber, which is maintained under controlled conditions, is pumped out to the desired target pressure, and all of the specimens receive the same exposure. - Observation and Measurement:
Package specimens are observed for deformation, leakage, bursting, or structural failure. Important observations are bulging of collapsible containers, shape deformation of strong containers, and seal integrity. - Recording Results:
Any failure, permanent deformation, or seal compromise is documented. Pass/fail decisions are made by preestablished tolerance limits of structural transformation and leakage.
This test provides a repeatable and standardized method of determining the packaging quality under simulated low-pressure situations, so the manufacturer can be assured of the quality and safety of the product.
Specimens and Equipment
Particulars | Details |
Sample details | Filled and sealed packaging containers, including bottles, cans, cartons, and flexible pouches |
Sample preparation | Conditioned as per product specifications, avoiding pre-existing damage |
Equipment | Vacuum chamber capable of simulating low-pressure conditions corresponding to high altitudes |
Observation parameters | Deformation, leakage, burst, or seal compromise |
Environmental control | Temperature and humidity may be controlled to match shipping or storage conditions |
Results
The ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 method produces a clear evaluation of a packaging system’s resistance to altitude-induced stress. Key results include:
- Presence or absence of leaks
- Bulging or deformation of the container angle
- Seal integrity under vacuum conditions
- Suitability of packaging for air carriage or warehousing at higher altitudes
By measuring these effects, producers are able to make informed choices on material selection, closure construction, and packaging shape to maximize product integrity.
Conclusion
The ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 Standard Test Method for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method provides an authentic method of assessing packaging performance under low pressure. This procedure ensures packaged goods retain structural integrity, resistance to leaks, and seal integrity while shipping or storing at altitudes. Test results are invaluable to quality assurance, regulatory acceptance, and material selection, and assist industries in ensuring product reliability under numerous shipping and storage situations.
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FAQs on ASTM D6653/D6653M-13 High Altitude Packaging Testing
It is a standard test method for evaluating the effects of high-altitude conditions on packaging systems using a vacuum to simulate low atmospheric pressure.
A vacuum chamber reduces internal pressure to replicate the atmospheric conditions found at commercial airline altitudes.
It ensures packaging maintains structural integrity, leak resistance, and seal quality during air transport or high-altitude storage.
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