Seal-Sensor™ inspection systems check and verify the quality of pouch seals

Seal-Sensor™ utilizes ultrasound technology that provides non-contact seal inspection solutions for offline laboratory use and high speed 100% online applications. Seal-Sensor is a very rapid, reliable method that provides an instant reading of seal presence and quality.

Seal-Sensor™ detects incomplete seals, partial or weak areas in seals, and many common defects in seals that appear visually acceptable yet possess defects that affect product quality, value and shelf-life. A single linear scan (L-Scan) of the seal takes only a few seconds and produces a pass/fail result as well as quantitative traceable data.

Benefits

Fast, non-destructive, non-invasive, no sample preparationScans materials regardless of color, transparency, print, surface finish and porositySuitable for 100% online as well as offline process controlBeneficial in R&D, package development and production applicationsRepeatable and reliable resultsEliminates subjective, variable results of manual vision inspection methods.  Economical, cost effective solution for pouch seal integrity testing

VeriCon inspection systems are a complete line of leak testers for empty bottles and containers. To accommodate various container specifications, line speed, handling and test sensitivity requirements, VeriCon systems are available in configurations including linear leak testing, continuous motion leak testing, and trimmer units for indexing installations. All VeriCon systems utilize high resolution non-drifting transducers (either pressure transducers or vacuum transducers) for consistent leak detection.

VeriCon systems offer many advantages to automate setup of accept/reject criteria, easy changeover to test different size containers, and overall increased operating efficiency. Real time inspection data includes reject statistics and test result trends, allowing for on demand analysis of container quality.

//

The VeriPac D-Series are versatile non-destructive package inspection systems specially designed for pouches and flexible packaging. VeriPac inspection systems provide a qualitative result (PASS or FAIL) as well as quantitative data that correlates to leak rate and leak size. To accommodate various package specifications and test sensitivity requirements, the VeriPac D-Series is available in several configurations for both the leak test instrument and the test chamber capacity.

The VeriPac D-Series utilize an ASTM approved non-destructive vacuum decay leak test method (F2338) recognized by the FDA as a consensus standard for package integrity testing. This test method was developed using VeriPac leak test instruments.

VeriPac D-Series inspection systems are a practical alternative to destructive testing because they eliminate the subjective results, the waste and cost associated with these methods. Vacuum decay leak testing technology has proven to provide a rapid return on investment when compared to destructive methods, such as the water bath test. VeriPac D-Series testers have also resolved the issue of finding critical defects that affect product quality and shelf life. Since VeriPac test cycles are very short and testing is non-destructive, both the number of samples and testing frequency can be increased.

Benefits

• Non-destructive, non-invasive, no sample preparation
• Accurate and repeatable results
• Test multiple packages in a single test cycle
• Cost effective with rapid return on investment
• Supports sustainable packaging initiatives due to zero waste
• Simplifies the inspection and validation process
• ASTM test method and FDA standard

Technology

The VeriPac tester is connected to a specially designed drawer-style test chamber for easy handling and testing convenience. Each VeriPac D-Series model achieves a specific range of test sensitivity and is available with two test chamber drawer sizes depending upon the package size and specifications. The unique difference with this test configuration is how the package is tested. PTI utilizes its patented flexible membrane that conforms to the package shape and size. Multiple packages can be tested in a single test cycle. The flexible membrane will reduce test chamber head space for maximum test sensitivity. The single or dual vacuum transducer is used to monitor the test chamber for both the level of vacuum as well as the change in vacuum over a predetermined test time. The changes in vacuum indicate the presence of leaks and defects within the package. The VeriPac D-Series testers are also capable of testing different size pouches, stick packs and sachets without any changeover in parts or system settings.

Inspection Criteria

• Measures seal integrity of entire package
• Test sensitivity range from 5 - 25 microns

New groundbreaking technology to verify container closure system integrity

VeriPac 455 is a non-destructive inspection system for highly sensitive micro leak detection of empty & pre-filled syringes, liquid filled & lyophilized vials and other liquid filled packaging (both flexible and rigid). Testing these types of products demands the highest level of sensitivity, repeatability and accuracy, and the VeriPac 455 is up to the task.

The VeriPac 455 can be incorporated into protocols at any point in the handling process as it is non-destructive, non-invasive and requires no sample preparation. Applications for this technology include stability studies, clinical trial studies, quality assurance testing and production statistical process control (SPC). The VeriPac 455 is capable of detecting as little as 0.05 cc/min. Results have proven to be superior and more reliable than the dye ingress test.

The VeriPac 455 core technology is based on the ASTM vacuum decay leak test method (F2338-09) recognized by the FDA as a consensus standard for package integrity testing. This test method was developed using VeriPac leak test instruments. The VeriPac 455 features patent pending dual vacuum transducer technology that offers increased test sensitivity and produces very consistent, reliable results. The VeriPac 455 also incorporates significant advances in internet connectivity and networking capabilities that facilitate remote operation, system monitoring and troubleshooting.

Benefits

Non-destructive, non-invasive, no sample preparationDefect detection down to 0.05 ccmHighest level of sensitivity, repeatability and accuracyResults proven superior to dye ingressSupports sustainable packaging initiatives due to zero wasteASTM test method and FDA standard

Technology

The VeriPac 455 leak tester connects to a test chamber that is specially designed to contain the package to be tested. The package is placed inside the test chamber to which vacuum is applied. The dual transducer technology is used to monitor the test chamber for both the level of vacuum as well as the change in vacuum over a predetermined test time. The changes in absolute and differential vacuum indicate the presence of leaks and defects within the package. The sensitivity of a test is a function of the sensitivity of the transducer, the package design, the package test fixture and critical test parameters of time and pressure.

Test systems can be designed for manual or automatic operation. This inspection method is suitable for laboratory offline testing and QA/QC statistical process control. The test cycle takes only a few seconds, is non-invasive and non-destructive to both product and package.

Inspection Criteria

Measures seal integrity of entire container or packageMeasures and verifies container closure system integrityTests for gas leaks for dry products (lyophilized vials, powder filled)Tests for liquid leaks (liquid filled vials, pre-filled syringes)

The E-Scan 625 is an offline lab instrument that utilizes HVLD leak detection technology to inspect individual samples for container closure integrity. HVLD is completely non-destructive to the container, is a non-contact, non-invasive test with no sample preparation required. HVLD can be used on a wide range of liquid based products, including products with suspensions, emulsions and protein. Package/container material must be non-conductive (glass, plastic, poly laminates).

The HVLD test method ensures product seal integrity by scanning the product to detect small pinholes, micro cracks and seal imperfections. HVLD has proven to be a highly sensitive leak test method for various types of pharmaceutical packaging (pre-filled syringes, liquid filled vials, blow-fill-seal containers, liquid filled pouches).

The E-Scan 625 features a fast test cycle and is easy to operate. Additional benefits include quick changeover and easy test parameter changes to accommodate a wide range of products and applications. The HVLD method can be easily migrated from the laboratory offline to 100% inline testing applications at high production speeds.

Benefits

• Non-destructive, non-invasive, no sample preparation

• Defect detection down to 1 micron

• High level of repeatability and accuracy

• Cost effective with rapid return on investment

• Zero waste

• Simplifies the inspection and validation process

• Offline and 100% online inspection at high production speeds

Technology

The HVLD testing process consists of a set of electrode probes which scans a sealed container made of a non-conductive material. Materials can be glass, plastic or poly laminates. Container or package must contain liquid (minimum approx. 30%). If a pinhole, crack or other defect is present, there is a differential of the current flow (voltage) indicating a breach of the container closure. Approximate defect location can be determined when using the off line lab system. The actual test fixture can be designed for rigid containers (syringes, vials, ampoules, bottles) as well as for pouches and flexible packaging. The positioning and type of electrodes are determined by the package specifications and package orientation during the actual HVLD scanning process.

Inspection Criteria

• Detection of pinholes, cracks, and defective seals

• Measures and verifies container closure system integrity

Seal Integrity Testing and Seal Quality Analysis

Seal-Scan™ characterizes seals that appear visually acceptable yet possess defects that affect product quality and shelf-life. Seal-Scan™ systems utilize non-contact airborne ultrasonic technology for seal integrity testing and seal quality analysis of pouches and flexible packaging. Testing is non-destructive, non-invasive and requires no sample preparation.

Seal-Scan characterizes seals that appear visually acceptable yet possess defects that affect product quality and shelf-life. The Seal-Scan 525 is a semi-automatic inspection system used for the detection of seal defects, seal characterization and material analysis. Seal-Scan 525 also provides advanced digital imaging software tools for process control which offers in-depth seal quality analysis. Seal-Scan 540 is the online configuration for automated inline scanning of pouch seals, providing rapid real-time result data of pouch seal quality.

Benefits

• Characterizes overall quality and uniformity of the seal
• Non-destructive solution for process control/quality control/process optimization
• Analyzes seal quality
• Provides statistical sealing trend analysis
• Produces high resolution Opto-Acoustic image of seal
• Replaces visual and/or destructive inspection methods
• Supports sustainable packaging initiatives due to zero waste

Technology

Pouch seal or package material is placed between ultrasonic transmitter and receiver. Ultrasonic waves propagate through single or multiple layers of bonded materials. Transition through different mediums causes reflection of sound waves and reduces/eliminates signal strength. The level of signal passing through the seal is a function of the seal integrity. Various types of defects, leaking and non-leaking, process-related and random are detectable. Seal-Scan™ 525 is capable of producing Opto-Acoustic images as well as detailed statistical analysis by either of two scan modes (L-Scan and C-Scan). An L-Scan is a single linear scan along the X-axis of the seal that provides a line graph of seal integrity. C-Scan produces multiple scans (along X and Y axis of seal area) that provide a high-resolution Opto-Acoustic ultrasonic image of seal structure. Seal-Scan 540 can be integrated into a pouch production or pouch handling line with 100% online defect detection.