Packaged products transported by aircraft can experience altitudes up to 19,000 feet. Feeder aircraft and ground transport over high mountain passes often expose products to these conditions. As altitude increases, pressure drops, creating a differential that can damage products or compromise packaging integrity.
To address these risks, manufacturers use package testing systems to simulate altitude changes during transportation. Altitude simulation testing helps verify packaging performance and protects products as they move through varying elevation environments before reaching their destination.
ASTM D6653 Altitude Simulation Testing
ASTM D6653 defines standard test methods for evaluating the effects of high altitude and pressure differentials on packaged products using vacuum testing. These methods replicate pressure changes that occur during transportation, such as in an aircraft cargo hold or during ground transport at elevation.
By simulating these conditions, manufacturers can identify packaging weaknesses before products ship to customers.
Custom System Design for a Specialized Application
Recently, LACO delivered a custom altitude simulation system for a military and defense contractor. The customer required a package testing system designed specifically to meet ASTM D6653 requirements for medical products.
This application introduced a unique challenge. The test required precise control over how quickly pressure changed inside the chamber. Instead of rapid pump-down and vent cycles, ASTM D6653 strictly regulates the rate of pressure decrease and increase.
Precision Pressure Control
To meet this requirement, LACO engineers designed a system that controlled chamber pressure with extreme precision. The system ramps pressure up and down at the exact rate specified by ASTM D6653.
The design integrates a pulse width modulation valve, LACO’s VC-3500 vacuum controller, and custom-developed control software. Through extensive programming and testing, the engineering team developed an algorithm that tightly controls pressure over time. This approach accurately simulates the pressure conditions products experience during air and ground transportation.
The result reflects the skill and dedication of LACO’s engineering team.
Validation Testing and Results
After completing the system, LACO conducted validation testing. Following ASTM D6653 guidelines, the team tested multiple product samples and logged data for each test cycle.
The results stood out. ASTM D6653 allows up to a 20% variance in pressure. However, LACO’s test data showed only minimal deviation. The VC-3500 vacuum controller and pulse width modulation valve worked together seamlessly to deliver consistent, repeatable performance.
Your Partner in Altitude Simulation Testing
If package or product testing challenges keep you up at night, LACO can help. We design high-performance altitude simulation systems that comply fully with ASTM D6653 requirements.
Contact LACO today, and one of our experienced sales engineers will work with you to design a system that meets—and exceeds—your testing needs.
