ASTM F2714-08

Introducing ASTM F2714-08 – Industrial Physics

ASTM F2714-08 is an ASTM international testing standard that’s used for oxygen headspace analysis of packages using fluorescent decay. 

ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. 

Why is oxygen headspace analysis important?

The oxygen content of a package’s headspace is an important determinant of the packaging protection afforded by barrier materials. The package under test is typically MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) packaged. 

Oxygen content is a key contributor to off-flavors and spoilage of various products, such as chemicals, food and pharmaceuticals. Headspace testing can be an efficient and reliable addition to your testing process, giving you valuable results to reduce waste and ensure the integrity of your products.  

Oxygen headspace testing gives you confidence that your sealed packages contain the right O2 levels with quick and easy oxygen analyzer tools.  

What is ASTM F217-08 oxygen headspace testing used for?

The ASTM F217-08 oxygen headspace testing method determines the oxygen in a closed package headspace. It’s useful for the following applications:

Package permeability studies: this packaging permeation test involves inspecting the headspace composition over a known length of time. Since the headspace oxygen is measured as a percentage, the volume of the container’s headspace must be known to allow conversion into a quantity such as milliliters (ml) of oxygen. The use of this approach to measure permeation generally applies to empty package systems only as oxygen uptake or outgassing of contained products could affect results. 

Leak detection: if the headspace contains more oxygen than expected or is increasing faster than expected, a leak can be suspected. A wide variety of techniques can be employed to verify that a leak is present and to identify its location. Plus, the leak rate can also be calculated by inspecting a known headspace volume and measured oxygen concentration change over time. 

Efficacy of the MAP packaging process: if the oxygen headspace concentration is found to be higher than expected soon after packaging, the gas flushing process may not be working as well as expected. Various techniques can evaluate whether the MAP system is functioning properly. 

Storage studies: as the method is non-destructive, the oxygen headspace can be monitored over time on individual samples to ensure that results of storage studies – such as shelf-life testing – are correctly interpreted. 

ASTM F217-08 oxygen headspace testing scope

The ASTM F217-08 oxygen headspace testing method covers a procedure to determine the oxygen concentration in the headspace within a sealed package without opening or compromising the integrity of the package. 

This headspace testing method requires that chemically coated components be placed on the inside surface of the package before closing. The package must be either transparent or translucent. Alternatively, a transparent window must be affixed to the package surface without affecting the package’s integrity. 

As this test method determines the oxygen headspace over time, the oxygen permeability can easily be calculated as ingress per unit time, as long as the volume of the container is known. 

Industrial Physics headspace analysis testing equipment

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your F2714-08 headspace analysis testing? 

OxySense 325i 

The OxySense 325i is a highly accurate and versatile oxygen analyzer that’s suitable for a wide range of applications whether you need to test gas, oil or water.  

You can breathe easy when using our OxySense devices for all kinds of oxygen measurement applications. From package material evaluation and closure design through to leak detection, anaerobic environment monitoring and oxygen headspace testing. 

OxySense 5250i
The oxygen analyzer of choice for labs and individuals who need to test or evaluate oxygen through a variety of studies, including package headspace, dissolved oxygen, product shelf life and permeation. It is perfect for flexible packaging R&D or QA processes and also allows an easy method of oxygen headspace testing.  

Need gas transmission testing solutions? Get in touch

We’ve learnt a thing or two about gas transmission testing over the decades. Now Industrial Physics is recognized as a brand that likes to bring new, innovative permeability testing equipment to market.  

We like to share our knowledge and we’re here to help you to answer your questions about permeability testing. Across the knowledgebase section of our website we publish lots of blogs on related subjects 

For example, here’s an Industrial Physics blog that explores the need for measuring the oxygen transmission rate on PET bottle caps. Or perhaps you’d prefer to check out the Industrial Physics FAQ guide to permeability testing.

If you have any questions about F2714-08 headspace analysis testing and how we can help you with your oxygen rate testing, then please just get in touch!  

Your global test and measurement partner for ASTM F2714-08