Packaging Testing | Nelson Labs

Packaging Integrity & Strength Test

Nelson Labs employee testing the strength of packaging

What Packaging Integrity & Strength Testing Does Nelson Labs Perform?

Nelson Labs offers multiple strength and integrity tests for packages depending on packaging type, configuration, and end points. Strength tests include seal peel and burst testing. Integrity tests include bubble emission and dye migration, however additional packaging testing for integrity are also available. Our packaging testing is done in compliance with criteria from:

ISO 11607
ASTM F88
ASTM F1140
ASTM F2906
ASTM F1929

Please see our Packaging Validation matrix for more information.

Seal Peel Test

The Seal Peel test determines the strength required to peel apart the seals for porous and nonporous packaging. This test meets the requirements for regulatory agencies to demonstrate the strength of a package seal. This test is performed in accordance with ASTM F88 “Standard Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials.”

Burst Test

The Burst test determines package strength by pressurizing a package until it bursts. This test meets the requirements of regulatory agencies to demonstrate the strength of a package seal. This test complies with ASTM F1140 “Standard Test Methods for Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of Unrestrained Packages.”

Bubble Emission Test

The Bubble Emission test determines package integrity for porous and nonporous materials. It meets the requirements of regulatory agencies to demonstrate package integrity. This test complies with ASTM F2096 “Standard Test Method for Detecting Gross Leaks in Packaging by Internal Pressurization (Bubble Test).”

Dye Migration Test

The Dye Migration test determines the integrity of the package seal and enables manufacturers to see if there are channels that leak in the pouch seal. This test is designed to be conducted on porous packaging with a clear side. For double and triple packaging configuration, each article should be tested individually. Nelson Labs performs this test in compliance with ASTM F1929 “Standard Test Method for Detecting Seal Leaks in Porous Medical Packaging by Dye Penetration.”

Study Outline

Seal Peel

The Seal Peel test is performed by cutting a 1-inch segment of the samples from the appropriate seal (sponsor and/or manufacture seal). The samples are then placed into the Instron grips and the machine pulls apart the seal using three possible methods: unsupported, 90° supported, and 180° supported.

Burst

In the Burst test, porous packages are prepared by placing tape over the porous surface to reduce the rate at which air escapes. The set-up packages are may be used to experimentally determine the correct pressure, flow, and time required to burst the samples. A probe is inserted into the sample package through a package port, and the machine inflates the package until it bursts. The machine records the burst pressure. The burst failure location is also recorded.

Bubble Emission

The Bubble Emission test begins by setting the pressure gauge to a minimum of 10 inches of water. A packaging port is attached to the center of the sample and a probe is inserted through the port. The package is then submersed into water and inflated. Evidence of bubble emission through the package is considered a failure.

Dye Migration

In the Dye Migration test, a needle is inserted through the package and the dye solution is injected with a syringe. The package is placed into a vertical position so that the dye comes in contact with the seal. The weight of the dye solution is maintained against the seal for a specific amount of time.

The package is reoriented so that each portion of the seal comes in contact with the dye for the same amount of time. Evidence of dye slipping through the seals is considered a failure.

Testing Locations

Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Learn more about our locations and their certifications.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions about Packaging Integrity and Strength testing services, or would like to consult with the experts at Nelson Labs, just send us a request or call us at +1 (801) 290-7500.

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