Oxipack leak detection range for cheese packaging

Accurate leak detection of packaging is a critical part of the production process that ensures the consumer receives a quality product which is safe to consume. Any micro leak can have a major impact on a product’s quality, shelf life and safety; and irregularities must be detected in time to avoid leaks.

Leak detection specialist Oxipack understands the vital role of leak detection to ensure the quality of dairy snack foods and their shelf life. It has developed several solutions for the cheese industry that are designed to quickly and accurately determine if packaging is leaking. All tests are 100% non-destructive and no added gas is required.

Testing for leaks is generally conducted as a manual process, using a water bath, with random sample testing. By taking a number of samples at each test, statistical analysis is applied to determine if there is a line issue with the packaging process. These products cannot be returned to the line — even if they’ve passed the leak test — which is wasteful, and costs the business money.

The Oxipack range of non-destructive leak detection solutions uses a new method. Through the use of two rubber membranes (or a deep chamber depending on the product’s packaging) a vacuum is created in the equipment’s test chamber, which is then monitored over a time period. If a pressure increase is detected during this period, it can determine if a leak is present, as well as the size of the leak.

The method provides detection of large, small and micro leaks, without damaging packaging.

Cheese processors can use the Oxipack Stationary Leak Tester (SLT) to detect leaks in all types of cheese packaging.

Oxipack has solutions that are suitable for all sizes of packages, up to 25 kg, and for detecting leaks down to 25 µm. The equipment can even be calibrated to a known minimum hole size, should that be acceptable.