ASTM E921-97(2003)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: E921 – 97 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Specification for
Export Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E921; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This specification is proposed as a performance standard to be met for items that will be exported.
The standard would apply only when requested by the buyer.
1. Scope D1083 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Utilized
Loads and Large shipping Cases and Crates
1.1 This specification covers the procedures for testing
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
loaded shipping containers. Drop, vibration and compression
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
tests are performed to measure the ability of the shipping
tainers and Systems
container to protect the product from shock, vibration and
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
compressiveforcesencounteredduringnormalexporthandling
Free Fall
and shipping conditions. This specification is not intended to
supplant material specifications or existing preshipment test
3. Requirements
procedures. This specification is not intended for use with
3.1 Three individual shipping containers, or one unit con-
hazardous materials.
sisting of two or more overpackaged individual units are
1.2 These procedures are suitable for all types of laboratory
required. Each specimen shall be run through the sequence of
apparatus, including reusable and disposable macro and micro
tests, in the order given.
products.
3.2 Condition test specimens in accordance with Practice
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
D685. Standard conditions must be maintained throughout the
test method portion, Section 4, of this specification: This
test sequence.
standarddoesnotpurporttoaddressallofthesafetyconcerns,
3.3 ThepackagingshallcomplywithPracticeD3951except
ifany,associatedwithitsuse.Itistheresponsibilityoftheuser
cleanliness of laboratory apparatus shall be as required by the
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
ProductStandard,theQualityAssuranceStandard,orasagreed
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
tions prior to use.
4. Procedure
2. Referenced Documents
2 4.1 Determine the test levels in accordance with Practice
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4169.
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resis-
4.2 For items less than 100 lb, perform drop test in
tance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit
accordance with Test Method D5276.
Loads
4.2.1 Determine the drop test levels of the specimen from
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
the following:
for Testing
Gross Weight, lb (kg) Drop Height, in. (mm)
D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Con-
0to20lb(0to9.1kg) 24in.(610mm)
tainers
20 to 40 lb (9.1 to 18.1 kg) 21 in. (533 mm)
40 to 60 lb (18.1 to 27.2 kg) 18 in. (457 mm)
60 to 80 lb (27.2 to 36.3 kg) 15 in. (381 mm)
80 to 100 lb (36.3 to 45.4 kg) 12 in. (305 mm)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E41.01 on
4.2.2 Perform the following drop sequence: bottom at twice
Apparatus.
specified height; bottom long edge at specified height; bottom
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2003. Published October 2003. Ori
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