Quantitative, non-destructive leak testing solutions

The Sealtick non-destructive leak testing device delivers exceptional performance in industrial and manufacturing environments and offers quantitative results, stored internally, which can be retrieved for quality traceability. The devices are also available in different versions for testing a wide range of package sizes and shapes.

The Sealtick leak testing device from Bestech Australia offers easy and simple solutions for testing the integrity of food and pharmaceutical packaging. Requiring only air and power, the device utilizes vacuum decay testing principle to inspect whether leaks are present in the packaging. Test can be completed typically in 5–20 seconds and the packages can be returned to the production line in good condition upon testing. As the leak rate is quantifiable, this device provides the highest level of reliability to the manufacturer and ensures that the products are safe to consume for customers.

Leak classifications

When the packages fail the standard leak test, classifying the degree of leakage is essential for engineers and operators to identify the root cause of issues. This is where the Sealtick device stands out as it not only guarantees measurement accuracy and long-term reliability in production environments but also features an internal storage for quantitative results, which can be retrieved for quality traceability. This justifies a higher price level as compared to conventional underwater leak testing devices.

The test can be initiated by placing the package in the test chamber. The chamber is then evacuated to a pre-set vacuum level. At this stage, any large leaks from the package provide extra air for evacuation which increases the time required to reach the pre-set vacuum level. Coarse leaks or large leaks are identified when the rise time required to reach the set vacuum level is longer than the maximum allowable time.

If the rise time is within the allowable limit, the package is said to pass the coarse leak test. The package is then isolated from the vacuum source, allowing a measurement of vacuum decay towards atmospheric pressure. This rate of decay is used to identify small or fine leaks in the package by comparing it to allowed leak rate limit. A lower maximum allowable leak rate can be specified if packages need to be tested against smaller leak sizes.

Benefits for food industry

All types of contaminations, whether physical or chemical, will compromise the food products, making them unsafe for the consumers. Even leakage of air into the package accelerates the decomposition which reduces their shelf life and they potentially arrive at the customer’s shelf in a bad condition. This would reflect badly on the company brands and results in massive product recalls.

The Sealtick leak testing device offers a simple and easy approach to test the integrity of food packaging. It is reliable and provides accurate results in the long-term as leak justification is not operator reliant. Instead, the device determines whether the package passes or fails the leak test based on the pre-set leak and decay parameter. The packages can be returned to the production line upon testing, minimizing waste and production loss. It also ensures the manufacturer that product contamination is unlikely during transportation and the products retain their maximum shelf life.

When it wouldn’t work

In general, this testing system is suitable for testing any type of packaging, provided the packages contain headspace. Such examples include snacks or dried food, coffee beans, pet food, etc. This system is not suitable for testing vacuum-sealed packaging that is commonly used for products such as cheese blocks and meat products.

For more information: www.bestech.com.au.