Improving Test Methods

Answer

ASTM F2096 is an integrity test able to detect gross leaks (~250 μm hole) with 81% probability in a submerged package inflated with air. This method instructs the user on how to determine the test pressure in a porous package though a process of intentionally creating a hole with an instrument of a specific size. Air is used to inflate the package until bubbles of air escape through this hole. This sets up the air pressure needed to find a similar-sized defect in the test packages. Recently, a study on variations of technique in the application of F2096 was conducted by a student from MSU’s School of Packaging in collaboration with DDL. The results were presented to the ASTM subcommittee F02.40: Package Integrity. A ballot is currently underway in ASTM to update this document.