ASTM D7709 Measuring Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Pharmaceutical Bottles
ASTM D7709 is used to measure the water vapor transmission rates (WVTRs) of high-barrier multiple-unit containers (bottles), high-barrier single-unit containers (blisters), and quasi-barrier single-unit containers used for packaging pharmaceutical items. The values stated in SI are considered standard.

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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D7709 is a standardized test method for determining the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of pharmaceutical packaging systems. In this test procedure, the entry of water vapor into a package is measured by monitoring the weight change of a bottle containing a desiccant material in a controlled-temperature, controlled-humidity environment.
This test procedure yields a highly accurate WVTR measurement that can be used to differentiate the moisture-barrier properties of various medicinal packaging materials.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D7709 evaluates:
- Moisture barrier performance of pharmaceutical containers
- Weight gain due to water vapor transmission
- Steady-state moisture ingress behavior
- Effectiveness of closure systems and membranes
- Comparative performance of different packaging systems
The method applies to desiccant-containing bottles used for medicinal products.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical packaging evaluation
- Stability studies
- Container closure system validation
- Quality control testing
- Packaging material development
- Regulatory submissions
- Research and development
Benefits
- Provides accurate WVTR data
- Enables comparison between barrier packages
- Supports shelf-life determination
- Assists in packaging selection
- Ensures moisture protection
- Standardized and reproducible method
- Improves product safety and integrity
Test Process
Standard & Test Setup
Testing is performed in accordance with ASTM D7709 using a gravimetric method.
1Conditioning
Samples are conditioned at 40 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% RH.
2Measurement
The desiccant's weight gain indicates moisture transmission.
3Data Reporting
WVTR results are calculated and reported in g/day or g/m²/day.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Pharmaceutical bottles and closures |
| Conditioning Temperature | 40 ± 2°C |
| Relative Humidity | 75 ± 5% RH |
| Measurement Method | Weight gain of desiccant |
| Output Units | g/day or g/m²/day |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Analytical balance
- Environmental chamber (40°C, 75% RH)
- Desiccant material
- Sealed test bottles
- Timer
- Data acquisition software
Results and Deliverables
- WVTR values
- Weight gain curves
- Slope calculations
- Steady-state confirmation
- Packaging performance comparison
- Quality control reports
Frequently Asked Questions
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