Appendix B to Part 173 - Procedure for Testing Chemical Compatibility and Rate of Permeation in Plastic Packaging and Receptacles
49:2.1.1.3.10.12.25.1.8 : Appendix B
Appendix B to Part 173 - Procedure for Testing Chemical
Compatibility and Rate of Permeation in Plastic Packaging and
Receptacles
1. The purpose of this procedure is to determine the chemical
compatibility and permeability of liquid hazardous materials
packaged in plastic packaging and receptacles. Alternatives for
this procedure are permitted as specified in § 173.24(e)(3)(iii) of
this subchapter.
2. Compatibility and rate of permeation are determined by
subjecting full size plastic containers (or smaller containers as
permitted in paragraph 4 of this appendix) and hazardous material
lading to one of the following combinations of time and
temperature:
a. Test Method 1: 180 days at a temperature no lower than 18 °C.
(64 °F.)
b. Test Method 2: 28 days at a temperature no lower than 50 °C.
(122 °F.)
c. Test Method 3: 14 days at a temperature no lower than 60 °C.
(140 °F.)
3. Regardless of which test method is used, at least three
sample containers shall be tested for each combination of hazardous
material and size and design of container. Fill containers to rated
capacity with the specific hazardous material (at the concentration
to be transported) and close as for shipment. For the first and
last 24 hours of storage under the selected test method, place the
containers with closures downward, except that containers fitted
with a vent are so placed on each occasion for five minutes
only.
4. For testing under Test Method 2 or 3 in those instances where
it is not practicable to use full size containers, smaller
containers may be used. The small container shall be manufactured
by the same process as the larger container (for example, using the
same method of molding and processing temperatures) and be made of
identical resins, pigments and additives.
5. Determine filled container weight or net weight of contents
both before and after storage under the selected test method. Rate
of permeation is determined from loss of hazardous materials
contents, during the conduct of the test, expressed as a percentage
of the original weight.
6. After storage under the selected test method, the container
shall be drained, rinsed, filled to rated capacity with water and,
with filled container at ambient temperature, dropped from a height
determined in accordance with § 178.603(e) of this subchapter onto
a rigid non-resilient, flat and horizontal surface.
7. Each of the following constitute test failure:
a. Visible evidence of permanent deformation due to vapor
pressure build-up or collapse of walls, deterioration, swelling,
crazing, cracking, excessive corrosion, oxidization, embrittlement,
leakage, rupture or other defects likely to cause premature failure
or a hazardous condition.
b. For materials meeting the definition of a poison according to
this subchapter, a rate of permeation in excess of 0.5% determined
over the test period. For all other hazardous materials, a rate of
permeation in excess of 2.0% determined over the test period.
[Amdt. 173-176, 49 FR 24691, June 14, 1984, as amended by Amdt.
173-224, 55 FR 52670 Dec. 21, 1990; 56 FR 66279, Dec. 20, 1991;
Amdt. 173-234, 58 FR 51533, Oct. 1, 1993; 66 FR 45379, Aug. 28,
2001]