The Underwater Package Leak Testers operate by submerging the packages into a water-filled dunk tanks or transparent acrylic cases. The leaks are represented by a stream of bubbles rising from the location of leak(s).
The test is initiated by closing the lid and put the tested package under vacuum. When the chamber reaches the specified vacuum level, a stream of bubbles will emerge from the leaking area. The leakage(s) depend on the preset vacuum level. For example, a smaller size leak may not be leaking if the chamber pressure is set at higher vacuum level.
This conventional leak testing machine is popular, especially with the food, beverage and pharmaceuticals manufacturers worldwide. It is easy to use and operate by operators without extensive training. It is also a cost-effective testing instrument when compared with modern and advanced leak testing systems that are currently available.
Reasons why the underwater leak tester is outdated
Despite its popularity, using the conventional bubble leak testing system as part of quality control in your production environment presents a major setback in transforming the factory process into the factory of the future.
Automation
The leak determination using the underwater vacuum leak tester cannot be automated. Operators need to visually observe the package to detect any leaks. Over the long hours of operations, the operator will get tired and will be more prone in making false judgement. This can be detrimental as package that fails the testing is more prone to contamination as it makes its way to the shelf in the supermarket. Customer may or may not be aware that the quality of the products they bought has been compromised. This put them at risk for food poisoning and degrade the company brands.
Quality Traceability
As the inspection process is manual, there is also limitation in storing data for quality improvement and traceability. Operators need to manually record both the batch number and the results in separate files. This introduces additional factor for human error. There are many types of modern leak tester that incorporate internal storage that enable results to be stored for specific duration of time. These can also be exported into computer via USB connection.
Waste
After testing, the tested packages need to be discarded from the production line regardless the test results. This will progressively accumulate production waste and negatively impact environmental footprint. The content of the tested package cannot be safely consumed by on-site staffs as they may have been contaminated during the testing process.
Regardless of these negative implications, many companies still choose to use the conventional underwater leak tester as quality control in their production line. This underwater testing system is suitable in a situation where the company judged that their packages are faulty and they need to find the exact location of leaks. It may be useful for applications such as in package testing and development. However, for continuous monitoring applications such as in production environment, another type of devices may be more suitable.
Sealtick is an Australian-based company that specialized in leak testing system for food, beverages and pharmaceutical packaging. We developed a novel non-destructive leak tester that is capable of providing accurate, rapid testing in 5-20 seconds and the packages can be returned to the production line. If you want to know more about the latest leak testing system that are available then feel free to reach out to us on +613 9540 5100.
