Sometimes marketeers and packaging designers come up with revolutionary new forms of packaging. An example is the Senseo Sarista which allows fresh coffee beans to be fed from individual plastic containers into the coffee making machine. A vital part of the design; the coffee has to be guaranteed to be fresh.
Of course Douwe Egberts Master Blenders wanted to have leak testing for this new form of packaging. Preference is given toward stand alone testing to ensure regular sampling of the packaging. The existing leak test equipment was not suitable for this new form of packaging. Being the preferred partner in leak detection, Oxipack was asked to find a non-destructive leak detection solution, during the development of the new Senseo Sarista packaging. For this application the normal pressure difference procedure used by Oxipack was applied but in a design that was specifically tailored to suit the Sarista.
Is the new packaging machine working properly? This could be tested right away using the specially developed Senseo Sarista Tester.
Measuring pressure differences using a rubber cowl
The leak tester makes use of a tailor made, flexible rubber in the form of a cowl or hood. This fits very precisely around the form of the packaging. The rubber sits in a bell jar and is first sucked outwards, allowing the bell jar to easily drop down over the packaging. The rubber form is then released allowing it to fit snugly around contours of the packaging. The construction around the rubber extracts the surrounding air and creates a vacuum and then precisely measures the air pressure. The process is repeated shortly afterwards. If the pressure changes in the intervening seconds, then there is a leak. The testing itself is a simple process, it can be carried out in thirty seconds by the operator. If there is a leak the operator is alerted by a red light. The necessary measures can then be taken.
The solution for rigid packaging
The basic set up of this leak tester that has been developed for Senseo and Senseo Sarista, can be adapted to be used on rigid packaging of various dimensions. Oxipack is the only company in the world who has specialised in the customised development of non-destructive leak measuring equipment based on measuring very slight pressure differences.
The right moment to think about leak detection
The sooner leak detection is included in the design process, the easier it is to include it in the design. If the packaging technologist only thinks about how to test for leaks in the new design when putting a new design into production, then it is too late. It is relatively simple to change a detail of the design at an early stage in the process. Which makes in-line leak detection possible.
The sooner consideration is given to leak detection, the simpler it is to implement.
But when should that be? Initially not all parties involved will get to have their say. The marketing department may come up with new product packaging and ultimately takes the lead. Once the packaging technologist, engineer or R&D department are involved in the project, then this is the point at which they can bring up the question of leak detection. So the question is: does the packaging need to be leak free? Can it be tested for leaks? Do we want to have in-line leak testing? Non-destructive testing? Does it comply with our conditions? Do we have the equipment for it? If not, how do we acquire it? These points need to be included in a development check list.
Testing prototypes and initial runs for leaks
Has a new packaging concept been developed? Do you want to have a sample run tested for leaks? Many types of packaging can be immediately tested using stand alone leak detection equipment provided by Oxipack. In this way the basic quality of the new packaging can be determined and a benchmark can be established. For temporary leak detection you can rent accurate measuring equipment from Oxipack or make use of our services for testing prototypes.
Packaging that at present simply cannot be tested for leaks
Sometimes packaging specialists search for years to find a better leak test for their product. This may be because the leaks are very difficult to measure or the current test method is labor intensive and time consuming. Oxipack would also be pleased to offer their input for customised solutions. We really enjoy a challenge.
