ASTM D4041/D4041M-05 (2017) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D4041/D4041M‑05 (Reapproved 2017) — Standard Practice for Determining Spray Patterns of Mechanical Pump Dispensers. A short practice that defines specimen preparation, apparatus, test procedure and reporting for capturing and characterizing spray/ejection patterns produced by manually or mechanically actuated pump dispensers used in packaging and consumer products.

Abstract

This practice provides a simple, repeatable method to generate, record and compare spray patterns from mechanical pump dispensers. It covers test set-up (target support and sample conditioning), use of contrast dyes, sampling and measurement of spray marks so that differences between actuators, formulations and dispenser designs can be quantitatively and visually evaluated.

General information

• Status: Reapproved 2017 (current practice version published November 1, 2017).
• Publication date: November 1, 2017 (designation: D4041/D4041M‑05 (2017), reapproval of the -05 edition).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Packaging and distribution / aerosol & dispenser testing (commonly cited ICS ~55.130 — packaging; aerosol containers/dispensers).
• Edition / version: D4041/D4041M‑05 (Reapproved 2017).
• Number of pages: 3 (short practice document).

Scope

The practice covers determination of spray patterns from mechanical pump dispensers. It specifies apparatus and target arrangement, conditioning of dispensers and test liquids, use of compatible dyes for visual capture of the pattern, sampling and measurement procedures, and reporting recommendations. Both SI and inch‑pound units are addressed but are to be used independently.

Key topics and requirements

• Test purpose and significance — comparative evaluation of spray/ejection patterns across dispensers and fluids.
• Apparatus — target support/stand (approx. 250 mm horizontal width with ~400 mm vertical component or similar), plain white target media, and fixture to hold dispenser at fixed distance and angle.
• Test liquids and dyes — use of compatible oil‑ or water‑based dye at sufficient concentration; filtration of dyed liquid to remove particulates prior to testing.
• Sampling and specimen selection — selection of representative, unused dispensers and a defined number of strokes per sample for desired precision.
• Conditioning — recommended conditioning of specimens (for example ~23 ± 3 °C for a minimum period) prior to testing, with any deviations to be recorded.
• Procedure — actuation protocol, target capture method, and measurement of pattern dimensions (e.g., X and Y axes, aspect ratio, or other defined metrics).
• Reporting — required test conditions, number of strokes, conditioning, measured pattern dimensions, description of ejection mode and any non‑round shapes or irregularities.
• Units and conformity — SI and inch‑pound systems are provided but must not be combined; follow one system consistently.

Typical use and users

Used by packaging engineers, dispenser and actuator designers, product development teams (cosmetics, personal care, household, pharmaceutical sprays), quality control laboratories and third‑party testing services to compare dispenser performance, validate design changes, specify acceptance criteria and document visual/ejection behavior for internal specifications or regulatory submissions.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside other ASTM packaging and dispenser practices and test methods, such as ASTM D996 (Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments) and ASTM D3890 (Standard Practice for Number of Strokes to Prime a Mechanical Pump Dispenser). It complements other dispenser and packaging test methods addressing flow rate, priming, durability and sealing.

Keywords

spray pattern; pump dispenser; mechanical pump; ejection mode; target support; sampling; dye marking; packaging testing; cosmetics; consumer products; ASTM D4041

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4041/D4041M‑05 (Reapproved 2017) is a short ASTM practice that defines a method for producing and measuring spray patterns from mechanical pump dispensers so different dispensers and liquids can be compared.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus set‑up, specimen conditioning, use of visible dyes, sampling, actuation protocol, capture of the spray onto a target and basic measurement/reporting of the resulting pattern (shape, dimensions, aspect ratio and descriptive observations).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging and product development engineers, dispenser manufacturers, QC/test laboratories and others involved in design verification, comparative testing or specification of pump dispensers for cosmetics, household, medical and industrial products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The practice was reapproved in 2017 (designation shows the original -05 edition reapproved in 2017). Users should confirm with ASTM International for any revisions or later reapprovals beyond 2017 before relying on it for formal compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the set of ASTM practices and test methods for packaging and dispensers and is often used together with related dispenser standards (for priming, flow rate and terminology) maintained by the relevant ASTM subcommittees.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: spray pattern, pump dispenser, actuator, ejection mode, target support, dye marking, packaging test, ASTM D4041