NTL Record

Title An Economical Alternative for the Secondary Container Used for Transporting Infectious Disease Substances
Record ID 39728
Personal Name
Creator
Mandella, Joseph G.; Garner, Robert P.
Corporate Creator Civil Aeromedical Institute
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Office of Aviation Medicine
Publisher Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Publication Date 19951200
Language English
Abstract The safe containment of biological specimens during air transport is of growing concern as the number of shipments and hazards associated with such material increases. The purpose of this study was to examine the durability of adhesive-closure polyethylene (PE) bags upon exposure to altitude. The tests consisted of two phases. The objective of the first phase was to identify the most appropriate combination of bag composition, thickness, and size. The second phase was to determine the most appropriate packing techniques to be used with the bag best suited for air transport. Both phases consisted of a hypobaric chamber being taken to a simulated altitude of 45,000 feet. The PE bags contained specimens packaged in Intentional Air Transportation Association approved containers. Initial tests indicated that differences in material composition and thickness did not significantly alter the ability of the PE bags to withstand the pressure differential. The second test phase suggested that the most effective means of preventing bag rupture upon exposure to altitude was to use oversized bags, evacuated of any residual air as completely as possible.
Rosap ID dot:21471
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21471
TRT Terms Transport aircraft; Hazardous materials; Ethylene resins; Packaging; Altitude; Durability tests
General Subjects Transport planes; Hazardous substances--Packing--Testing; Polyethylene
Classification NTL - AVIATION - Aviation Energy and Environment;
NTL - AVIATION - Aviation Safety/Airworthiness;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Aviation Safety/Airworthiness
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Report Number DOT/FAA/AM-95/29
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/39000/39700/39728/AM95-29.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository