ASTM D3078-02(2008)

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D3078–94 Designation:D3078–02 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Leaks in Flexible Packaging by Bubble
Emission
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3078; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of gross leaks in flexible packaging containing a headspace gas. Test sensitivity
−5 3 −6 3
islimitedto1 310 atmcm /s(1 310 Pam /s)./s)orevenlesssensitiveasindicatedinarecentinterlaboratorytest(reported
in Section 12).
1.2 Smallleaksmaynotbedetectedbythisprocedure.Viscoelasticeffectsontheproducts,orentrappedair,becomesignificant
and prevent passage through small openings. Positive pressure inside the pouch after the vacuum is drawn may force the product
toplugsmallleaks.Thesizeoftheleakthatcanbedetectedisdependentupontheproductscontained,thenatureofthepackaging
material, and the test parameters selected.
1.3
1.3 The values stated 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.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E425Terminology Relating to Leak Testing
E425 Definitions of Terms Related to Leak Testing
E515 Test Method for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques
F98 Practices for Determining Hermieticity of Electron Devices by a Bubble Test
3. Terminology
3.1 Definition:
3.1.1 leak—any opening in a flexible package that, contrary to intention, either allows the contents to escape or substances to
enter.
4.
5.Apparatus
5.1
4.1 Vacuum Chamber—Anytransparentcontainercapableofwithstandingapproximatelyoneatmospherepressuredifferential,
fittedwithavacuum-tightcover.Avacuumgage,aninlettubefromasourceofvacuum,andanoutlettubetotheatmosphereshall
be connected to the chamber cover. The inlet and outlet tubes shall be equipped with hand valves. Attached to the underside of
the cover shall be a transparent plate that will closely approximate the inside dimensions of the container and be such a distance
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF-2onFlexibleBarrierMaterialsandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeF02.30onTestMethods.
Current edition approved March 15, 1994. Published May 1994. Originally published as D3078–72. Last previous edition D3078–84.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F02 on Flexible Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.40 on Package
Integrity.
Current edition approved April 1, 2008. Published May 2008. Originally approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D3078–02.
Discontinued; see 1990 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,orcontactASTMCustomerServiceatservice@astm.org.For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Withdrawn.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D3078–02 (2008)
from the top of the container that when it is two-thirds filled with fluid, the attached plate will be positioned 1 in. (25 mm) under
the fluid.
6.5. Materials
6.1
5.1 Immersion Fluids— Use an immersion fluid which does not degrade the package being tested. Fluids with a low surface
tension are generally more sensitive. Examples include water, water treated with a wetting agent, denatured alcohol, and mineral
oil. Other possible fluids are listed in Test Method E515 and Practices F98.
7.
6. Sampling
7.1The6.1 The number of specimens used in the test sample may be varied according to the nature of the product, its cost, its
size, and whether the specimens are taken from a production line in a normal packaging operation, or are few in number, or are
to be used only for purposes of comparative evaluation of procedures or materials.
8.7. Test Specimen
8.1
7.1 Flexible Package, with or without its intended contents.
9.
8. Conditioning
9.1The8.1 The test sample and test fluid shall be at equilibrium with normal room temperature.
10.9. Procedure
10.1Submerge9.1 Submerge the specimen in fluid contained in the vessel within the vacuum chamber. The uppermost surface
of the specimen shall be covered by not less than 1 in. (25 mm) of fluid.
NOTE 1—Two or more small packages may be tested at the same time, provided that they are placed in such a manner that all parts of every package
under test can be observed for leakage during the test.
10.2Set9.2 Set the cover on the vacuum chamber, close the outlet valve, and turn on the vacuum so that the gage rises slowly
(approximately 1 in. Hg/s) to a selected vacuum level. The vacuum level chosen should be as large as possible in order to ensure
optimal sensitivity of the test. Limiting factors will include package fragility, the degree of package expansion, and the test-fluid
vapor pressure.
10.3During9.3 During the rise in vacuum, observe the submerged specimen for leakage in the form of a steady progression of
bubblesfromtheflexiblecontainer.Isolatedbubblescausedbyentrappedairarenotconsideredasleaks.Alsonotetheapproximate
increaseinpackagevolume.Thepressuredifferentialofthetestisinverselyrelatedtothevolumeincreaseofthesample;therefore,
large volume increases significantly detract from the severity of the test. Flexible packaging with little or no headspace cannot be
reliably evaluated with this test method.
10.4Hold9.4 Hold the vacuum for a specified time period; 30 s is recommended, but this may be set at the tester’s discretion.
10.5Release9.5 Releasethevacuum,removethelid,andexaminethespecimenforthepresenceoftestfluidinsidethespecimen.
11.10. Interpretation of Results
11.1If10.1 If there are bubbles definitely attributable to leaks in a specimen during the rise of vacuum, or when held at full
vacuum, the specimen fails the test.
11.2If10.2 If test fluid attributable to a leak is inside a specimen, the specimen fails the test.
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