While there has been testing done with Kortrax® BR and various chemicals, Barrier Plastics always recommends that all Baritainers® be qualified for compatibility with the actual products they are to hold. A compatibility test consists of filling Baritainer® samples with the product and measuring permeation via weight loss. FILL THE CONTAINER SO THAT THERE IS JUST A BIT OF HEADSPACE; COMPLETELY FILL TO BASE OF NECK. In addition, it is critical that the exact same closures ordinarily used in production be utilized for chemical compatibility testing with the sample Baritainers®.
DOWNLOADABLE PDF OF BARRIER PLASTICS TESTING PROTOCOL.
Changes to product formulation after compatibility tests
Any change made in the formulation of the product to be packaged or the closure system used after the Baritainer® has been qualified and approved will require the entire package to be re-qualified.
Excerpt from Code of Federal Regulations/ Transportation (DOT)
Part 173-SHIPPERS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PACKAGINGS. 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 18ºC. (64ºF.)
B.Test Method 2: 28 days at a temperature no lower than 50ºC. (122ºF.)
C. Test Method 3: 14 days at a temperature no lower than 60ºC. (140ºF.)
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 the 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 container 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. The 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 the 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, oxidation, 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 FR24691, 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]