Harmful biological or particulate contaminants may enter the device through leaks. These leaks are frequently found at seals between package components of the same or dissimilar materials. Leaks may also result from a pinhole in the packaging material.

This dye penetrant procedure is applicable only to individual leaks in a package seal. The presence of a number of small leaks, as found in porous packaging material, which could be detected by other techniques, will not be indicated.

There is no general agreement concerning the level of leakage that is likely to be deleterious to a particular package. However, since these tests are designed to detect leakage, components that exhibit any indication of leakage are normally rejected.

Since leaks may change in size with different ambient conditions, comparisons between test stations are not conclusive. Therefore this method is usually employed as a go, no-go test.

The dye solution will wick through any porous material over time, but usually not within the maximum time suggested. If wicking does occur, it may be verified by observing the porous side of the subject seal area. The dye will have discolored the surface of the material.

When puncturing the packaging to allow injection of the dye penetrant solution, care should be taken not to puncture other package surfaces. Puncturing of the package is facilitated if it is done adjacent to a dummy device inside the package. The device will provide a tenting effect that will separate the two sides of the package, reducing the chance of accidental puncture of both sides.

1.1 This test method defines materials and a procedure that will detect and locate a leak equal or greater than a channel formed by a 50 μm (0.002 in.) wire in package edge seals formed between a transparent film and a porous sheet material. A dye penetrant solution is applied locally to the seal edge to be tested for leaks. After contact with the dye penetrant for a specified time, the package is visually inspected for dye penetration.

1.2 This test method is intended for use on packages with edge seals formed between a transparent film and a porous sheet material. This test method is limited to porous materials which can retain the dye penetrant solution and prevent it from discoloring the entire seal area for a minimum of 20 s. Uncoated papers are especially susceptible to leakage and must be evaluated carefully fro use with this test method.

1.3 This test method requires that the dye penetrant have good contrast to the opaque packaging material.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 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.