1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers vibration testing of filled intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) intended to contain liquid hazardous materials (dangerous goods) and is suitable for testing IBCs of any design or material with any means of closure. This test method has been used by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to test and qualify IBCs for shipping hazardous materials. The test method is used to determine that the IBCs maintain integrity and to prevent leakage or spillage of contents during shipping. This test method should be used as a screening tool or as a design qualification test. Other vibration methods are available to more closely simulate vibration experienced in transportation.

1.2 This test method is appropriate for testing IBCs ranging from 450 to 3000 L (119 to 793 gal). Packagings of smaller sizes should be tested using Test Methods D 999 or other applicable methods.

1.3 The ISO 2247 standard may not meet the requirements for this test method.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 6.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments

D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers

D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems

D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing

E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process

ISO Standards

Regulatory Documents

United Nations Document

Keywords

dangerous goods; liquids; hazardous materials; intermediate bulk container; packaging; vibration;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 55.180.99 (Other standards related to freight distribution of goods)

DOI: 10.1520/D7387-07

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.