Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.465 (Type A packaging tests) require?
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According to 49 CFR 173.465, Type A packagings (including contents) must be capable of withstanding four specific tests: a water spray test, a free drop test, a stacking test, and a penetration test.
Here are the practical requirements for each test:
* Water Spray Test: Must simulate rainfall of about 2 inches (5 cm) per hour for at least one hour and must precede the other tests. If sprayed from four directions simultaneously, allow enough time for the water to soak in without appreciable exterior drying (assumed to be two hours unless proven otherwise). If sprayed from the four directions consecutively, no time interval may elapse.
* Free Drop Test: The package must be dropped onto a flat, rigid, horizontal target so it suffers maximum damage. The drop height depends on the package mass:
* Under 11,000 lbs (5,000 kg): at least 4 feet (1.2 m)
* 11,000 to 22,000 lbs: at least 3 feet (0.9 m)
* 22,000 to 33,000 lbs: at least 2 feet (0.6 m)
* Over 33,000 lbs: at least 1 foot (0.3 m)
*(Note: Additional specific 1-foot drop requirements apply for certain packages containing fissile material, lightweight fiberboard/wood rectangular packages, and cylindrical fiberboard packages).*
* Stacking Test: The package must bear a compressive load for at least 24 hours. The load must be applied uniformly to two opposite sides (one being the normal base) and must equal the greater of:
* Five times the maximum weight of the package, OR
* 1.3 kilopascals (1.9 psi) multiplied by the vertically projected area of the package.
* Penetration Test: Placed on a rigid, flat, horizontal surface, a 6 kg (13.2 lbs) bar with a 1.25-inch (3.2 cm) diameter and a hemispherical end must be dropped from a height of 1 meter (3.3 feet) or greater. It must fall vertically onto the center of the weakest part of the package to test if it hits the containment system.