Testing Standard:
Standard Number
ASTM D3078
Standard Title
Test Method for Determination of Gross Leaks in Flexible Packaging Containing a Headspace Gas by Bubble Emission
Overview for ASTM D3078:
ASTM D3078 is a test method that is helpful by way of vacuum in detecting small leaks. Purple Diamond Testing offers ASTM D3078 Testing as part of our packaging compliance and validation services. The Gross Leak Test is a standard test method for deciding if there are any leaks in the packaging of a product. The test itself is done by submerging the sample package into water while it is in the vacuum chamber. If there are any leaks at all, the pressure from the vacuum chamber will cause or force the package to plug smaller leaks in the packaging. If there are bubbles or seepage of fluid within the sample package, then the actual test has failed, and the packaging needs to be re-designed. Read on for information about the materials used for ASTM D3078.
Materials Used for ASTM D3078:Â
As mentioned, Purple Diamond Laboratory uses a vacuum chamber to perform this standard test. There is an immersion fluid necessary to finish this test. Mostly water is used as the immersion fluid. This immersion fluid does not degrade the package being evaluated. According to SterileBarrier.org, “A vacuum chamber shall be any transparent container capable of withstanding approximately one atmosphere pressure differential, fitted with a vacuum-tight cover. A vacuum gage, an inlet tube from a source of vacuum, and an outlet tube to the atmosphere shall be connected to the chamber cover… also use an immersion fluid which does not degrade the package being evaluated. The test sample and test fluid shall be at equilibrium with normal room temperature.”
Rationale:
ASTM D3078 – Determination of Gross Leaks in Flexible Packaging (Bubble Emission). This test method is performed by submerging the sample package in water or other liquid, a vacuum is introduced, and any leakage will be clear by a steady stream of bubbles.
Also, according to sterilebarrier.org, “This test method covers the determination of gross leaks in flexible packaging containing a headspace gas. Test sensitivity is limited to 1 x 10-5 atm cm3/s (1 x 10-6 Pa m3/s) or even less sensitive as shown in recent interlaboratory test. Small leaks may not be detected by this procedure. Viscoelastic effects on the products, entrapped air, become significant and prevent passage through small openings. Positive pressure inside the pouch after the vacuum is drawn may force the product to plug small leaks. The size of the leak that can be detected is dependent upon the products held, the nature of the packaging material, and the test parameters selected. The values said in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.”
Key Points:
- Utilize this test method to ensure quality control
- Verifies the physical performance of materials used to prevent leaks
Related Standards to ASTM D3078:
- ASTM F88 – Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials
- ASTM F1140 – Test Methods for Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of Unrestrained Packages
- ASTM F1886 – Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by Visual Inspection
- ASTM D4169 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
- ASTM D4332 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
- ASTM D4728 - Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
- ASTM D5276 - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
- ASTM D642 - Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
- ASTM D6653 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
- ASTM D999 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
- ASTM F1140 - Standard Test Methods for Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of Unrestrained Packages for Medical Applications
- ASTM F1886 - Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by Visual Inspection
- ASTM F1929 - Standard Test Method for Detecting Seal Leaks in Porous Medical Packaging by Dye Penetration
At Purple Diamond, we offer a free consultation or a guided tour of our facilities. If you’re nearby, feel free to drop by and see our packaging and team. Consultations can be done over the phone or on zoom, so choose what suits you best. To get in touch, go to our Contact Us page and fill out the form or book an appointment using the calendar below. Our goal is to assist you in any way possible, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our website contact form is located at www.purple-diamond.com/contact-us, but we promise to get back to you soon, no matter which method of communication you choose.
- ASTM D642
- ASTM D685
- ASTM D880
- ASTM D951
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D3078
- ASTM D3103
- ASTM D3285
- ASTM D4169
- ASTM D4332
- ASTM D4728
- ASTM D5265
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5277
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D6055
- ASTM D6179
- ASTM D6344
- ASTM D6653
- ASTM D7386
- ASTM F88
- ASTM F1140
- ASTM F1886
- ASTM F1929
- ASTM F1980
- ASTM F2096
- ASTM F2250
- ASTM F3039
Related Testing Standards
- ASTM D642
- ASTM D685
- ASTM D880
- ASTM D951
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D3078
- ASTM D3103
- ASTM D3285
- ASTM D4169
- ASTM D4332
- ASTM D4728
- ASTM D5265
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5277
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D6055
- ASTM D6179
- ASTM D6344
- ASTM D6653
- ASTM D7386
- ASTM F88
- ASTM F1140
- ASTM F1886
- ASTM F1929
- ASTM F1980
- ASTM F2096
- ASTM F2250
- ASTM F3039
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Affiliations
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 The APASS program was designed by Amazon to help support vendors, sellers, and manufacturers in obtaining certification of their products as Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships in Own Container (SIOC), or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP).
