Water bath leak testing is a method used to test food packages for the presence of leaks. This testing method uses a submersion and vacuum testing technique for detecting leaks. In case of leaks, a stream of bubbles appears. This is an ideal testing technique for submersible packages.
But water bath leak testing has its disadvantages, which is why it is important to look for effective alternatives in leak testing. Some drawbacks of water bath testing include:
Highly Design and Operator-Dependent
Successful leak testing using water bath testing depends on the design of each individual testing instrument. For example, if testing equipment with a complex shape is being used, the chances of the operator locating the bubbles (and thereby the leaks) decrease significantly.
Similarly, in cases where the location of the leak or the emergence of bubbles is not visible to the operator then the presence of leaks can be easily missed, leading to faulty test results.
The quality of the medium too can impact the test results. For example, contaminated water can mask the presence of bubbles and thereby the leaks.
The specimen used for testing also impacts test accuracy and quality. For example, if the specimen is a package containing an electronic device, then this method may not be safe as it can damage the product.
Inadequate Leak Testing Measurements
It is usually not possible to measure the leak rate with a water bath testing equipment. Similarly, the size of the leak too cannot be expressed in measurable terms.
Leak rate and size measurements are important to ensure greater accuracy of testing results. They help determine whether or not the specific package has passed the accepted leak testing standards. Measuring leak size, especially in case of micro-leaks, is crucial to ensure sterility of the packaged product.
Lower Reliability in Detecting Micro-Leaks
Water bath testing is highly efficient in detecting larger leaks that can lead to dangers such as package bursting. But the method is inadequate when it comes to detecting micro-leaks.
To comply with reliable quality standards, micro-leak detection systems need to be used with check-weighers (a manual-operated or automatic machine that is used to check the weight of packaged items). For acceptability, micro-leak detection equipment also needs to be highly reliable when it comes to detecting leaks at sensitive package locations such as between the neck of a can and the valve.
While water bath testing is efficient, leak testing can be more and accurate with alternate testing devices. Sealtick offers alternate package leak-testing devices that work on vacuum decay principle – the specimen package is placed under vacuum and later isolated; in case of leaks, the vacuum atmosphere reverts to atmospheric pressure.
Our testers are ideal for a wide range of food packaging products that need to comply with local and international standards.
We have over 15 years of industry experience and deliver leak testers that are designed in Australia. Call us on 03 9540 5100 for more information.
