What Is The Testing of Altitude Packages?

To assess pressure differentials for a particular mode of transportation in the distribution cycle, altitude package testing is carried out.

Feeder aircraft or ground transit of high mountain passes are examples of possible modes of transportation. To deliver express air packages to far-flung destinations, an aircraft is referred to as a feeder if it is theoretically non-pressurized.

All altitude package testing requirements can be met by Infinita Lab Package Testing. Throughout the whole test procedure, our engineers adopt a collaborative approach, and we provide immediate emergency scheduling.

Why Is Package Testing at Altitude Important?

Testing of packages is done to make sure they can endure shipping and protect the product till it gets to the customer. Products that are damaged might result in expensive damage fees, return shipments, and diminished consumer loyalty.

Pressure differentials harm packages. They can reach heights of 19,000 feet. A unit has failed if there are bubbles that can be linked to leaks in it. This applies both while kept at maximum pressure and when the vacuum rises.

Packages composed of flexible material that may be easily adjusted are referred to as flexible packaging. These packaging designs are particularly vulnerable to altitude testing. Leaks throughout the transit cycle enable materials to leave or undesired substances to enter, which goes against their intended purpose.

Procedure for Altitude Integrity Testing

To properly depict the test performance, specimens are first picked. Our experienced package test engineers provide a suggested sample size. Products that will be used during the transportation system must be included in each sample. Products will need to be as similar to the original product as possible if this is not achievable.

Due to the pressure disparity, when these packages or packaging methods are exposed to high elevations, the units will suffer.

The package is adjusted to the humidity and temperature of the laboratory environment. The ambient temperature might be anything from 20 and 40 C, and the humidity is typically 50%.

Depending on the tests that manufacturers and distributors use, testing procedures may change. A certain pressure is obtained with the unit within a vacuum chamber. The device is then taken out of the vacuum chamber and checked for alterations or damage.

Last but not least, the test report will include fundamental data like:

• Conditions’ temperature and humidity
• Temperature, vacuum, and testing duration
• Product information and internal packing
• The number of samples utilized and the number of failures (if any)
• Date, time, and test engineer’s name

Infinita Lab’s Equipment and Capabilities for Testing Altitude Packages

Infinita Lab Package Testing makes use of several atmospheric chambers that can simulate heights of up to 70,000 feet. We also run a large number of thermal chambers. Reach-in to walk-in chambers that can hold entire automobiles and big pieces of equipment are available.

Vacuum testing is used in test methods ASTM D3078, D4991, and D5094 to check for packing system leaks. Not finding what you’re searching for? For additional details on our comprehensive package testing scope, get in touch with us.

Leaks in Flexible Packaging, ASTM D3078

Flexible containers that contain a headspace gas can have large leaks found using ASTM D3078. The products contained, the type of packaging material, and test parameters all affect the magnitude of the leak that can be detected.

To check for bubbles caused by leaks in a specimen, the standard employs a vacuum chamber. This is decided either when the vacuum is rising or while the vacuum is maintained. The test fails if there is a leak in the specimen.

Leakage of Empty Rigid Containers by Vacuum, ASTM D4991

The resistance to leakage for empty containers under conditions of differential pressure is determined by ASTM D4991. Certain hazardous liquids can be tested using the standard as well.

The rigid containers intended for the air transportation of some liquids are tested using the standard. In ASTM D4991, an empty rigid container is pressurized in a solution and subjected to a progressively increasing vacuum.

Excessive Leakage of Liquids from Containers, ASTM D5094

Threaded or lug-style closures are evaluated for closure/container integrity according to ASTM D5094. Gross leaks in rigid and semi-rigid containers serve as a test for this. The test determines a container’s ability to withstand the distribution without leaking.

Moreover, ASTM D5094 evaluates a container’s ability to stop leaks when it is being transported or kept on its side, upside-down, or upright. There are two ASTM D5094 test procedures. Vibration and storage testing is testing technique A. Vibration and vacuum chamber testing is testing procedure B. Although test method B is a shorter test procedure than test method A, it is less rigorous.

High Altitude on Packing Systems, ASTM D6653

The consequences of pressure differential, when packaged goods are transported using particular modes, are determined by ASTM D6653. This includes land traffic across significant mountain passes or feeder planes.

Altitude Integrity Compliance Testing by an Expert

Continuous communication and quick reports are standard at Infinita Lab. Your package testing requirements will be satisfied, thanks to Infinita Lab Package Testing. In the end, this enables our customers to concentrate on R&D rather than checking packaging compliance.

Over-testing is the practice of testing packages beyond what is required by a test requirement. By doing the work correctly the first time, our engineers avoid overtesting. 

Video 01: ASTM D6653 Altitude Simulation Package Testing System