Compliance work

Overall migration Sensory analysis

specific migration

Material analysis

Mechanical properties

permeation

PPWR/ Recycling

Tightness, leakage test/pores/micro-holes/defects

These tests are used to locate defects, leaks, micro-holes (pinholes), leakages and so on in packagings, pouches, bags and films. Depending on the problem and material, various methods are used, e.g. gas detection, dye penetration, chemical copper deposition, resistance against water or visual inspection on standardized light box. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be pleased to assist you in selecting a suitable method for your questions. To submit an offer, we need the following information: What kind of packaging should be tested (size, filling volume)? How many packages should be stored? Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing? Which contents are involved (CAS no./safety data sheet)?

Test Method Group: permeation

Norms:
  • ASTM F 1929 (2023) Detecting Seal Leaks in Porous Medical Packaging by Dye Penetration
  • FhG Technical Bulletin 29 Blatt 1 (1976-04) Testing of aluminum foils and thin bands - Testing for pores in coatings by copper deposition
  • DIN 55508-2 (2019-04) Packaging test – Leakage test on flexible packagings – Part 2: Color method
  • DIN EN 13592 (2017-05) Plastics sacks for household waste collection – Types, requirements and test methods
  • DIN EN 546-4 (2007-03) Aluminium and aluminium alloys – Foil – Part 4: Special property requirements
  • IVLV Technical Bulletin No. 102 (2010) Approach to leak testing; focus on gas-based leak testing.
  • In-house method PV036 (2020-05) Sealing, pore and leakage tests

Required Sample Amount: according to task

Standard Tests

Leak tightness/ leakage test/ pin holes: test gas method

Specific Norm: IVLV Merkblatt No. 102

To carry out this test, the sample to be examined is filled via a septum with forming gas (a mixture of 95-97% nitrogen and 3-5% hydrogen). Then the package is examined with a detector probe on hydrogen leakages. The method is very sensitive and is suitable for locating very small leaks. However, in the case of filled packages it may com to closure of micro leaks by dried filling good. So that method especially is suitable for examination of empty packs, packs with dry filling goods or accurately cleaned packs.

Leak tightness/leakage test/pores: Color method (methylene blue in ethanol) DIN 55508-2

Specific Norm: DIN 55508-2

This method works using a test fluid on an ethanolic basis with methylene blue as the dye. It is used in practice for the examination of various packaging materials and is suitable for the detection of leaks with a size of min. approx. 10- 20 µm. By using sufficient exposure usually even by dried filling tightend leaks and cannulas are detectable again. The method is not suitable for testing the performance of coatings soluble in ethanol.

Leak tightness/ leakage test/ pin holes: light box inspection

Specific Norm: DIN EN 546-4

The test is performed using a light table with 1000 - 1500 lux illumination in a darkened room with less than 50 lux illumination. It can be recognized from pores of a size of about 20 microns. The method is particularly suitable for testing of web materials, preferably aluminum foil or light-tight colored materials.

Leak tightness/leakage test/pores: Porosity of laqueres on aluminum foil

Specific Norm: FhG Merkblatt 29 Blatt 1

This method is suitable for checking coated aluminum foil for the presence of pores in the lacquer coat. Such pores can lead to dark spots or holes in the aluminum upon contact with acidic fillings by corrosion. The principle of the test is based on chemical copper deposition from a weak acid test solution.

Leak tightness/leakage test/pores: resistance against leakages

Specific Norm: DIN EN 13592

Test method for inspecting plastic bags for waste collection by filling them with mains water or a water-sawdust mixture (50v/50v)

Leak tightness/leakage test/pores: dye penetration test ASTM F 1929

Specific Norm: ASTM F 1929

This method works by using a dye solution on aqueous basis with wetting agent. It is used in practice for the examination of various packaging materials and is suitable for the detection of leaks with a size of min. approx. 50. By using sufficient exposure usually even by dried filling tightend leaks and cannulas are detected again. The method is not suitable for testing the performance of water-soluble coatings. When testing medical packaging with one porous side, the exposure time should not exceed 20 s to prevent the dye from penetrating the porous material and making evaluation difficult.

Leak tightness/leakage test/pores: creep oil methode inhouse method

Specific Norm: Hausverfahren PV036

This method works by using a dyed fluid based on penetrating oil. It is used in practice for the examination of various packaging materials and experience has shown, that it is also suitable for detecting the smallest micropores and cannulas (pinholes). By using sufficient exposure usually even by dried filling tightend leaks and cannulas are detected again.

Leak tightness/leakage test/pores: with real filling goods

Specific Norm: Hausverfahren PV036

This method works by using real filling goods. In practical use, it is used to examine a wide variety of packaging materials and is often used to verify the results obtained with color inks, creep agents, test gases, etc.