Oxipack leak detection BV

A microscopically small leak in a vacuum package is hard to trace. In some cases micro leaks can only be detected by queezing the package 24 to 48 hours after packaging. Then they feel soft. But Oxipack provides a quick alternative solution!

How it used to go (and sometimes still does)
To eliminate possible leaks in the vacuum packaging, rows of pallets of packaged products often were stored temporarily one or two days and nights. After which a selection was checked manually to feel if there were any soft bags.
This postponed testing represents a substantial production risks. If the person who verifies finds too many leaky packages the consequence might be that all packaging produced in the meantime has to be rejected. In many cases these will then have to be cut open and repacked again if possible, or be discarded as waste. 

Immediately after sealing
At the time we developed our leak detection method for the famous Dutch coffee roaster Douwe Egberts. This invention made it possible to determine whether a package leaks or not – shortly after the vacuuming and sealing. Which is long before anyone might observe this by squeezing the packages.

This method is further developed by Oxipack, resulting in the very reliably operating Vacuum Leak Tester.  Now you can test samples for leaks regularly with this device, right after packaging. As a result the temporary storage can be greatly reduced or even become superfluous. This contributes to a tight Lean Six Sigma supply chain management.

The Stationary Leak Tester has been specially developed for off-line sample testing of flexible packaging. Using this equipment you can manually test packaging that has small amounts of air in it or packaging that contains inert gas. As modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with a protective atmosphere. These could be packets of grated cheese, nuts, part-cooked bread, coffee pods or pet food.

By carrying out systematic tests for leaks, you minimise the percentage of leaking packaging, prevent complaints about poorly sealed packets and reduce food wastage.

How do you test airtight packaging that has a rigid form for leaks? Packaging with a solid, rigid form cannot be tested with the Stationary Leak Tester, the membranes would not fit properly. For this type of rigid packaging that contains air or an inert gas, we have developed a different kind of leak tester that snugly envelopes the shape of the packaging as closely as possible.