METHOD FOR TESTING INTEGRITY OF ELASTOMERIC PROTECTIVE BARRIERS

摘要

A method of testing an elastomeric personal barrier which involves positioning the barrier such as a condom or glove (3) article over a mold (2) in the shape of the personal barrier, the mold being translucent or of a contrasting color to the personal barrier; exposing the personal barrier to a non-corrosive solvent (9) within a receptacle (7) so that the solvent comes into contact with only the exterior of the personal barrier, but in the case of a defective article having a flaw (5), the solvent penetrates the outer surface of the personal barrier to expose an interior area, thereby causing a stain (13) to form on the personal barrier at the site of such internal exposure; then removing the personal barrier from contact with the solvent, and inspecting the exterior of the personal barrier for the appearance of one or more stains (13), which observation indicates the presence of flaws (5) in the article structural integrity.