Sealing packaging sealing testerIt is a key equipment for evaluating the sealing integrity of various finished product packaging such as soft packaging and hard packaging. For products such as drugs and food that have strict requirements for barrier properties, even minor leaks in packaging can lead to the failure, deterioration, or contamination of the contents. This instrument simulates the negative or positive pressure environment that packaging may withstand during transportation and storage through scientific and reproducible methods, visualizing and digitizing potential leakage risks. It is the quality gatekeeper for production enterprises and quality inspection agencies.

Sealing integrity testing: Beyond leak proof quality lifeline

The sealing test of modern packaging has already surpassed the simple goal of "whether there is liquid leakage". It evaluates the packaging asAseptic or bacterial barrier systemIntegrity. A micrometer sized leak may allow oxygen, water vapor, or microorganisms to enter, leading to a decrease in drug potency, oxidation and deterioration of food, or contamination of medical devices.

Therefore, professional sealing testing is not simply about "looking at bubbles in water", but a rigorous quality verification system.Sealing packaging sealing testerThe core value lies in transforming the protective ability of packaging into objective detection results (such as leakage point location and leakage rate), providing scientific basis for the selection of packaging materials, optimization of heat sealing process parameters, and prediction of product shelf life.

Analysis of core testing methods: bubble method and colorimetric method

At present, the sealing test mainly followsGB/T 15171 Test Method for Sealing Performance of Flexible Packaging ComponentsandASTM related standardsAmong them, bubble method and colorimetric method are two basic and widely used non-destructive leak detection methods.

• Bubble method (underwater vacuum method)
  This is an intuitive qualitative testing method. Immerse the packaged sample in clear water in a transparent vacuum chamber and create a pressure difference inside and outside the packaging by vacuuming the chamber. If there is a leakage in the packaging, external water will attempt to enter the packaging under the pressure difference, and at the same time, gas (or headspace air) inside the packaging will overflow outward, formingContinuous bubble flow.
  advantageSimple equipment, low cost, intuitive results, able to quickly locate leakage points, very suitable for production linesHard packaging containerRapid screening of items such as bottles, cans, and soft bags.
  局限性Sensitivity testing is subjectively influenced by the observer, and for extremely slow leaks or micro leaks in liquid packaging, it may be difficult to form visible continuous bubbles.

• Colorimetric method (dye penetration method)
  This is a more sensitive qualitative or semi quantitative testing method than the bubble method, especially suitable for detecting porous materials (such as paper and plastic bags) or searching for difficult to detect micro leaks. During testing, immerse the sample in a specially formulated colored solution and evacuate it. After releasing the vacuum, atmospheric pressure will "press" the colored liquid into possible leakage channels. By disassembling the packaging and inspecting the interior for anyStain penetration marksTo determine if the seal has failed.
  advantageHigher sensitivity, able to detect smaller leaks and clearly display the leakage path.
  局限性This belongs to destructive testing (which requires cutting open the packaging for inspection), and the operation steps are relatively cumbersome. It is not suitable for products that pose a risk of contamination with colored liquids.

Key considerations for choosing a professional testing plan

In the face of diverse product and regulatory requirements, selecting a suitable sealing tester and developing a scientific testing plan requires systematic consideration of:

1. Core Performance and Standard Compliance: InstrumentsVacuum accuracy、Pressure holding stabilityandTiming accuracyIt is the foundation of reliable data. Professional instruments should be able to strictly followGB/T 15171、ASTM D3078Wait for mainstream standards at home and abroad to ensure comparability of test results.

2. Multi functionality and scalability of devicesThere are various forms of modern packaging, such as sterilization bags with breathing valves and shaped blister packs. A professional testing instrument should be able to replace different onesTest chamber and specimen fixtureCompatible with various testing requirements ranging from small medicine bags to large food flexible packaging. Some models also integratePositive pressure testing functionIt can simulate the real internal pressure scenario of certain packaging (such as inflatable packaging).

3. Testing efficiency and automation levelFor production enterprises that require large-scale sampling, testing efficiency is crucial. possessQuick lift vacuum cover、One click start testandAutomatic judgment resultThe use of devices with or without indicator lights can greatly improve quality inspection efficiency.

4. Data traceability and system integrationIn industries such as pharmaceuticals that are subject to strict regulatory oversight, the integrity and traceability of test data are fundamental requirements. The software system of the instrument should be able to automatically record the parameters, curves, and results of each test, and support data export to meet the requirementsGMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)Audit requirements.

Establish a comprehensive packaging quality verification system

Sealing testing is the cornerstone of the packaging quality pyramid, but not the entirety. A rigorous packaging verification scheme is usually three-dimensional, for example:

• Barrier performance testing of packaging materials: UseOxygen permeability meter, moisture permeability meterEvaluate the material's ability to block oxygen and water vapor.

• Heat sealing strength test: Usetensile testing machineEvaluate the mechanical strength of the packaging seal to ensure that it can withstand the pulling and pulling during the logistics process.

• Packaging overall performance testing: ConductDrop test, compression testWait, simulate the actual transportation environment.

A professional provider of material testing solutions, whose value lies not only in providing individual equipment, but also in the ability to provide customized solutions based on customer packaging types (such as infusion bags, food vacuum bags), production processes, and regulatory requirements (such as ISO 11607 medical device packaging standards)Development of testing methods, customization of non-standard fixtures to complete laboratory planningOur one-stop service helps customers build a comprehensive quality defense line from raw materials to finished products.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: How to conduct sealing testing at a low cost for enterprises with newly built laboratories or limited budgets?
Answer: The following approaches can be considered: Firstly, paying attention to the construction of local governments or inspection agenciesInspection and testing sharing platformThe second is to utilize the equipment provided by some instrument manufacturersFree prototype trial or sample testingService, validate first. The third is to purchase basic manual testers, with the core being scientific methods that can also meet basic quality control requirements.

Q: Should we use the bubble method or the colorimetric method in daily production? How to determine the testing frequency?
Answer: RecommendedBubble method as an online or line edge 100% rapid full inspectionThe method is used to remove defective products with obvious leaks.The color water rule can be used as a regular (such as weekly/batch) type inspection or process validationMethod for deeper quality monitoring. The testing frequency should be determined based on product risk level and production process stability, using historical data, and written into quality control documents.

Q: During testing, no continuous bubbles were observed, but the packaging contents still deteriorated. What could be the possible reason?
Answer: Possible reasons include: 1) The leakage channel is extremely small, the gas or liquid penetration rate is extremely slow, and the sensitivity of the bubble method is insufficient; 2) Leakage occurs after testing, such as stress cracking of packaging materials during stacking or transportation; 3) Deterioration is caused by other factors, such as packaging materialsBarrier performance (oxygen permeability, moisture permeability) does not meet the standardRather than macroscopic leakage. At this point, it is necessary to combine barrier testing with more precise testingVacuum decay method leak detectorConduct a comprehensive investigation.

Q: How can we verify the accuracy of our sealing tester itself?
Answer: Calibration and verification procedures for instruments should be established. Can be used regularlyStandard leakage partsConduct testing on metal calibration components with known micropores to verify whether the instrument can detect the leak within the specified vacuum degree and time. At the same time, regularly calibrate the vacuum gauge and timer of the instrument.

Q: Our product packaging has a special shape (such as irregular bottles, soft bags with tube openings), and the standard testing chamber cannot be sealed. How can we solve this problem?
Answer: This requiresNon standard (non-standard) customized solutionsProfessional instrument suppliers should be able to design and manufacture based on the packaging samples or drawings you provideSpecial sealing cover or testing chamber that fits the contour of the productTo ensure the formation of an effective sealing area during testing and obtain accurate test results.

DisclaimersThe purpose of this article is to introduce the technical principles and applications of sealing tests for sealed packaging, providing reference and communication for colleagues in the packaging and related industries. Please refer to the standard document for the testing methods mentioned in the article. For specific instrument selection, testing plan development, and product compliance issues, it is recommended to consult professional technical personnel or testing institutions. The content of this article is for reference and discussion only. If you have any questions or find any omissions, please feel free to communicate with us for correction.