Leak detection
Ishida’s AirScan inline system for detecting leaks in MAP packs has greatly enhanced the quality control procedures, as well as reducing labour costs, for a new snack product from M-Back in Germany, which is being produced for dairy giant Meggle.
When the delicate Ofenschnecke puff pastries are packed in their thermoformed trays, it is not uncommon for product traces to get into the sealing area of the trays. This can result in leaks, which may cause protective gas to escape and draw in moisture. In rare cases, external factors can also cause holes in the film. If such defective packaging is not withheld from distribution, the shelf life can be significantly reduced and the product appearance can suffer.
Ishida AirScan uses laser technology to detect leaks of (CO2), which is used in many MAP applications. The system checks each individual tray in less than 20 milliseconds for traces of escaping CO2. It can reliably find holes with a diameter as small as 0.25 mm, at speeds of up to 180 packs per minute.
In two-shift mode, the Ishida AirScan checks 3,500 packs of Ofenschnecken per hour, which equates to a belt speed of 30 metres per minute.
