SAM #693JK326RFI02

PHMSA Seeks Research on Aerosol Container Testing Methods and Standards

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), under the Department of Transportation, is seeking information for a research project focused on aerosol container testing methods. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation (DOT) - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) - Project Scope: - Research and evaluate special permits DOT-SP14940 and DOT-SP20638 - Compare current Wall Abuse Test with ASTM test standards D5628-10 and D1709-98 (copies to be provided by PHMSA) - Determine which test best assesses safety equivalence for aerosol containers with reduced wall thickness - Establish uniform safety and performance standards for aerosol containers - Support potential future rulemaking to reduce industry costs and material usage - Products/Services Requested: - No specific products or part numbers listed - Service: Research and analysis of aerosol container testing methods - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or vendors are named in the opportunity - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Emphasis on technical evaluation of test methods for regulatory equivalence - Focus on safety and performance of containers with reduced wall thickness - Results may influence future regulatory standards and industry practices

Description

Request for Information

Overview and Objectives 

This research project will review the approved special permits, DOT-SP14940 and DOT-SP20638 and evaluate them against the Advancing Standards Transforming Markets (ASTM) tests D5628-10 and D1709-98 PHMSA can provide copies of the ASTM tests. The two identified Special Permits require the DOT 2P and DOT 2Q to be dropped at a height of 1 meter and undergo body wall abuse testing without evidence of leakage. At the time of issuing the special permit, PHMSA allowed the special permit holder to design and build the testing apparatus with the requirement the proposed container design must withstand a minimum impact energy intensity of 70 kilojoules per square meter. The goals of this research project are to understand if the Wall Abuse Test is the most accurate in representation for real-world conditions or if other test procedures, such as ASTM D5628-10 and ASTM D1709-98, are better suited to determine the safety equivalence of an aerosol container design with reduced wall thickness. The data and the development of a potential test from this project could ease the cost and material burden on the aerosol industry while also serving as a foundation for future rulemaking. Furthermore, this standardization would establish uniform safety and performance standards, ensuring that all aerosol containers are held to the same safety criteria across the industry. 

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