The vacuum decay leak test is a practical and sensitive leak detection method that provides reliable and accurate quantitative results. Since it uses a pass or fail determination process, many industries can rely on it as a standard for integrity testing. The vacuum decay leak test method is used for flexible and rigid packaging.
Package integrity testing is becoming reliable as industries develop non-destructive leak testing methods to improve quality control. Detecting leaks in packages is vital for ensuring the consistency and quality of pharmaceuticals and food products. Aside from determining package defects and non-visible leakages, leak detection is also a qualitative and quantitative procedure.
The vacuum decay leak test is a proven non-destructive leak detection method that has improved with new technological innovations. It uses a simple principle of testing integrity based on physical properties. The vacuum decay leak test method is an ASTM F2338 Standard Test Method for non-destructive detection of leaks in packages.
What are the benefits of the vacuum decay testing method?
Packaging validation is important in manufacturing various products and maintaining quality control. Aside from selecting the appropriate packaging method, you need a reliable leak detection mechanism to validate the packaging and handling process. Oxipack uses the vacuum decay leak test method to test the integrity of different types of packaging. This test method has many benefits:
- Non-destructive leak testing: Vacuum decay testing does not require damaging the packaging or product being tested, making it a non-destructive method that can be applied at different stages of production.
- Fast and efficient: It is a quick and efficient method for detecting leaks in packaging, as it can be completed in seconds, and multiple tests can be run simultaneously.
- High sensitivity: The method can detect the smallest micro leaks, which makes it a highly sensitive method for detecting leaks.
- Versatility: The test can be applied to a wide range of packaging types, sizes, and materials. Nowadays, this test method is also used in the development of sustainable or biodegradable packaging.
- Cost-effective: It can help reduce product waste and rework costs by detecting leaks early in the production process. Curious about how much money you will save by using this method? Read our white paper.
- Environmentally friendly: A vacuum decay leak test does not require the use of any harmful chemicals and it ensures that tested packages does not need to be destroyed afterwards, which in turn prevents unnecessary waste from being generated. This makes it an environmentally friendly testing method for various industries.
How does a vacuum decay leak test work?
How does the vacuum decay leak testing procedure work? The vacuum decay leak test utilizes a vacuum chamber around a sample. Pulling a stable vacuum level around the sample allows for measurement of the transducer(s) to determine any gas transfer from inside the package, which will disturb the vacuum level and indicate the presence of a defect. Due to Oxipack’s special membrane, there will be no pressure increase inside the package or any stress upon the seals. The membrane will compensate for the expanding force from the package and create an equilibrium. Testing machines can identify fine and coarse leaks within 20 seconds by evaluating pressure changes and displaying operator-independent results after the test. Fast testing allows companies to conduct more tests per day. All packages that have some headspace can be measured.
What are the applications of vacuum decay testing?
Packaging vacuum decay testers have many applications in the manufacturing and production industries. Since it is a non-destructive testing method, many producers incorporate the machine into the production line. Hence, the packaging materials are tested and used for the package immediately. By logging the results of each packaging, manufacturers can easily identify the source of a problem instead of retesting all products. The products that can be tested by the vacuum decay leak testing solution are products in flexible and rigid packages. Some of the industrial applications of vacuum decay leak test include:
- Food industry: If you manufacture solid and liquid food, product integrity and quality control are crucial to avoid rancidity and food contamination. You can ensure your packages are reliable by using the vacuum decay test to check for leaks. Unlike other leak detectors, the vacuum test can spot even the tiniest leaks in packages. This is useful in the food industry since most food items are oxygen or moisture-sensitive, and even the tiniest leaks can lead to contamination. The method is used to detect leaks in various types of food packaging, such as pouches, trays, cans and bottles.
- Pharmaceutical packaging: Pharmaceutical industries pay attention to the packaging quality to ensure drugs or medicine retain their quality. Any leakage of oxygen or moisture can damage the efficacy of medications and ruin their effectiveness. The vacuum decay leak test is useful in pharmaceutical industries since it can determine even the smallest leaks that interfere with product stability. You can use the leak detection method for testing vials, ampoules, blister packs, prefilled syringes and other medical devices before transporting them to the market.
- Cosmetic packaging: Leak testing of cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, and other liquids, is important to quickly and accurate detect any leaks in packages. Packaging defects of cosmetic products can lead to contamination, oxidation, or changes in the texture, color, or fragrance of the product, which can affect its quality and usability. Vacuum decay leak testing helps to ensure the products remain safe, effective, and attractive to consumers.
- Other packaging: It can also be applied in other industries, including tech companies that manufacture chips or other electronic components. Leak testing can be used to check the integrity of the packaging that protects these components from environmental factors, such as moisture and oxygen, which in turn can lead to degradation or failure of the product.
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