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NEW - LeakMatic
Micro leak detection in the food industry | Packaging under modified atmosphere.
With this new on-line system it is now possible to perform a non-destructive leak test on cartons using CO2 as trace gas. The need for having complete control is now both possible and payable.
Every manufacturer of provisions is afraid that leaky packages will be supplied to the customers. A simple and understandable request, however, not always easy to fulfil. The spot checking which is performed, regardless of procedure, normally offers the security requested by the manufacturer. However, as it is time consuming and still not completely controllable, the request for a fully automatic test procedure is often risen. Most customers are interested in a solution where each sample is tested individually, because leaky packages are easily detected this way. PBI-Dansensor, the Danish producer of Measuring- and Test systems of MAP packages has already introduced such a product at the Interpack Exhibition. However, as the system often requires both room and money, the product portfolio of PBI-Dansensor leak detectors is now expanded by introducing a very compact on-line system, which can control 5 cartons or boxes of synthetic materials down to E2 format in one minute. Fast and measuring sensitive The principles of all leak detection systems of PBI-Dansensor are identical: The sample is placed in a test chamber and evacuated under a certain vacuum level. Even minor leaks which will be detected by the different pressure between the chamber and the sample will result in an outlet of CO2 in the test chamber. By using a hyper sensitive sensor, which will react towards even minor changes in the CO2 content, micro leaks are easily detected. By using the CO2, already being available in the MAP packages, as trace gas, it is possible to test the packages for leaks shortly after they have left the packaging machine. The purchase and operating costs of this kind of system is significantly lower than costs of helium leak detection systems and as a result this system has become very popular within the food industry during the last years. Detection of leaky packages As a rule, the new on-line system for controlling the cartons is sent on an external conveyer belt, and by using the moving force of the roller, the carton is precisely positioned in the test chamber. Finally, the test chamber is placed over the carton and the test chamber is evacuated. A differential pressure is built up in the packages in the carton and consequently, the package will leak CO2. In connection with the measure phase, the test chamber is ventilated and the carton is transferred to an external conveyer belt. If the leak rate (maximum increase in the content of CO2 ppm/s) is exceeded, an alarm will sound. It is possible to use this alarm for identification of the leaky packages at a later stage. The manufacturer defines the performance of the system by 5 units/minute. The control panel of the equipment is very easy to use via a touch screen, installed on a swing arm. It can be programmed to 99 different tests (e.g. for different products), and each test programme has its own data logging and statistics. By serial interface, the data can be transferred to a printer or a computer. A comprehensive self-diagnostics will inform you about the conditions of the system. Many customers using the well-known system of the PackCheck for controlling packages in cartons have already experienced that the system can fulfil their expectations as the outlet of CO2 is not disturbed by the carton. At the same time the testing capacity is widely increased. The new on-line system automates the test completely and enables the customer to perform tests of cartons containing several packages.
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