NL2009394C2 - Apparatus and method for testing leak tightness of a package. - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for testing leak tightness of a package. Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2009394C2
NL2009394C2 NL2009394A NL2009394A NL2009394C2 NL 2009394 C2 NL2009394 C2 NL 2009394C2 NL 2009394 A NL2009394 A NL 2009394A NL 2009394 A NL2009394 A NL 2009394A NL 2009394 C2 NL2009394 C2 NL 2009394C2
Authority
NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
package
chamber
receptacle
temperature
lid
Prior art date
Application number
NL2009394A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Arjan Tonnis Smit
Original Assignee
A T Smit Holding
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by A T Smit Holding filed Critical A T Smit Holding
Priority to NL2009394A priority Critical patent/NL2009394C2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2009394C2 publication Critical patent/NL2009394C2/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/32—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G01M3/3218—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators for flexible or elastic containers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/32—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G01M3/3281—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators removably mounted in a test cell

Description

P98579NL00
Title: Apparatus and method for testing leak tightness of a package
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for testing leak tightness of a package.
5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Methods for testing leak tightness of a package are known per se. Methods are known in which the package is placed inside a closed chamber and the chamber is brought to an overpressure or underpressure relative to atmospheric pressure. Next, a change in gas pressure inside the chamber is 10 monitored. The change in gas pressure arises by gas entering or exiting the package as a consequence of a leak in the package.
The sensitivity of the leak detection inter alia depends on an absolute value of the overpressure or underpressure, a size of free space surrounding the package in the chamber, a change (rate) of temperature in 15 the free space, and a sensitivity of the pressure sensor used.
SUMMARY
It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for testing leak tightness of a package with enhanced accuracy 20 and/or in a reduced amount of time.
Thereto, according to the invention is provided an apparatus for testing leak tightness of a package, comprising a receptacle for receiving the package, a lid for closing the receptacle, the lid and receptacle enclosing a chamber for holding the package, a pump for reducing a gas pressure inside 25 the chamber, a pressure sensor for determining the gas pressure inside the chamber, wherein the receptacle has a predetermined inner shape which is substantially complementary to an outer shape of the package.
2
This provides the advantage that the size of a free space surrounding the package in the chamber is minimised. Minimising the free space reduces the volume of gas which is maintained inside the chamber at the overpressure or underpressure. Determining a change in the 5 overpressure or the underpressure due to a leak in the package can then be performed with much greater accuracy and/or in a reduced amount of time.
Optionally, the lid has a predetermined inner shape which is complementary to an outer shape of the package. This allows to even further reduce the size of the free space surrounding the package in the chamber.
10 Preferably, the receptacle, and optionally the lid, is substantially rigid.
Hence it is possible to easily provide the receptacle and/or lid which has the predetermined inner shape complementary to the outer shape of the package. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the receptacle, and optionally the lid, is semi-rigid or flexible, as long as the receptacle, and 15 optionally the lid, in its stable neutral condition, i.e. when not subjected to overpressure or underpressure, retains its shape complementary to the package.
The package may be substantially rigid. Hence it is possible to easily provide the receptacle and/or lid which has the predetermined inner 20 shape complementary to the outer shape of the package. It is also possible that the package is somewhat flexible. In that case the receptacle and/or lid has the predetermined inner shape complementary to the outer shape of the package in its stable neutral condition. It is also possible that the receptacle and/or lid has the predetermined inner shape complementary to an average 25 of desired outer shape of the somewhat flexible package.
Optionally, the apparatus further includes a processor which is arranged to receive a value of gas pressure inside the chamber from the pressure sensor. The processor can further be arranged for determining whether a package under test is leaking or airtight, e.g. from an absolute 30 value of the gas pressure or from a change in time of the gas pressure. It 3 will be appreciated that in many cases leak tightness is a relative parameter defined by the amount of inflow or outflow of gas per unit time. Therefore, the processor may be arranged to determine whether or the package is leaking or tight by comparing a determined leak tightness (inflow or outflow 5 per unit time) with a predetermined threshold value.
The processor may be arranged for receiving a plurality of values of gas pressure inside the chamber from the pressure sensor, each value associated with a separate measurement from the pressure sensor when measuring the pressure surrounding one and the same package. The 10 processor can then determine an average value of the plurality of values so as to increase accuracy and/or reliability of the measurement.
It is also possible that the processor is arranged for receiving a plurality of values of gas pressure inside the chamber from the pressure sensor, the values associated with separate measurements from the 15 pressure sensor when measuring the pressure surrounding at least two mutually different packages. The processor can then compare the value(s) associated with a first package with the value(s) associated with a second package. From the comparison the processor can determine whether or not one of the at least two packages is leaking. It will be appreciated that the 20 first or second package with highest determined inflow or outflow may be selected for rejection. It will be appreciated that when the determined leak tightness of more than two packages is compared in this way, it is easier to determine a deviating leak tightness which may be indicative of a package to be rejected. It is possible that the at least two packages are subjected to 25 leak tightness determination consecutively in the same chamber.
Alternatively, or additionally, a plurality of packages may be subjected to leak tightness determination in a plurality of chambers, e.g. simultaneously.
It is noted that apparatus for testing leak tightness of a package are known in which the chamber is formed by two flexible sheets, which 30 adapt to the shape of the package when gas is pumped out of the chamber 4 formed around the package between the two sheets. It will be appreciated, however, that in these apparatus a considerable amount of gas has to be removed from the chamber before the sheets are adapted to the shape of the package. As such, these known apparatus require much longer pumping 5 times and more power pumps than the apparatus of the present invention in which the receptacle, and optionally the lid, have a persistent shape (substantially) complementary to the outer shape of the package as described herein.
Optionally the receptacle has a larger heat capacity than the 10 package. This provides the additional advantage that the temperature of the gas in the free space is mainly determined by the temperature of the receptacle and to a much lesser degree by a temperature of the ambient air or the temperature of the package. Hence, the temperature of the package or the ambient air has a reduced impact on the accuracy of the 15 determination of the pressure inside the free space, and thus on the accuracy of the leak detection. Also, a waiting time, required for allowing the temperature of the gas in the free space to reach an equilibrium value is thus reduced.
Optionally the receptacle comprises, or is substantially made of, a 20 material having a large specific heat capacity, such as brass or another metal. Preferably, said material has a larger specific heat capacity than the material of which the package is made.
In an advanced embodiment, the receptacle is provided with a heating and/or cooling system. The heating and/or cooling system can 25 include a temperature controller. The temperature controller can be arranged for maintaining the temperature of the receptacle at a predetermined or set temperature. The receptacle may be maintained at ambient temperature or at an elevated or decreased temperature. E.g. in case the package tend to have a intrinsic temperature that deviates from 30 ambient temperature, for instance due to a recent step in the manufacturing 5 process of the package, it can be of advantage for the temperature controller to maintain the receptacle at, or close to, the intrinsic temperature.
It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the lid has a larger heat capacity than the package. It is also possible that the lid 5 comprises, or is substantially made of, a material having a large specific heat capacity, such as brass or another metal. It is also possible that the material of the lid has a larger specific heat capacity than the material of which the package is made. It is also possible that the lid is provided with a heating and/or cooling system. The heating and/or cooling system of the lid 10 can include a temperature controller similar to temperature controller of the heating and/or cooling system of the receptacle, or be controlled by the same temperature controller that controls the heating and/or cooling system of the receptacle.
Optionally the receptacle, or the lid, has a larger thermal 15 conductivity than the package. This too provides the additional advantage that the temperature of the gas in the free space is mainly determined by the temperature of the receptacle, or the lid, and to a much lesser degree by a temperature of the ambient air or the temperature of the package. Preferably, the receptacle, or the lid has a larger heat capacity and larger 20 thermal conductivity than the package.
Optionally, the receptacle or the lid comprises, or is substantially made of, a material having a large thermal conductivity, such as brass or another metal. Preferably, said material has a larger thermal conductivity than the material of which the package is made.
25 Optionally, the pressure sensor is mounted to the receptacle thermally insulated from the receptacle. The pressure sensor can also be mounted to the lid thermally insulated from the lid.
Optionally, a surface of the inner shape of the receptacle has a surface texture to ensure the presence of a coherent inner space between the 30 receptacle and the package. Hence, when the package is inserted into the 6 chamber, even if the package abuts against the receptacle, an inner space is maintained between the package and the receptacle so as to allow gas to move. This prevents gas from being trapped in undesired pockets between package and the receptacle. Hence, gas can easily be pumped out of the 5 inner space for reducing the pressure in the inner space.
Optionally, the surface of the inner shape of the receptacle is provided with at least one of a mesh, a porous foil, a sintered foil, a napped foil, grooves, ridges and bosses. These provide simple ways to provide the inner space. It will be clear that it is preferred that such surface is provided 10 in combination with the large specific heat capacity of the receptacle and/or the temperature control.
It will be appreciated that the surface of the inner shape of the lid may be identical, or similar, to the surface of the inner shape of the receptacle.
15 Optionally, the apparatus is further provided with a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of gas inside the chamber. Preferably, the processor is arranged to receive a value of gas temperature inside the chamber from the temperature sensor. The processor is further arranged for correcting the value of the gas pressure on the basis of the 20 value of the gas temperature. Such correcting may include calculating the equivalent pressure at a reference temperature, e.g. 20 °C.
Optionally, the temperature sensor is mounted to the receptacle thermally insulated from the receptacle. The temperature sensor can also be mounted to the lid thermally insulated from the lid. This provides the 25 advantage that the temperature sensor measures the true temperature of the gas in the chamber. Also, this allows the temperature sensor to react to changes in gas temperature much faster.
Optionally the apparatus is included in a production line for production of a plurality of the package. Herein, the processor may be 30 arranged for generating a selection signal representative of whether or not a 7 package under test is airtight. Thereto, the processor may be arranged to compare the (change over time of the) gas pressure in the chamber with a predetermined threshold value, while the package is in the chamber at an underpressure or overpressure. The production line may be arranged to 5 reject or accept the package on the basis of the selection signal. Thereto the production line may comprise a rejection unit.
The invention also relates to a system for testing leak tightness of a package comprising an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and a package in combination, wherein an outer shape of the package 10 is complementary to the inner shape of the receptacle.
The invention also relates to a method for testing leak tightness of a package, comprising the steps of: providing a receptacle having a predetermined inner shape which is complementary to an outer shape of the package and a lid for closing the receptacle, the lid and receptacle enclosing 15 a chamber for holding the package, placing the package inside the chamber, reducing a gas pressure inside the chamber, determining the gas pressure inside the chamber, determining the leak tightness of the package on the basis of the determined gas pressure inside the chamber. It will be clear that such method allows for more accurate and/or faster leak testing of the 20 package.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be further elucidated by means of non-limiting examples referring to the drawings, in which 25 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according 30 to the invention; 8
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention; and
Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a detail of an apparatus according to the invention.
5
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of an apparatus 100 for testing leak tightness. The apparatus 100 comprises a receptacle 10 and a lid 5. In this example the lid 5 is provided with an O-ring 6 for 10 providing a sealing engagement with the receptacle 10.
A package 8 is provided. In this example, the package 8 comprises a semi-rigid tray 9. The tray 9 can be filled with a product such as a food product. On the open end the tray 9 is closed with a flexible foil 7.
In use, the package 8 is placed in the receptacle 10. The receptacle 15 10 has a predetermined inner shape which is complementary to the outer shape of the package 8. In this example, the inner shape of the receptacle 10 is complementary to the outer shape of the tray 9. When the package 8 is placed in the receptacle 10, the lid 5 is placed on the receptacle 10 so as to enclose the package 8 in a sealed chamber 13. In this example, the lid is 20 pushed against the receptacle by means of a movement mechanism 1, here a pneumatic cylinder (see Figure 2). In this example the inner shape of the lid 5 is complementary to the outer shape of the package 8. In this example, the inner shape of the lid 5 is complementary to the outer shape of the foil 7.
In this example, both the lid 5 and the receptacle 10 are 25 substantially rigid. Hence, good conformity of the inner shape of the chamber with the outer shape of the package 8 can easily be realised.
Once the chamber is closed around the package 8, the pressure of gas in the chamber is modified. In this example, the pressure of gas in the chamber 13 is reduced by means of a pump 4. The pump 4 is in fluid 30 communication with the chamber 13 via a valve 3. Once the chamber 13 is 9 at a desired underpressure, the valve 3 is closed. A pressure sensor 2 is provided for determining the gas pressure inside the chamber 13. The apparatus 100 includes a processor 20. The pressure sensor 2 is communicatively connected to the processor 20. The processor 20 is 5 arranged to receive a value of gas pressure inside the chamber 13 from the pressure sensor 2. The processor can monitor the gas pressure inside the chamber 13. If the pressure determined by the pressure sensor 2 rises over time, this provides an indication that the package 8 is leaking. Such rise in pressure can be indicative of an outflow of gas from the package 8. It will be 10 appreciated that any variation of pressure over time indicates a degree of leaking. It is of course possible that a certain degree of leakage is allowed, so that determination of leakage not necessarily is equivalent to rejection of the package. The processor 20 may compare the change of pressure (over time) with a predetermined threshold value. If the change exceeds the 15 threshold value the processor may indicate that the package displays leakage to such extent that the package should be rejected. The processor 20 may e.g. calculate an inflow or outflow of gas per unit time into or out of the package 8 and compare the calculated inflow or outflow with a threshold value for the inflow or outflow.
20 Since the inner shape of the chamber 13 is complementary to the outer shape of the package 8, a volume of free space between the package and the receptacle 10 and the lid 5, respectively, is very small. This provides the advantage that only a very small amount of gas needs to be pumped out of the chamber for achieving the desired underpressure. Also, the small 25 volume of free space makes that the determination of pressure change over time due to leakage is very accurate.
In this example, the receptacle 10 is made of brass. Hence, the receptacle 10 has a large heat capacity. The large heat capacity provides the additional advantage that the temperature of the small volume of gas in the 30 chamber 13 is mainly determined by the temperature of the receptacle 10 10 and to a much lesser degree by a temperature of the ambient air or the temperature of the package 8. Hence, the temperature of the package 8 or the ambient air has a reduced impact on the accuracy of the determination of the pressure inside the chamber 13, and thus on the accuracy of the leak 5 detection. Also, a waiting time, required for allowing the temperature of the gas in the chamber 13 to reach an equilibrium value is reduced.
In Figures 1 and 2 the apparatus 100 is further provided with a heating and/or cooling system 12. It will be appreciated that the heating and/or cooling system is optional. The heating and/or cooling system 12 10 includes a temperature controller 11. The temperature controller 11 is arranged for maintaining the temperature of the receptacle 10 at a predetermined temperature. This provides the advantage that the temperature of the small volume of gas in the chamber 13 is mainly determined by the controlled temperature of the receptacle 10 and to a 15 much lesser degree by a temperature of the ambient air or the temperature of the package 8.
In an embodiment, the heating and/or cooling system 12 is used for compensating for thermal artefacts. The temperature controller 11 may thereto be communicatively connected to the processor 20. Such thermal 20 artefacts arise e.g. when the temperature of gas present in the volume of free space rises during the measurement. In such case the measured pressure increases, whereas no outflow from the package may be present. The temperature controller 11 may be arranged to change the temperature of the receptacle 10 during the measurement such that the temperature of 25 the gas present in the volume of free space remains constant. It is possible to determine the required temperature change (curve) by suitably calibrating the apparatus 100. Part of such calibration may be measuring the pressure with a dummy package which is guaranteed free of leakage present in the chamber 13.
11
It will be appreciated that artefacts may also arise due to inflow or outflow of gas into or out of the capsule itself. The processor 20 may thereto be communicatively connected to and arranged to control the valve 3 and/or pump 4 to counteract such inflow or outflow, e.g. by allowing a 5 compensating outflow or inflow, respectively, via the valve 3.
Figures 3 and 4 show a schematic representation of an apparatus 100 for testing leak tightness similar to the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2. The apparatus 100 in Figures 3 and 4 is further provided with a temperature sensor 22. The temperature sensor 22 is communicatively 10 connected to the processor 20. The processor 20 is arranged to receive a value of temperature inside the chamber 13 from the temperature sensor 22. The processor 20 is further arranged for correcting the value of the gas pressure received from the pressure sensor 2, or a value of a determined leak tightness, on the basis of the value of the gas temperature. Such 15 correcting may include calculating an equivalent pressure at a reference temperature, e.g. 20 °C.
In the example, the temperature sensor 22 is mounted to the lid 5 with a thermal insulator interposed between the lid 5 and the temperature sensor 22. This provides the advantage that the temperature sensor 22 20 measures the true temperature of the gas in the chamber 13. Also, this allows the temperature sensor 22 to react to changes in gas temperature much faster. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the temperature sensor 22 is mounted to the receptacle 10 with a thermal insulator interposed between the receptacle 10 and the temperature sensor 25 22.
Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a detail of an apparatus 100 for testing leak tightness of the package 8. Figure 3 shows the package 8 in relation to the receptacle 10. It will be appreciated that the detail of Figure 3 maybe implemented in the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.
12
In Figure 3, the inner shape of the receptacle 10 comprises a plurality of bosses 14. In between the bosses 14 a network of interconnected grooves 15 is formed. The outer surface of the package 8 abuts against the bosses 14. Therefore, the interconnected grooves 15 form small volume of 5 gas surrounding the package 8. It is this small volume that is to be evacuated by the pump 4. Since the grooves 15 are interconnected, gas can easily flow within the grooves so as to allow easy evacuation. Nevertheless, since the package 8 abuts against the plurality of bosses 8, the package is supported by the receptacle over substantially its entire surface.
10 Preferably, a height of the surface structure, here the bosses, is small so as to limit the size of the free volume of gas in the chamber 13 when the package 8 is contained in the chamber 13. Preferably a height of the surface structure is between 0.01 and 0.5 mm, more preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 mm.
15 It will be appreciated that the surface structure aids both in limiting the size of the free volume of gas and in providing that the receptacle is in good thermal contact with the free volume of gas. It will be clear that these combined aspects further improve accuracy and speed of the leak detection.
20 In the foregoing, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention.
In the example, the lid is provided with a seal in the form of an O- 25 ring. It will be clear that any seal can be used instead of the O-ring. It will also be clear that alternatively, or additionally, the receptacle can be provided with a seal.
In the example the receptacle 10 has a large heat capacity. In general, the receptacle comprises, or is substantially made of, a material 30 having a large specific heat capacity, such as brass or another metal.
13
Preferably, said material has a larger specific heat capacity than the material of which the package is made.
In the example of Figure 3, the receptacle comprises a plurality of bosses. It is also possible that the surface of the inner shape of the 5 receptacle is provided with a mesh, a porous foil, a sintered foil, a napped foil and/or ridges. Such surface structure may be provided e.g. by etching, milling, scraping or sandblasting. Alternatively such structure may be provided by gluing, fitting or welding structure elements onto the surface. More in general, the surface of the inner shape of the receptacle has a 10 surface texture to ensure the presence of a coherent inner space between the receptacle and the package.
However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.
15 In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a 20 plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims (15)

1. Inrichting voor het testen van lekdichtheid van een verpakking, omvattende: een houder voor het opnemen van de verpakking, een deksel voor het sluiten van de houder, waarbij het deksel en de 5 houder een kamer omhullen voor het houden van de verpakking, een pomp voor het reduceren van een gasdruk binnen de kamer, een druksensor voor het bepalen van de gasdruk binnen de kamer, waarbij de houder een vooraf bepaalde binnenvorm heeft die complementair is aan een buitenvorm van de verpakking. 101. Device for testing a leak tightness of a package, comprising: a container for receiving the package, a lid for closing the container, wherein the lid and the container enclose a chamber for holding the package, a pump for reducing a gas pressure within the chamber, a pressure sensor for determining the gas pressure within the chamber, the container having a predetermined inner shape that is complementary to an outer shape of the package. 10 2. Inrichting volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het deksel een vooraf bepaalde binnenvorm heeft die complementair is aan een buitenvorm van de verpakking.Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid has a predetermined inner shape that is complementary to an outer shape of the package. 3. Inrichting volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij de houder een grotere warmtecapaciteit heeft dan de verpakking.Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder has a greater heat capacity than the package. 4. Inrichting volgens conclusie 1, 2, of 3, waarbij de houder een materiaal omvat met een groter soortelijke warmtecapaciteit dan het 20 buitenmateriaal van de verpakking.4. Device as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the holder comprises a material with a greater specific heat capacity than the outer material of the package. 5. Inrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de houder voorzien is van een verwarming en/of koelsysteem.Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the holder is provided with a heating and / or cooling system. 6. Inrichting volgens conclusie 5, waarbij het verwarming en/of koelsysteem een temperatuurregelaar omvat.Device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the heating and / or cooling system comprises a temperature controller. 7. Inrichting volgens conclusie 6, waarbij de temperatuurregelaar ingericht is voor het behouden van de temperatuur van de houder.Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the temperature controller is adapted to maintain the temperature of the container. 8. Inrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de 5 binnenvorm van de houder een oppervlaktetextuur heeft om de aanwezigheid van een coherente binnenruimte tussen de houder en de verpakking te verzekeren.8. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the inner shape of the holder has a surface texture to ensure the presence of a coherent inner space between the holder and the package. 9. Inrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de 10 binnenvorm van de houder voorzien is van ten minste een van een gaas, een poreuze folie, een gesinterde folie, een opgeruwde folie, groeven, ribbels, en nokken.9. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the inner shape of the holder is provided with at least one with a mesh, a porous foil, a sintered foil, a roughened foil, grooves, ridges, and cams. 10. Systeem voor het testen van lekdichtheid van een verpakking 15 omvattende een inrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies en een verpakking in combinatie, waarbij een buitenvorm van de verpakking complementair is aan de binnenvorm van de houder.10. System for testing a leak tightness of a package, comprising a device according to any one of the preceding claims and a package in combination, wherein an outer shape of the package is complementary to the inner shape of the container. 11. Werkwijzen voor het testen van lekdichtheid van een verpakking, omvattende de stappen van: het verschaffen van een houder met een vooraf bepaalde binnenvorm die complementair is aan een buitenvorm van de verpakking en een deksel voor het sluiten van de houder, waarbij het deksel en de houder 25 een kamer omhullen voor het houden van de verpakking, het plaatsen van de verpakking binnen de kamer, het reduceren van een gasdruk binnen de kamer, het bepalen van de gasdruk binnen de kamer, het bepalen van de lekdichtheid van de verpakking op basis van de 30 bepaalde gasdruk binnen de kamer.Methods for testing a leak tightness of a package, comprising the steps of: providing a container with a predetermined inner shape that is complementary to an outer shape of the package and a lid for closing the container, the lid and the container 25 enclosing a chamber for holding the package, placing the package within the chamber, reducing a gas pressure within the chamber, determining the gas pressure within the chamber, determining the leak tightness of the package based on of the determined gas pressure within the chamber. 12. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 11, waarbij de houder een grotere warmtecapaciteit heeft dan de verpakking.The method of claim 11, wherein the container has a greater heat capacity than the package. 13. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 11 of 12, waarbij de houder een 5 materiaal omvat met een groter soortelijke warmtecapaciteit dan het buitenmateriaal van de verpakking.13. Method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the holder comprises a material with a greater specific heat capacity than the outer material of the package. 14. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 11, 12, of 13, verder omvattende de stap van het regelen, zoals het behouden, van een temperatuur van de 10 houder.14. A method according to claim 11, 12 or 13, further comprising the step of controlling, such as, maintaining a temperature of the container. 15. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 11-14, waarbij de binnenvorm van de houder een oppervlaktetextuur heeft om de aanwezigheid van een coherente binnenruimte tussen de houder en de 15 verpakking te verzekeren.15. Method as claimed in any of the claims 11-14, wherein the inner shape of the holder has a surface texture to ensure the presence of a coherent inner space between the holder and the package.
NL2009394A 2012-08-30 2012-08-30 Apparatus and method for testing leak tightness of a package. NL2009394C2 (en)

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NL2009394A NL2009394C2 (en) 2012-08-30 2012-08-30 Apparatus and method for testing leak tightness of a package.

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Citations (5)

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EP0379986A2 (en) * 1989-01-27 1990-08-01 Martin Lehmann Process for reducing the measuring cycle time and for increasing the measuring pressure sensitivity of a leak-testing method, and associated test container
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US20080264821A1 (en) * 2007-04-30 2008-10-30 Liang Guoqiang Plastic bags for vacuum packing

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