Note: None of these are direct substitutes; selection depends on your package material and sensitivity requirement. The release of ASTM D3078-2021 was not a minor editorial update. It brought clarity, alignment with ISO methods, and practical improvements that reduce false failures and improve reproducibility across laboratories.
Observe for a continuous stream of bubbles emerging from a single point. Intermittent bubbles may indicate trapped surface air; steady bubbles confirm a leak. astm d3078 pdf 2021
Submerge the sealed package completely. Ensure it is fully immersed and free of external air bubbles. Note: None of these are direct substitutes; selection
It is a used to detect gross leaks in sealed flexible packages. The principle is simple yet effective: a sealed package is submerged in a liquid (usually water or a surfactant solution), and a vacuum is applied. If the package leaks, bubbles will escape from the defect point. Observe for a continuous stream of bubbles emerging
Apply vacuum gradually to a predefined level (e.g., 25 inHg for most flexible packages) while observing the package.