Container Leak Testing with Non-destructive Methods - Vacuum and Pressure Decay

Maintaining the integrity of sealed containers is vital for product safety and efficacy. Non-destructive methods like vacuum decay and pressure decay testing offer reliable solutions without damaging the contents.

Non-Destructive Leak Testing Methods: Vacuum Decay and Pressure Decay

Two prominent non-destructive methods for evaluating the integrity of sealed containers are vacuum decay and pressure decay testing. Vacuum decay testing operates by placing a sealed container into a vacuum chamber. A vacuum is then drawn within the chamber, and highly sensitive pressure sensors monitor any changes in the chamber's pressure over time. If a leak is present in the container, air or gas will escape, causing a detectable increase in the vacuum chamber's pressure. Conversely, a leak-free container will maintain a stable pressure. Pressure decay testing utilizes the opposite principle. It involves pressurizing a sealed container with air or another inert gas to a predetermined level. This pressurized container is then sealed off, and its internal pressure is meticulously monitored over a specific period. A decrease in the container's internal pressure indicates the presence of a leak.

Containers Suitable for Vacuum Decay Testing:

• Blister Packs (commonly used for pharmaceutical tablets and capsules)
• Vials (both glass and plastic with crimp or screw closures)
• Pre-filled Syringes (ensuring the integrity of seals and needle shields)
• Pouches and Sachets (for powders, liquids, and medical devices)
• Ampoules (sealed glass containers for injectable medications)
• Flexible Medical Device Packaging (including bags and trays with lidding)

Containers Suitable for Pressure Decay Testing:

• Bottles (plastic or glass with various closure types like screw caps or snap-on lids)
• Cans (metal or composite for food, beverages, and medical products)
• Jars (glass or plastic with threaded or snap closures)
• Rigid Trays with Lids (often used for medical devices and prepared foods)
• Aerosol Containers (for checking valve and container body integrity)

Labthink C690H Nondestructive Package Leak Detector provides an efficient solution. This detector is suitable for identifying leaks in vials, ampoules, cartridge bottles, infusion bottles, prefilled syringes, and other pharmaceutical packaging. The testing process is fully automated, ensuring reliable results. The detector is equipped with and automatic sample feeder, facilitating the continuous testing of 20 to 120 samples in two different specifications simultaneously.

Vacuum decay and pressure decay testing are essential non-destructive techniques for ensuring the integrity of a wide range of sealed containers. Choosing the appropriate method depends on the container's material and rigidity, ultimately contributing to product quality and safety.

As the demand for functional packaging materials grows, testing methods are evolving to ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of packaging films. Labthink encourages collaboration with packaging industry companies for quality control! Visit the website www.labthink.com to learn more!