Force Decay

The VeriPac 410 inspection technology platform combines the sensitivity and reliability of PTI’s vacuum decay technology with a force-based measurement to enhance the testing results. The 410’s force decay technology measures the force exerted on the package surface during a normal vacuum-based test cycle, providing valuable information to identify defective packages and perform leak tests with minimal headspace.

To ensure consistency, the test system uses nested tooling to position the package accurately and limit the unmeasured expansion of the package during testing. Once the test is initiated, a vacuum is applied to the test chamber, causing the package to expand within it. Vacuum levels are continuously monitored throughout the test cycle, following the ASTM F2338 vacuum decay leak test method. The expansion of the package generates force, which is measured by the VeriPac force measurement system.

Multiple packages can be tested in a single cycle, and the force decay measurement system detects any defective packages. Defective packages exhibit a decay in the expansion force or vacuum level during the test cycle. The location of the defective package or cavity is also identified. This force decay technology is particularly effective when testing multi-cavity package formats.

The force decay technology plays a crucial role in vacuum-based leak tests, particularly when dealing with package formats that have minimal headspace. In cases where packages have limited internal volume, all measurable airflow may leak out before a vacuum measurement can be obtained. In such low volume applications, the package activity and expansion during the leak test serve as valuable data points to ensure the package’s integrity.

The VeriPac 410 force decay technology has undergone successful validation across various package categories, including blister packages, transdermal patch sachets, and low headspace suture packs. In all applications, the targeted leak size for inspection was defects below 20 microns.

Benefits:

• Non-destructive, non-invasive, and requires no sample preparation.
• Yields accurate and repeatable results.
• Allows testing of multiple packages in a single test cycle.
• Identifies which package is defective.
• Simplifies the inspection and validation process.
• Supports sustainable packaging initiatives.
• Complies with ASTM test method and FDA consensus standard.
• Cost-effective with a rapid return on investment.