Pira Consulting
Packaging Testing
Barrier properties
Oxygen transmission rate and water vapour transmission rate are two key material specification properties which determine the shelf life of food packaging. Pira offers a full range of barrier testing services, including an inter laboratory proficiency scheme.
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The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of films and packs is determined using benchmark MOCON Oxtran 2/21 equipment. The water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of films and packs is tested using the MOCON Permatran 3/31. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane and other gas permeability through films can be measured using Lyssy L100-5000 equipment. |
Pira also offer pack integrity testing using a high sensitivity gas leak detection system and pre-conditioning of films by controlled flexing to ASTM F392 using a standard Gelbo flextester.
Oxygen transmission rate testing is made in accordance with ASTM D-3985, ASTM F-1297 and ASTM F-1307, DIN 53380-3 or JIS K 7126. Water vapour transmission rates* can be determined according to ASTM F1249, BS7406 method A, ISO 9932 or TAPPI T557. Other gas transmission rates are determined against the test methods detailed in ASTM D1434 and DIN 53380-1.
* Other standards for WVTR based on pack or dish methods including ASTM E96, BS2782:820A, BS3177, DIN 53122 and JIS Z0208, are also available.
Related testing
For further information contact
Malcolm Shill
T +44 (0)1372 802114
M
F +44 (0)1372 802245