For testing the integrity of your packaging, reducing waste and lower additional costs, non-destructive leak detection equipment is the perfect solution. But why? We are glad to explain this to you in this article.
Leak detection of packaging is very important in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries for several reasons. Leak detection equipment helps ensure product integrity and quality, compliance with regulations, cost savings, extended shelf life, a strong brand reputation, and customer satisfaction. However, cost savings are only achieved with non-destructive leak test equipment. While the initial investment may seem significant, some companies recoup this amount within a year. This is because destructive leak detection renders the packaging unusable after testing, whereas non-destructive leak testing allows approved packaging to be returned to the production line. This saves a significant amount of costs and eliminates unnecessary waste. If you want to determine how long it will take for you to recoup the investment in non-destructive leak test equipment, calculate it in our white paper.
Leak testing methods
There are several leak testing methods for packaging, depending on the type of packaging and specific product requirements. Some common leak test methods include:
- Visual inspection: A simple, destructive method, where the packaging is visually examined for signs of leakage.
- Immersion test: A destructive method where a packaging is immersed in water, and any air bubbles that emerge indicate leakage.
- Helium leak test: This often is a destructive method, used to detect very small leaks. Helium gass is injected into the packaging, and then a helium detector is used to check for escaping helium, which indicates leakage.
- Pressure test: The packaging is pressurized and checked for pressure loss. If there is any leakage, pressure loss will occur. This is a non-destructive testing method.
- Vacuum detection: Another non-destructive method which we use at Oxipack. The packaging is placed in a vacuum environment, and pressure loss or changes in vacuum level are monitored, which can indicate leakage.
Oxipack leak detection equipment
There are different types of leak testing methods, but at Oxipack, we primarily use the vacuum decay method with our solutions. This is the ASTM F2338 Standard Test Method for non-destructive leak detection in flexible and rigid packaging, such as pouches, bags, cups, pods, bottles, and cans. Vacuum packages can be tested in three different ways. Read more about these methods at our Vacuum Leak Tester page.
Over the years, we have received a wide range of packaging types, allowing us to develop leak detection equipment for nearly every type of packaging. We understand that finding the right leak test equipment can sometimes be a challenge for you, but we are eager to take on this challenge. Whether you have a standard type of packaging or a more complex shape, we can assist you in developing the appropriate solution.
We offer standard stand-alone machines, custom-made machines for packaging with specific shapes, and we also develop in-line machines according to your requirements.
How does our leak test equipment work?
Our leak detection equipment is easy to operate. The standard stand-alone or custom-made offline machines can be used by placing the packaging into the machine. The pressure difference can be read on the display, and at the end of the test, the machine indicates whether the packaging is leak-tight or not. If the packaging is leaking, the red light will illuminate, indicating a leak. If the packaging is leak-tight and therefore approved, the green light will illuminate. If the packaging is approved, it can be returned to the packaging line without any damage.
If you prefer to minimize manual operations and have everything work automatically, that is certainly possible. We can develop an in-line solution tailored to your needs, such as automated testing on a sampling basis or 100% leak detection. For example, our in-line Rotator is developed for flexible MAP pouches and is capable of testing up to 120 packages per minute.
Leak testing machines
In the pas years we have developed different types of leak testing machines for flexible, rigid, and vacuum packaging. Below, we have listed some of our standard machines, but in reality, we are capable of providing solutions for nearly any type of packaging. So please feel free to contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Flexible packaging
- Stationary Leak Tester or Pouch Leak Tester
- Stationary Leak Tester XXXL (up to 25 kg bags)
Rigid packaging
- Multi Leak Tester (pods and jars)
- Stationary Leak Tester XS/M
- Can Leak Tester
- Bottle Leak Tester
- Container Closure Integrity Tester
Vacuum packaging
- Vacuum Leak Tester
- Vacuum-Sealed Leak Tester
- Vacuum Pressure Tester
If you would like more information about our leak detection solutions, please feel free to contact us.
