ASTM E921-97

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: E 921 – 97
Standard Specification for
Export Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 921; 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 (e) 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 tainers and Systems
D 5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
1.1 This specification covers the procedures for testing
Free Fall
loaded shipping containers. Drop, vibration and compression
tests are performed to measure the ability of the shipping
3. Requirements
container to protect the product from shock, vibration and
3.1 Three individual shipping containers, or one unit con-
compressive forces encountered during normal export handling
sisting of two or more overpackaged individual units are
and shipping conditions. This specification is not intended to
required. Each specimen shall be run through the sequence of
supplant material specifications or existing preshipment test
tests, in the order given.
procedures. This specification is not intended for use with
3.2 Condition test specimens in accordance with Practice
hazardous materials.
D 685. Standard conditions must be maintained throughout the
1.2 These procedures are suitable for all types of laboratory
test sequence.
apparatus, including reusable and disposable macro and micro
3.3 The packaging shall comply with Practice D 3951
products.
except cleanliness of laboratory apparatus shall be as required
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
by the Product Standard, the Quality Assurance Standard, or as
test method portion, Section 4, of this specification: This
agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
4. Procedure
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
4.1 Determine the test levels in accordance with Practice
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
D 4169.
tions prior to use.
4.2 For items less than 100 lb, perform drop test in
accordance with Test Method D 5276.
2. Referenced Documents
4.2.1 Determine the drop test levels of the specimen from
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the following:
D 642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resis-
Gross Weight, lb (kg) Drop Height, in. (mm)
tance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit
0 to 20 lb (0 to 9.1 kg) 24 in. (610 mm)
Loads
20 to 40 lb (9.1 to 18.1 kg) 21 in. (533 mm)
D 685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products 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)
for Testing
80 to 100 lb (36.3 to 45.4 kg) 12 in. (305 mm)
D 999 Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Contain-
4.2.2 Perform the following drop sequence: bottom at twice
ers
specified height; bottom long edge at specified height; bottom
D 1083 Test Methods for the Mechanical Handling of
adjacent short edge at specified height; bottom corner at
Utilized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
specified height; bottom diagonal opposite corner at specified
D 3951 Practice for Commercial Pac
...