Apparatus and method for testing flexible packages for defects
First Claim
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1. A method for detection of fluid leaks in flexible packages, said method comprising the steps of:
- locating a plurality of flexible fluid containing packages in a sealable common or respective chamber;
bringing into contact with said plurality of packages a flexible membrane to apply a preload of a predetermined value to each of said packages;
reducing the gas pressure within said chamber to a predetermined value;
measuring a reference dimension associated with each said package; and
,after a predetermined period of time, measuring said reference dimension to detect any change in said dimension as indicative of a leakage of fluid for each said package.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for leak detection in flexible packages involves the location of a flexible fluid containing package (2) in a sealed chamber (1) and evacuating air from the chamber to a predetermined pressure value. An initial measurement of a reference dimension (h1) of the package is made by a sensor (8) and after a predetermined period of time a second measurement of the reference dimension (h1) is made by the sensor (8) to detect any change in that reference dimension as indicative of a leakage of fluid from the package (2).
19 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for detection of fluid leaks in flexible packages, said method comprising the steps of:
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locating a plurality of flexible fluid containing packages in a sealable common or respective chamber; bringing into contact with said plurality of packages a flexible membrane to apply a preload of a predetermined value to each of said packages; reducing the gas pressure within said chamber to a predetermined value; measuring a reference dimension associated with each said package; and
,after a predetermined period of time, measuring said reference dimension to detect any change in said dimension as indicative of a leakage of fluid for each said package. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for detection of fluid leaks in a plurality of flexible packages, said apparatus comprising:
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a sealable chamber having at least one wall defined by a flexible membrane; a gas evacuation system to reduce gas pressure within said chamber to a predetermined value whereby said flexible membrane is adapted, in use, to contact said packages and apply to each of said packages a preload of predetermined value; and
,a detection device to measure any change in a reference dimension associated with said packages over a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification