Overview
ISO 6599-1:1983 - Packaging - Sacks - Conditioning for testing - Part 1: Paper sacks defines how empty paper sacks must be conditioned before physical tests. The standard sets the principle of exposing empty sacks to a controlled conditioning atmosphere until temperature and moisture content equilibrium is reached between the sacks and that atmosphere. It specifies the atmospheres to be used, required equipment, conditioning procedures, minimum conditioning periods and the contents of the test report.
Key topics and requirements
- Purpose: achieve equilibrium of temperature and moisture between paper sacks and a standardized atmosphere prior to testing.
- Conditioning atmospheres: predefined atmospheres (e.g., 23/50, 27/65, 20/65) described in a table; 23/50 is the recommended default unless otherwise specified.
- Equipment and environment:
- A conditioning room or chamber capable of automatic control and uniform circulation of temperature and relative humidity.
- Periodically checked hygrometer or wet/dry-bulb thermometer; when used, placement must be in an airstream with minimum velocity (tables referenced) but not less than 2 m/s.
- Dry/wet bulb thermometer agreement: when dry bulbs are at same temperature, difference must not exceed 0.2 °C.
- Procedure:
- Sacks must be suspended so conditioning air can freely access all exterior surfaces and, for open-mouthed sacks, as much interior surface as possible.
- Minimum conditioning periods:
- Sacks without barrier layers: at least 24 hours.
- Sacks with one or more barrier layers: at least 7 days.
- Note: ISO 187 preconditioning is not required here; omission is deliberate to avoid certain errors in sack constructions. If a sack is filled after conditioning, the product may change paper moisture and additional conditioning may be required (minimums must not be reduced).
- Test report must record: reference to ISO 6599-1, atmosphere used, duration of conditioning and any deviations from the standard.
Applications and users
- Practical applications:
- Preparing paper sacks for physical property tests (strength, permeability, seal integrity, etc.) in a reproducible way.
- Ensuring comparability of test results across laboratories and suppliers by standardizing moisture/temperature state.
- Typical users:
- Packaging manufacturers and converters
- Materials and quality control laboratories
- Research & development teams in pulp/paper and packaging industries
- Test houses and regulatory or procurement bodies specifying packaging performance
Related standards
- ISO 187 - Paper and board - Conditioning of samples (referenced for material conditioning)
- ISO 554 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and/or testing (specifications and tolerances)
Keywords: ISO 6599-1:1983, paper sacks, conditioning for testing, conditioning atmospheres, packaging standards, humidity equilibrium, temperature control, packaging testing.
