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Seal quality inspection is a critical step in the packaging process, as it ensures that the package is properly sealed and will protect its contents from contamination or damage during shipping and storage. This is especially important for packages that are used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food packaging.

Two common types of packaging materials used in these industries are Tyvek® and porous packaging. Tyvek® is a synthetic material made of high-density polyethylene fibers that are spun together to form a tough, lightweight material that is resistant to tears, punctures, and moisture. Porous packaging, on the other hand, is typically made of materials like paper, cardboard, or fabric that allow air and moisture to pass through. Both Tyvek® and porous packaging require careful attention to seal quality inspection to ensure that the package is properly sealed and that its contents are protected. This may involve using specialized testing equipment to measure the strength of the seal for any signs of defects.

In industries where the contents of the package are particularly sensitive, such as pharmaceuticals, seal quality inspection is often regulated by government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that products meet strict quality standards.

Seal-Scan® is an Airborne Ultrasonic Technology (ABUS) for offline non-destructive and seal integrity testing analysis of pouch seals. It is a deterministic, quantitative, high-resolution method for inspecting pouch seal defects and seal integrity for consistency. The test is non-destructive, non-invasive and requires no sample preparation. Seal-Scan® offers advanced process control digital imaging software tools that enable detailed analysis of seal quality. The Seal-Scan system uses ASTM test method F3004-13. This test procedure approval was developed using PTI's ABUS technology.

Unlike Seal-Scan® technology, Seal-Sensor™ technology offers 100% online inspection of final pouch seals. It is a deterministic, quantitative, rapid and reliable method of inspecting pouch seals for defects. The Seal-Sensor identifies a number of imperfect seals, partial or weak areas of seals, and seals that appear visually acceptable but have defects that affect product quality, value, and durability.

• Deterministic seal quality inspection method that produces quantitative results
• This method works for any material type and combinations regardless of color, transparency, print, surface finish or porosity.
• Non-destructive and non-subjective test method that requires no sample preparation.
• Technology can be integrated for 100% online defect detection of the final pouch seal.
• Repeatable, reproducible and reliable results for seal quality inspection.
• Cost-effective solution for seal integrity testing and seal analysis that characterizes overall quality and uniformity of the seal.

Packaging is a crucial aspect of the nutritional product industry, as it not only protects the product but also serves as a means to attract customers and communicate important information about the product. The packaging of nutritional products should be designed to preserve the quality, freshness and integrity of the product, while also being visually appealing, informative, and convenient for the consumer.

Nutritional product packaging can vary greatly depending on the type of product, its intended use, and the target market. Packaging materials can also play a significant role in the nutritional product industry, as they must be compatible with the product, safe for consumers, and sustainable. Some common packaging materials include plastic, glass, metal, and paper, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Most nutritional products are shelf-stable in nature; therefore, package performance is typically a concern. Chemical reactions occur naturally in all nutritional products. Any break or breach in the nutritional packing might lead to the products deteriorating due to air, moisture, and microbial exposure. Container closure integrity testing (CCIT) of nutritional products is vital to eliminating packaging defects and the possibility of product degradation. Read on to understand how PTI's VeriPac Flex Series guarantees the integrity of packaging for nutritional products.

VeriPac FLEX Systems are non-destructive inspection solutions for flexible packaging that deliver a clear PASS or FAIL as well as quantitative data that correlates to a leak rate. VeriPac FLEX Systems are available in several configurations for both the leak test instrument and the test chamber capacity to accommodate a wide range of package specifications and test sensitivity requirements, with solutions ranging from small format sachets and stick packs to very large bulk size pouches and bags.

They provide unparalleled sensitivity, reliability and practicality in testing a wide range of flexible package formats and is recognized by the FDA as a consensus standard for package integrity testing. The VeriPac tester is used to detect leaks in packages and is connected to the appropriate FLEX chamber based on the package size. There are several VeriPac configurations available with different leak detection capabilities depending on the application. The integrated flexible test chamber (IFC) is used for sachets or stick packs with low headspace, while the Drawer Style test chamber (D-Series) is available in sevearl standard sizes for other package sizes. Automated platforms for the VeriPac FLEX technology are also available for automated robotic handling of the pouches.

The VeriPac FLEX systems are unique in that they use a flexible membrane that conforms to the package shape and size, preventing stress and damage to the film materials. Multiple packages can be tested at once in a single test cycle. Custom designs can also be manufactured for large package formats and bulk products.

Seafood packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the freshness and quality of seafood products from the time of catch or processing to the point of sale. It ensures that seafood reaches consumers in a safe and desirable condition, maintaining its taste, freshness and nutritional value. When it comes to the seafood industry, quality control and food safety are paramount. A critical aspect of preserving the freshness and integrity of seafood products lies in the effectiveness of the package closure or seal. In a flexible package format such a pouch, a faulty seal can lead to spoilage and contamination. Among the various aspects of seafood packaging, the inspection of seals is necessary to verify that the seal is intact and reliable to protect the package from physical damage and contamination, providing consumers with an assurance of quality.

In the past, manual inspection processes were employed to detect potential seal defects, but they often proved time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error. With the advent of new technologies and automation platforms, seafood producers can now ensure the quality of their package seals with greater speed, precision, and reliability.

The Seal-Sensor PQX is a fully automated handling system and pouch seal inspection solution. It incorporates a built-in conveyor that can be seamlessly integrated into a production line. Utilizing PTI's Seal-Sensor airborne ultrasound technology, it scans the final pouch seal online at high speed. This technology is compliant with ASTM Test Method F3004 and is recognized as an FDA consensus standard for seal quality inspection.

The Seal-Sensor PQX performs a rapid linear scan of the pouch seal, offering immediate seal check and verification of seal quality at high production outputs. The test results are generated within seconds, allowing for swift data driven decision-making and process control.

This plug and play system is designed for inline pouch seal integrity testing and can be easily installed due to its small footprint. The system features a user-friendly full-screen HMI that displays the test result data as the pouches are scanned. Inspection rates can reach up to 350 mm/sec, ensuring efficient throughput.

In addition, the Seal-Sensor PQX incorporates a built-in reject chute that promptly removes any defective pouches from the production line. Furthermore, a built-in stack light provides easy identification of pass/fail results, enabling quick intervention and minimizing the potential for defective products to enter the market.

• 100% pouch seal inspection
• Easy integration into production lines
• Adjustable for different size pouches
• Manual load or robotic pick & place
• Built-in reject chute

In conclusion, the seal quality inspection in seafood packaging is a critical step in ensuring the freshness, quality and safety of the product. By preserving freshness, preventing contamination, building consumer trust, and complying with regulations, seal inspection plays an indispensable role in the seafood industry. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers must prioritize seal inspection as an integral part of their quality control processes to safeguard the reputation of their brands and the well-being of their customers.

Medical device package inspection is the process of evaluating the quality and integrity of the packaging of medical devices to ensure that they are safe for use. The packaging of medical devices is critical, as it protects the device from damage during shipping and handling, prevents contamination from external sources, and maintains the sterility of the device until it is used.

The package inspection process involves examining the packaging for any defects or damage that could compromise the integrity of the device. This includes checking for punctures, tears, or holes in the packaging material, as well as inspecting the seals and closures to ensure that they are secure and intact.

Medical device manufacturers are required to adhere to strict regulations and standards to certify that their packaging meets the necessary quality and safety requirements. Package integrity testing is an essential part of this process, as it helps identify any potential defects or issues with the packaging before the device reaches the end user.

Destructive package integrity testing involves damaging the package in some way to evaluate its integrity. This type of testing is typically more invasive and may not be suitable for products that need to be sold intact. An example of destructive package integrity testing is burst testing, where the package is subjected to internal pressure until it ruptures.

Non-destructive package integrity testing, on the other hand, involves evaluating the package's integrity without damaging it. This type of testing is typically less invasive and is more suitable for products that need to be sold intact. An example of non-destructive package integrity testing includes pressure decay testing, where a package is subjected to a pressure change and any leaks are detected by measuring the change in pressure.

Vacuum Decay is a non-destructive Container Closure Integrity Test (CCIT) that provides a definite pass/fail quantitative data along with dependable, reproducible, repeatable, and accurate results. The basic idea underlying Vacuum Decay technology is to question the integrity of containers based on their basic physical characteristics. Sample packages are first put into an evacuation test chamber that is tightly fitted and has an external vacuum source. A predetermined vacuum level is selected for the test based on the test sample and required level of sensitivity. The next step is to evacuate the test chamber and test system dead space for a certain amount of time. Differential pressure transducers are used to track changes in vacuum level over time. A pressure increase above the specified pass/fail limit indicates that the container is leaking.

• Non-destructive, non-subjective, no sample preparation.
• Accurate, reliable, repeatable results.
• Definite pass/fail result based on quantitative test data.
• Accommodates multiple packaging formats.
• Eliminates destructive, subjective testing methods.
• Effective in detecting even minute leaks.