Why Vent?
Chemicals containing active ingredients may release gases (or off-gassing) into their containers. If the gas cannot escape, the container swells, leaks, or even bursts. Conversely, if the active ingredients consume oxygen or if liquid is drawn from the container without sufficient air exchange, the container may collapse.
Release and consumption of gases
Some active ingredients release gases into the container. If these gases cannot escape, the container may swell, leak or even burst. Other active ingredients consume oxygen, creating a vacuum that can cause the container to rupture.
Temperature differences
Temperature changes, as well as exposure to different weather conditions, can cause containers to deform. Increased temperatures expand the gas inside the container and accelerate the decomposition of reactive chemicals, which can cause overpressure and swelling. Conversely, decreased temperatures can cause vacuuming and squeezing. Sudden or extreme temperature changes accelerate these deformations.
Altitude changes
Altitude changes during transport create pressure differences between the outside and inside of the container. Increasing altitude creates excess pressure in the container, which causes swelling. Decreasing altitude creates a vacuum that causes shrinkage. Sudden or extreme changes in altitude accelerate these deformations.
Dosing liquids creates a vacuum in the container. If this imbalance is not corrected, the container may collapse.
Dosing liquids creates a vacuum in the container. If this imbalance is not corrected, the container may collapse.
Hazardous chemicals and cleaning products for institutional use
The UN Orange Book stipulates that if a dangerous goods package is vented, no leakage should occur. Packaging designers must provide solutions to maintain the integrity of the package throughout the product life cycle.
According to the United Nations Orange Book, the following chemicals require ventilation:
- Chlorine bleach: UN 1791
- Hydrogen peroxides: UN 2014, UN 2015, UN 2984
- Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid: UN 3149
- Organic peroxides: UN 3109, UN 3110, UN 3119, UN 3120
Agrochemical Products
The UN Orange Book recommends ventilation for formulas that may cause packaging deformation. Highly concentrated pesticides or fertilizers release gases or consume oxygen in large quantities. Ventilation protects your packaging from deformation, leakage, and label damage.
Examples of agrochemicals that require ventilation:
- Organic/inorganic fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Biostimulants
- Gardening liquids
Household chemicals
Venting is increasingly in demand among household chemicals – not only because modern formulations are more concentrated, but also because today’s consumers reject any packaging that is deformed, leaking or has a damaged label. Reliable venting solutions are the key to good packaging performance and customer satisfaction.
Applications that are typically vented for pressure equalization:
- Carpet and rug cleaners
- Clothes stain remover
- Drain cleaners
- Surface cleaners with bleach and chlorine
- Anti-limescale cleaners
