Seal integrity testing is pivotal in protecting against leaks or defects and ensuring packaging is safe and effective across multiple use cases and industries. For example, in the food and pharmaceutical industries, it helps prevent contamination, which could pose a dangerous health risk to consumers.
In this article, Kevin Goodison, a product specialist at LIMAB UK, will explain what seal integrity testing is and why it is important. For more information about the various methods available for leak detection and seal integrity testing and guidance on selecting the best solution for your business, use the links at the bottom of the article or contact us by calling +44 (0)1823 668633, emailing hello@limab.co.uk or submitting a contact form.
What Is Leak Detection and Seal Integrity Testing?
Leak detection and seal integrity testing is an assessment of the packaging of products to ensure it is free from any defects that could cause leaks like punctures, pinholes or channel leaks in the seal area. Mechanically weak seals may split or break under pressure or in specific environments.
Package seal integrity testing enables manufacturers to determine packaging strength under practical operating conditions.
Why Is Leak Detection and Seal Integrity Important?
Before a product reaches the end consumer, it must be packaged appropriately. The role of packaging is twofold:
- To protect the product from external contaminants, including oxygen, permeating the product
- To stop the packaging contents from leaking out.
With leak detection and seal integrity testing, manufacturers can detect leaks or defects in packaging before despatch. This practice does not only protect consumers — it also protects the brand. Some processes use the Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technique to substitute the atmospheric air inside a package. One example is a crisp packet, where nitrogen is introduced to the packaging environment to maintain moisture. If this protective gas leaks out — or oxygen gets in — it will accelerate the decomposition process, compromising the product. This spoilage can reduce shelf life, impact food quality and taste and damage the brand’s credibility, reputation and sales.
Crisp Packets Need to Seal in Nitrogen to Maintain Moisture Levels
Learn More about Leak Detection and Seal Integrity
Seal integrity testing is pivotal in protecting against leaks or defects and ensuring packaging is safe and effective across multiple use cases and industries. Learn more about leak detection methods and applications by using the links below:
- Learn more about the methods of leak detection and seal integrity testing available
- Learn more about burst, bubble emission and altitude simulation package seal integrity testing
- Learn more about force decay, seal strength and vacuum decay testing
- Learn more about dye penetration seal integrity testing
- Learn more about flow rate seal integrity testing
- Learn more about how to select the right leak detection and seal integrity method for your business
- Learn more about how frequently seal integrity testing should be carried out
- Learn more about how documents and records of seal integrity testing can be stored
Explore Our Range of Leak Detection and Seal Integrity Testing Equipment at LIMAB UK
Our team of product specialists at LIMAB UK get to know the unique needs of your business and provide one-to-one support to find the best package leak detection and seal integrity testing method for you. Request a consultation today by calling +44 (0)1823 668633, emailing hello@limab.co.uk or submitting a contact form.
