Altitude Package Testing

Altitude Package Testing

Testing altitude packages is essential to assess pressure differentials encountered during the transportation cycle. This may include high mountain land transportation or feeder aircraft. Altitude package testing is necessary for express air packages to reach far-flung destinations.

Package testing is conducted to ensure the goods are safe and protected during transit. ASTM D3078, ASTM D4991, ASTM D6653, and ASTM D5094 are popular test methods used to detect pressure leaks in packages.

ASTM D3078 is used to check for bubbles caused by leaks in a specimen. Tests are done in a vacuum chamber, and the standard fails if a leak is detected. ASTM D4991 is used to identify the resistance to leakage for empty containers in conditions of differential pressure.

ASTM D5094 evaluates the integrity of the closure and the container using lug or threaded closures. This standard evaluates a container’s ability to resist leakage when stored upright, on its side, or upside-down. There are two test procedures for this standard – vibration and storage testing (Test Procedure A) and vibration and vacuum chamber testing (Test Procedure B).

ASTM D6653 identifies the impacts of pressure differences when packaged goods are transported via certain techniques. This test is carried out using a vacuum chamber, and a unit fails if there are bubbles caused by leaks.

The process for altitude integrity testing requires the selection of specimens and their adjustment to the laboratory environment. Depending on the needs of the manufacturers, the appropriate test methodology is used. The package is then checked for alterations or damage, and a test report is written detailing the testing conditions, product information, number of samples and number of failures (if any), date, time, and test engineer’s name, etc.