ASTM F2054 / F2054M - 13

Standard Test Method for Burst Testing of Flexible Pack Gaskets Using Internal Air Pressurization on Retaining Plates

This test method covers the procedure for determining the minimum burst strength of a gasket placed around a flexible package as it is internally pressurized and enclosed in containment plates.

So, it is used to evaluate the trends of package seal failure when the package is subjected to a pressure difference. Pressure differences may occur during processes such as sterilization and transportation. This test method provides an indication of the burst strength of a package where bursting would normally occur in one or more areas of the seal.

An indication of the minimum burst strength can be important to the packaging manufacturer and end user in ensuring adequate packaging integrity. It is a test method that is generally used to have information about the performance of the packaging during production, transportation and usage.

The burst test internally and progressively pressurize a package until an area of ​​the surrounding "exploded" package seal opens in response to pressurization. By placing the pack on the retainer plates during pressurization, the dimensional stability of the pack is maintained resulting in more uniformly applied stresses to the periphery of the pack where the seals are normally placed.

This allows the test to be more likely to detect the weakest area of ​​the seal and provides a measurement of the pressure required to "pop" the package.