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ASTM D951 Water Resistance Integrity Testing of Shipping Containers

ASTM D951 Water Resistance Testing of Shipping Containers by Spray Method

ASTM D951 shipping container testing determines how well a container resists water. As an ISTA and ISO 17025 certified lab, Keystone Compliance realizes the importance of water resistance testing. Meeting the ASTM D951 integrity testing requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

We are in constant communication throughout the test process. Keystone Compliance has a reputation for helping customers achieve their package certifications. Keystone also provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. Our competitive pricing can offer quick and accurate test results.

Request a quote to see why so many companies partner with Keystone Package Testing. Have a question about ASTM D951 water resistance testing? Contact us and we will determine the best course of action.

Summary of ASTM D951 Water Resistance Testing

The ASTM D951 integrity standard can be used to evaluate the ability of a container to resist deterioration caused by water. This particular packaging test is just one of several shipping container tests. It is typically combined with other tests including drop testing, inclined impact testing, vibration testing, and compression testing.

The overall goal is to ensure that contents of the shipping container effectively protect contents during the rigors of transportation.

The ASTM D951 compliance test requires at least three containers. The containers must be closed and sealed as they normally would be. The containers must also be similar to the actual containers that will be used. Furthermore, the ASTM D951 package test standard does not permit the testing of a “golden unit”. Some of the testing will require the shipping containers to be empty. Other tests will require the containers to have the contents they are made to ship.

Scope of ASTM D951 Spray Method Testing

To complete the ASTM D951 package test, the test lab needs to have the following equipment and capabilities. These are directly from the ASTM D951 test standard:

  • Test Room— A test room or cabinet must be of water-resistant construction, insulated, and heated when necessary so that proper temperature control can be maintained. The bottom is to be covered with a false floor of slats and have an outlet drain.
  • Sprays— Spray nozzles shall be of such size and so spaced that the specified intensity of spray falls uniformly distributed over the floor area. The spray nozzles shall be so located that the droplets are falling from gravitational force only when they strike the specimens.
  • Flow Control Valves— Flow control valves, to control the intensity of the spray, are required.
  • Circulating System— A circulating system will consist of a fine-mesh strainer, pump, relief by-pass, gages, and pressure regulating valve, together with the necessary piping between the flow control valves, spray nozzles, and water reservoir.
  • Reservoir— A reservoir for storage and conditioning of the spray water is used and equipped with an overflow to a sewer and with a drain to facilitate changing the water at the start of each test. Make-up water, regulated by a float control, must discharge into this tank.
  • Water Temperature Control— A thermostatically controlled means of heating for maintaining the supply of water at the desired temperature is required.
  • Conditioning Apparatus— Adequate facilities shall be provided for conditioning test specimens at the proper humidity and temperature prior to the test.

ASTM D951 Integrity Testing Procedures

Before testing, the test specimens must be conditioned after closing and sealing. This is done so that any adhesives, protective coatings, glued flaps, etc. will have reached their final normal state. Additionally, the specimen will need to be at the same temperature as the test room before being placed in it.

The ASTM D951 integrity procedure starts with each sample being weighed after conditioning and prior to the test. The spray nozzles and flow control valves are adjusted to the required spray intensity. The water sprays are then operated until the entire system, including the test room, has reached equilibrium. Unless otherwise specified, the standard temperature of the spray water and test room must be 23 C maintained by thermostatic control.

Next, the samples to be tested are placed on the test floor of the test room. These are generally placed in a normal stacking position.

At the end of the spray test, immediately remove any liquid water from the exterior surfaces of each sample and weigh the samples. After the weighing of the container, any further examinations are made to determine the condition of the containers and their contents. The location and extent of any leakage into the container is also observed.

Expert ASTM D951 Water Resistance Package Testing

Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. We can accommodate flexible and rigid packages of all sizes, including large pallets. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing.

Request a quote to learn firsthand why so many companies partner with Keystone to achieve their spray method certification needs.

 

For more referenced ASTM standards and similar testing, please follow the links below:

 

Interested in the EMC/EMI, climatic, dynamic, shielding effectiveness, or IP Code testing of a product? Follow the corresponding links or www.keystonecompliance.com for more information.