Quality assurance through leak tests in the production process
Many types of packaging (e.g., flow-wrap, flow-pack, blister packs, bottles, canisters) and components (e.g., closures, flap valves) must be leak-tight to prevent the ingress or outflow of media. To ensure this, they are tested for leaks during the manufacturing process. The range of product volumes to be tested spans from 0.1 ml to 1,000 l. Due to its wide availability, the cost-effective test medium compressed air and the pressure decay method are frequently used when suitable for the test.
The new leak tester CETATEST LV
To meet the requirements of the packaging industry, CETA has developed the leak tester CETATEST LV (Large Volume), which is particularly well-suited for products that can be filled directly.
It is available in two electronically controlled pressure versions (-800 mbar and +200 mbar), covering typical test pressure ranges for packaging ranging from 1-liter bottles to IBCs with a volume of over 1,000 liters. Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) intended for the transport of dangerous goods are subject to the dangerous goods regulation BAM-GGR 002 of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing and must undergo initial and periodic leak tests in accordance with the IMDG Code and RID/ADR (Chapters 6.5.4.4.1 and 6.5.4.4.2)—a task for which the CETATEST LV is suitable. The turbo-fill function significantly shortens the filling process for large-volume products.
As standard, the test device includes digital I/O interfaces, RS-232, USB (host), Ethernet, and Profinet. External valves can also be controlled via an integrated control valve. The main valve system is FDA-compliant, and an UL-certified power supply is available as an option.
The tester is supplied with an internationally recognized calibration certificate (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025) and a warranty of up to three years.
Inline test module for leak tests on flexible packaging
As part of quality control, many food products (e.g., salami snacks or bags of chips) packaged in flow packs or stand-up pouches (doypack) are tested for leaks. Packaging with gross leaks or unacceptable leakage must be detected and removed from the production line.
An inline test module was developed for integration into the production process, combining image processing with artificial intelligence and a leak test using compressed air. The product is placed in a holder and then enclosed by a flexible membrane cover. When negative pressure is applied, the membrane attaches itself to the product. Depending on size, multiple products can be tested simultaneously. The specially developed CETA test device generates test pressures between -150 and -800 mbar and controls the whole test sequence.
In the event of a gross leak, the packaging is immediately evacuated, causing the membrane to lie tightly against the product contents. The image processing method is used to identify products with gross leaks after training the system. The evaluation takes only about 300 ms and does not require precise product positioning.
For non-gross leak products, the pressure change caused by the leak is measured quantitatively to determine whether the leak is within the specified limits. Depending on the test head, hole sizes as small as 10 μm can be detected. This allows the detection of typical defects in the sealing seam, such as those caused by incorrect welding parameters or contaminants in the sealing seam.
Test bench for leak testing the outlet tap of reconditioned IBCs
As part of the quality control process for reconditioned IBCs, both the container and the installed outlet tap (sometimes referred to as outlet valve) are tested separately for leaks. A compact, standalone test bench was developed for this purpose, consisting of a clamping adapter for outlet taps and the vacuum version of the leak tester CETATEST LV with integrated vacuum generation.
The compact design of the clamping adapter also allows for the testing of very short outlet taps. The operator inserts the adapter manually; once activated, it is secured by internal clamping.
A flexible bellows reliably seals diameters from 42 to 54 mm, making it suitable for 2-inch taps and camlock fittings. A multifunction cable supplies the pneumatic adapter with 6 bar compressed air, routes the measuring line, and transmits the start signal. Upon pressing a push button, the sealing element is clamped and the test sequence is started. The CETATEST LV enables fast, precise measurements at typical test pressures of -500 mbar and a permissible leakage rate of 10⁻² mbar·l/s.
About CETA Testsysteme GmbH
CETA Testsysteme GmbH has been developing and manufacturing industrial leak and flow testing devices “Made in Germany” for more than 35 years. The devices are integrated into production lines for 100% routine testing of components. They are used in industries such as automotive, medical technology, packaging, and electronics. CETA supports users through the CETA Competence Center. Among other things, online seminars and hands-on workshops on industrial leak and flow testing are offered here. Several thousand CETA test devices are in use worldwide in production lines for quality control.
About the components trade show, part of the interpack trade fair
The components trade fair takes place every three years as part of the international packaging trade fair interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany. Interpack covers the entire value chain of the industry- from packaged goods and packaging materials to packaging and distribution, all the way through to quality assurance. The components trade fair presents specialized components and automation solutions for the packaging industry. The trade fair duo is fully booked for 2026 with over 2,800 exhibitors from 60 countries; more than 140,000 visitors are expected.
CETA at the components 2026 trade show, May 7–13, 2026, in Düsseldorf, Hall 18a, Booth G15