ASTM D3103 Testing
ASTM D3103 is a test method intended to evaluate the performance of thermal insulated packaging for high-value, high risk materials. This test can also be used for products that require accurate internal package temperature readings while being exposed to various external air temperatures.
Certain products, like biological materials, pharmaceuticals, and blood products must be shipped inside temperature regulated packages.
ASTM D3103 Cold Chain
ASTM D3103 is used for cold chain qualification. Cold chain qualification is a method that simulates the small parcel environments’ climactic conditioning of packaging systems. The purpose of cold chain testing is to demonstrate the ability of product packing systems to maintain product payload temperatures at a specified temperature acceptance criterion and a specified amount of time.
ASTM D3103 Test Conditions
- The exterior temperature profile for the ambient temperature must be defined prior to testing. It should reflect actual or worse-case distribution conditions.
- Pre-conditioning is required: packages and all relevant materials (insulation, refrigerants, etc.) must reach specified pre-test temperatures and be stable (e.g., for at least 24 h) before testing begins.
- Thermocouples (or similar technology) are used to track the internal temperature of the product packaging. The placement of the sensors should consider the product container wall and number of probes depending on size and number of primary containers.
- The package should be placed in the test chamber on a non-conducting platform, oriented similarly to how shipping would occur, avoiding contact with chamber walls or floor to minimize thermal conduction effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “product payload” mean for ASTM D3103 cold chain?
“Product payload” means the product and any associated secondary packaging to be temperature controlled within the insulated test package.
What are examples of refrigerants that can be used for ASTM D3103?
“Refrigerants” means eutectic materials, gel packs, ice, or other materials that serve as an energy source or buffer medium within the package system.
What is something I should consider for cold chain testing using ASTM D3103?
ASTM D3103 is not prescriptive about exactly which temperature profiles to use. It allows the user to define them based on actual field data, regulatory requirements or contract requirements.
What can affect thermal performance of ASTM D3103?
Many factors affect thermal performance: insulation characteristics, load/coolant energy sources, ambient fluctuations, orientation, packaging geometry. Because of this complexity, real package testing is preferred over simulations.
Can I use simulated packaging for my cold chain testing per ASTM D3103?
Because of the many ways the performance of a thermally insulated package can be affected, testing should be conducted with the actual packaging that will be used during distribution of the product.