Evaluate Product and Packaging Performance Under Low-Pressure Conditions
Atmospheric pressure can decrease during air transport and along high-altitude road routes. The resulting pressure difference between the inside and outside of a package may cause swelling, deformation, or leakage in certain packaging systems.
Low-pressure testing under ASTM D4169 Schedule I evaluates how pressure-sensitive products and packaging systems perform under these conditions.
Air trapped inside a sealed package may expand when external atmospheric pressure decreases. This can place stress on packaging seals and closures, potentially affecting product protection.
Liquid-filled containers and flexible packaging with low air permeability are examples of systems that may be affected by pressure changes.
Low-pressure testing helps evaluate how expected pressure conditions during transportation may affect the product and its packaging. The need for testing is determined based on the distribution route and the packaging system's sensitivity to pressure changes.
Packaged samples are placed in a vacuum chamber where the pressure can be controlled and reduced. The chamber pressure is lowered to a level representing the selected transportation conditions, and the samples are maintained at this pressure for a specified period. The pressure level, exposure duration, and other test conditions are determined based on the expected transportation altitude and ASTM D6653. At the end of the test, the chamber pressure is gradually returned to ambient atmospheric pressure, and the samples are evaluated.
The results are compared against predefined acceptance criteria. Additional leak testing or packaging integrity testing may be planned after low-pressure exposure, depending on the specific requirements of the product and packaging system.
ASTM D4169 — Schedule I: Low Pressure (High Altitude) Hazard
ASTM D6653 — Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
Pressure changes during distribution can affect packaging integrity and product protection. At NioReg, we help you define appropriate low-pressure test conditions based on your product, packaging design, and distribution route.