Detection System Pinpoints Packaging Leaks

MAP is used extensively in the food industry to extend shelf life. Typically, air is removed from the space above the food and inert gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen are flushed in.

10/08/07 A new detection system pinpoints individual leaks in packaging, which reduces recalls by raising the alarm before unsealed products leave the production line. Leaks in

packaging often result in a double-whammy, allowing the inert gases used to extend shelf life to escape while allowing oxygen and possibly contamination in, which causes goods to spoil.

British-based Witt Gas Techniques said its new Leak-Master Mapmax micro-leak detection systems for rigid and flexible modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is designed to carry out automatic quality control over an entire packaging line.

MAP is used extensively in the food industry to extend shelf life. Typically, air is removed from the space above the food and inert gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen are flushed in.

The Leak-Master monitors small leaks of CO2 from packaging without harming the products and so those that are not fully sealed can simply be re-introduced onto the packaging line when fixed.

The testing chamber can perform up to 15 analyses per minute of both individual packages and complete cartons, ensuring quality control of packaging does not hot up the production line, the company claims.At 1.8m long, the Leak-Master also fits into most production lines.

Germany-based Witt-Gasetechnik manufacturers gas and gas detection equipment across 50 countries worldwide.