On-Line Inspection System and Testing Method for Pouch Integrity

The off-line, destructive, inspection techniques currently used in packaged food manufacturing are not capable of rapidly detecting many package defects that occur in typical packaged food processing. Of particular concern is the detection of Meal, Ready-To-Eat MRE pouch integrity problems, specifically leaks and weak seals. The feasibility of three different types of units was demonstrated a light sensor unit capable of detecting pinholes in the foil- laminate package stock, a pressure unit which detects channel leaks and tests seal strength, and a vacuum unit to detect gross leaks and seal strength. To test the pressure concept, a two-pouch bench-top unit was built by Container Integrity Corporation and then employed to detect channel leaks in the seal area of MRE pouches. The test unit detected 4-mil diameter channel leaks within 1.5 seconds 100 of the time. The technique is promising for inspection of MRE pouches, plastic cups, plastic tray-packs, and half steam-table trays. It is recommended that a working prototype production machine be built in order to determine and define the system integration and detailed component design requirements. Leak detection, Package integrity, Seal defects, Pinhole detection, Inspection.