Leaking Oil-Based Ingredients from Syringes
Question
My oil-based ingredients stored in syringes are leaking, even though I store them properly away from heat, light, and humidity. What are the technical reasons why this leakage is occurring? I have already contacted customer service as advised.
Answer
Explanation for Leaking Oil-Based Ingredients in Syringes
It's understandable that you're concerned about your oil-based ingredients leaking from the syringes, especially since you've stored them carefully away from heat, light, and humidity. While proper storage conditions are crucial, leakage can sometimes occur due to the inherent properties of oil-based liquids and the nature of syringe packaging.
Here are some potential technical reasons why this might happen:
- Nature of Oil-Based Liquids: Oils generally have lower surface tension compared to water-based liquids. This means they can more easily spread and potentially find small gaps or imperfections in the syringe's seal.
- Syringe Design: Syringes are primarily designed for temporary containment and precise dispensing, not necessarily for long-term storage of liquids, particularly those with low viscosity or surface tension. The seal between the plunger and the syringe barrel might not be perfectly airtight or might degrade slightly over time.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Even within a seemingly stable room environment, minor temperature fluctuations can cause the oil to expand or contract slightly. These changes in volume can put stress on the syringe's seals, potentially leading to leakage over time.
- Gravity and Orientation: If the syringe is stored horizontally or vertically with the plunger end down, gravity can exert continuous pressure on the liquid against the plunger seal. If the seal is not completely perfect, this constant pressure can cause the oil to slowly seep past it.
- Material Properties: Over extended periods, the materials of the syringe barrel or plunger might undergo subtle changes or degradation that affect the integrity of the seal.
While your storage methods are correct in avoiding major environmental stressors, the combination of the oil's properties and the limitations of syringe packaging for long-term storage can sometimes result in the issues you've experienced. The act of picking up the syringe might also momentarily alter the pressure inside, exacerbating a pre-existing minor leak.
For specific issues with product packaging, contacting customer service as the staff suggested is the correct approach for resolution.