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Seal integrity of pouches is examined to ensure that the packaging provides the necessary product protection. Seal integrity tests are commonly used to evaluate user-friendly sustainable packaging choices. With an increased interest in sustainable packaging, novel structures such as monolayer recyclable flexible packaging are being developed, making it vital to guarantee that the seals for these structures stay strong. Poorly sealed pouches can cause significant issues for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Incorrect seals may cause contamination or product spoilage in addition to product waste. Pouch seal integrity testing is also used to lower the possibility of product recalls. Product recalls can draw the attention of drug safety regulators, leading to fines and penalties. As a result, seal integrity testing is critical to ensuring that such scenarios do not occur. Thus, PTI have developed two effective testing methods for evaluating the integrity of pouch seals.

Automated Pouch Seal Inspection Techniques Offered by PTI:

1. VerPac LPX Technology

The VeriPac LPX series is PTI’s line of fully automated package quality inspection systems for 100% inline testing. VeriPac LPX systems utilize PTI's Vacuum Decay technology, an ASTM Test Method F2338, developed using the VeriPac platform. The Food and Drud Administration (FDA) recognizes the test technique as a consensus standard for package integrity testing, and it is listed in ISO 11607 and USP Chapter 1207> guidelines. The LPX provides a practical and dependable solution to the concerns associated with infrequent testing, allowing process-related quality issues to be identified and remedied sooner rather than later. The VeriPac LPX for flexible packaging allows for continuous testing of pouches, stick packs, sachets, and other flexible packaging types.

The VeriPac LPX has a dynamic robotic design tailored to fit your production requirements. The LPX series are scalable, modular systems designed to satisfy the needs of manufacturing lines.

VeriPac LPX Benefits

• Automated testing enables the highest level of container quality assurance.
• Deterministic, quantitative test method.
• ASTM Test Method F2338 and FDA standard, ISO 11607.
• Distinct PASS/FAIL results.
• Highly accurate test results - low false positives and false negatives.
• High Signal Noise Ratio (SNR) for peak sensitivity and reliability.
• Non-destructive, non-subjective, no sample preparation.
• Pick-and-Place option back into the production line.
• Auto reject option of defects removed from the production line.
• USP <1207> compliant.

2. Seal-Sensor Technology

Seal-Sensor is an Airborne Ultrasonic technology that inspects the final pouch seal 100% online and non-destructively. Seal-Sensor is a deterministic, quantitative, quick, and dependable approach for inspecting pouch seals for defects. Seal-Sensor detects incomplete seals, partial or weak areas in seals, and a variety of frequent defects in seals that appear visually acceptable but contain problems that impact product quality, value, and shelf-life. A single linear scan (L-Scan) of the pouch seal delivers a pass/fail result as well as quantitative, traceable data in less than one second.

Seal-sensor Benefits

• Deterministic inspection method producing quantitative results.
• Non-destructive, non-invasive, no sample preparation.
• Works for any material and combinations, regardless of color, transparency, print, surface finish and porosity.
• Can be integrated for 100% online defect detection of the final pouch seal.
• Repeatable and reliable results.
• Eliminates subjective, manual vision inspection methods.
• Economical, cost-effective solution for seal integrity testing the final pouch seal.