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PTI - Packaging Technologies & Inspection - is a group of scientists, engineers, and packaging professionals who are working to improve the overall package quality experience throughout the packaging lifecycle.

To ensure container closure integrity, PTI has designed and developed seven different inspection technology platforms. Each technology is based on the idea that there cannot be a test method without a valid test method. The technology solutions provided by PTI are centred on container closure integrity testing and give a deterministic measurement of package performance needed by critical applications. By delivering package performance data from the development stage through to in-production online package inspection, the solutions are widely utilized to address a variety of packaging design and material difficulties. PTI offers services and consulting in package inspection technologies, container closure integrity and test methods for most of the package types.

List of Services Offered by PTI:

1. Feasibility Studies

The first step in assessing and choosing the optimal CCI technology and test technique for a particular application are feasibility studies. To examine and verify the performance and quality of a package, various test methods are available. The main goal of the feasibility study is to assess the client's application and identify the best inspection technology that will deliver the most precise, sensitive, and reliable data for conclusive package integrity verification.

Clients receive a clear report of a quantitative test technique from PTI's feasibility studies for container closure integrity testing (CCIT) and package quality inspection, which confirm the suggested strategy as it applies to a particular package format. Both positive control samples with certified defects and tested good test samples are used. The technology solution, a specific leak test technique, test settings, test result information, and acceptance criteria are all detailed in the report. The report on PTI's feasibility studies outlines a clear path from the client's problem description to the quantitative test methodologies and findings, as well as how to guarantee package integrity by validating a suggested strategy in relation to a particular package format.

2. Test Method Consulting

Engineers, scientists, and other specialists on PTI's staff are experts in developing test methods, consulting on them, and conducting feasibility studies for a range of applications. The report on PTI's feasibility studies outlines a clear path from the client's problem description to the quantitative test methodologies and findings, as well as how to guarantee package integrity by validating a suggested strategy in relation to a particular package format.

3. Technical Support

PTI service specialists offer remote help via a variety of virtual channels in addition to on-site service. Installation, calibration, training, and upgrades are among the remotely offered services of PTI. The GTS staff can adapt to your demands regarding service schedule. Installations, validation, and after-sale support and maintenance are all skills, our staff have received training in. This network provides services to a varied range of markets around the world.

The ability of container closure systems to maintain a sterile barrier against potential contaminants that could lower the quality of the finished product can be understood as container closure integrity. External contaminants may enter the product through even the smallest leak or breach of the sterile barrier, impairing its capacity to perform as expected. Despite being popular leak testing techniques, dye ingress and microbial ingress have been shown to produce results that are often inaccurate and subjective. Deterministic test methodologies that can be controlled, calibrated, and provide a firm determination of CCI have therefore been encouraged by regulatory bodies.

Vacuum Decay is a non-destructive container closure integrity testing (CCIT) method for detecting leak paths and package integrity. The test method is simple in principle and challenges container integrity based on fundamental physical properties. This test provides a quantitative result that is accurate, repeatable, reproducible, and reliable with a pass/fail determination.

Our line of non-destructive VeriPac package testing equipment is backed by the tradition of excellence and performance reliability that PTI brings. The FDA acknowledges the standard Vacuum Decay leak test method (ASTM F2338), which was created using PTI's VeriPac instruments, as a consensus standard for testing container closure integrity (CCI). The test method is referenced in the United States Pharmacopeia Chapter on CCI and listed in ISO 11607 (USP Chapter 1207). The test is conducted by drawing vacuum on a package inside of a test chamber, and the vacuum level is checked for any decay that might signify a leak. The technique has established itself as a non-destructive substitute for the water bath leak test. By avoiding product waste for a leak test, it offers significant savings and, for many products, achieves return on investment in less than six months.

Industry Applications:

1. Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical manufacturers prioritize quality control and package integrity because defects in pharmaceutical product manufacturing can directly affect drug quality. Even minor defects in the packaging or container may allow outside elements or contaminants to enter the drug. A manufacturer prioritizes implementing the proper container closure system because it affects both the product and the patient. CCI testing is a non-destructive package inspection technology for detecting leaks and avoiding potential contamination. The regulatory bodies take CCI's negligence very seriously. The guidelines support deterministic, dependable test methods for measuring industry-wide quality standards.

2. Food and Nutrition Industry

Packaging is crucial to today's food and nutrition industry. Packaging serves a variety of purposes, including product safety, brand awareness, product promotion, product protection and product delivery. Food and nutrition products are packaged so that they stay fresh for the entire shelf life. However, the challenges associated with packaging food and nutrition products have increased due to frequent innovations in packaging formats and the move towards sustainable packaging materials.

In order to ensure that the products are free from any type of contamination or defect, manufacturers are encouraged to perform appropriate package integrity tests. Various Container Closure Integrity Testing techniques are now available on the market to guarantee the quality and sterility of packages for the duration of their shelf life or until they are delivered to the consumer. Vacuum Decay technology and Airborne Ultrasound technology, among other methods, are very useful in food and nutrition package inspection.

Benefits of Vacuum Decay Technology

• Non-destructive, non-invasive, no sample preparation
• Accurate, reliable, repeatable results
• Supports sustainable packaging and zero waste initiatives
• FDA recognized standard for package integrity testing
• ASTM test method F2338