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Finding the appropriate packaging for perishable foods can be quite challenging for manufacturers. Apart from considering factors such as vulnerability and freshness, a food package must ensure safety throughout its shelf life or until it reaches the end-user. To ensure that the contents are not exposed to any foreign contamination, manufacturers should conduct regular tests that can evaluate the ability of the packaging in maintaining seal integrity. Package integrity testing can pinpoint the exact location of leaks which helps operators identify the problematic area and make necessary adjustments. As a result, manufacturers can be sure of the packaging quality and ensure that the customers enjoy their products in the freshest possible state.

For inspecting package integrity of food products, PTI has developed VeriPac 310 series, a non-destructive, non-invasive Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT) system for highly effective leak detection. It is an ASTM approved patented vacuum decay leak test method F2338-09 recognized by the FDA as a consensus standard for package integrity testing. The VeriPac 310 provides quantitative measurements for identifying package defects before critical process issues get out of control. The tests can be performed in any sequence with real-time results.

VeriPac 310 series was developed using VeriPac leak test instruments. The next generation of VeriPac systems combines both technological innovation and practical adjustments to current technology to make it the most sensitive and versatile vacuum-based leak detection technology to date. Through the introduction of unique test cycles, pneumatic controls and processing algorithms, the VeriPac technology is establishing itself as the foremost vacuum-based leak detection technology. VeriPac systems reduce waste and provide operators with a clear understanding of package quality.

Technology Overview

Under this method, VeriPac leak testers are connected to the test chamber designed to hold the sample packages. Vacuum is then applied to the package being tested. The absolute 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. VeriPac 310 test systems are suitable for manual or automatic operation and are designed for laboratory offline testing and production applications for QA/QC statistical process control. Testing is more reliable, sensitive and efficient than destructive methods such as the water bath or burst test.

Benefits of VeriPac 310 Series

• Non-destructive, non-subjective, no sample preparation
• Deterministic, quantitative test method
• Repeatable, rapid and reliable testing
• Cost effective and economical
• Simplifies the inspection and validation process
• ASTM test method and FDA standard