Pira Consulting
Packaging Testing
Pack integrity – gas detection method
Gas leak detection systems are used to “sniff” for a test gas which has been earlier introduced into the package.
Pira use a Qualitek leakmeter 120 electron capture detector. The leakmeter 120 responds to SF6 and other electron capturing compounds and can detect leak rates as low as 1x10-7 ml/sec SF6.
The gas is injected into the test package and the injection point sealed with tape. The leakmeter fitted with a miniature “sniffer” probe is used to locate any leakage routes.
The technique is easily capable of detecting microleaks in non-porous medical device packaging and modified atmosphere (MAP) food packaging. In the latter application it is often used to identify leakage routes after a high oxygen content has been determined.
The technique is similar to helium leak detection which uses a mass spectrometer detector. One advantage of sulphur hexafluoride as a test gas is that it has a higher molecular weight that helium and less likely to give a false “leak” result from gas permeation through the packaging material.
Related testing
- Barrier testing
- Dye penetration
- Medical device packaging
- Oxygen headspace analysis
- Pressure decay
- Vacuum
For further information contact
Doug Leatherdale
T +44 (0)1372 802108
M
F +44 (0)1372 802245