ASTM D3103-14
Standard Test Method for Thermal Insulation Performance of Distribution Packages

Standard No.

ASTM D3103-14

Release Date

2014

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D3103-20

Latest

ASTM D3103-20

Scope

4.1 This test method is intended for use for evaluating the performance of thermal insulated packaging used for high-value, high-risk materials. This test method may also be used for any product that requires accurate internal package temperature readings while being exposed to a range of external air temperatures.

4.2 Certain items, such as biological materials, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and blood products, must be shipped inside temperature-controlled packages. Factors affecting the rate of heat transfer of the package include the insulation of the exterior package, the energy source, and the product payload.

4.3 Because of the variety of factors affecting the performance of a thermally insulated package, testing should be conducted with the actual package whenever possible. When simulated packages are used, special care must be exercised so that the simulated payload and coolant will be as close as possible to the actual packages in temperature and other relevant physical properties.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the thermal insulation quality of a package and the thermal stability of its contents when exposed to variable ambient temperature conditions. It is suitable for testing packages with various internal energy sources with or without product payloads.

1.2 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 5.3.

ASTM D3103-14 Referenced Document

• ASTM D4332 Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM D996 Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• ASTM E177 Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ASTM D3103-14 history

• 2020 ASTM D3103-20 Standard Test Method for Thermal Insulation Performance of Distribution Packages
• 2014 ASTM D3103-14 Standard Test Method for Thermal Insulation Performance of Distribution Packages
• 2007 ASTM D3103-07e1 Standard Test Method for Thermal Insulation Performance of Distribution Packages
• 2007 ASTM D3103-07 Standard Test Method for Thermal Insulation Performance of Distribution Packages
• 1999 ASTM D3103-99 Standard Test Method for Thermal Insulation Quality of Packages