KOLEJ KEMAHIRAN TINGGI MARA

LENGGONG
RGP 3133
Packaging Materials & Testing 2
(Jobsheet 04)

Tittle
DETERMINATION OF LEAK IN FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

Group Members Name: Mohamad Amirul Anis Bin Ahmad Termidzi

Matrix Number: LG200189
IC Number: 990825-08-6351

Programme Diploma Technology Packaging and Design

Session Nov 2020 – Dis 2021
Semester Sem 3
Lecturer name Sir Mohamad Razif Bin Abdul Rashid
Submit date 05 DEC 2021
 Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA
Lenggong, Perak

JOB SHEET

PROGRAMME DPD

SESSION SEMESTER 3
RGP3133
CODE & COURSE SHEET NO JS04
Packaging Materials & Testing 2
LECTURER RAZIF RASHID DURATION 6 Hours

TOPIC DETERMINATION OF LEAK IN FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

SUB-TOPIC
TOPIC
At the end of the experiment, students should be able to:
LEARNING
1. Determine the peel strength of adhesives in packaging
OUTCOME

Materials:
1. Flexible pouch package
TOOLS /
2. Water
EQUIPMENTS /
MATERIALS
Apparatus:
1. Leak tester
DRAWING AND
DATA
The ASTM-D3078 is the standard test method for determination of
gross leaks in flexible packaging containing a headspace gas by bubble
emission. The test is conducted by submerging the test specimen in
INSTRUCTION
the immersion fluid within the confines of a vacuum chamber. If bubbles
or seepage of fluid within specimen attributable to a leak are observed,
then the specimen fails the test.

PROCEDURE

STEP KEY POINT

A. Determination of leak of packages
1. Fill the chamber with enough water to
submerge a package when expanded.
2. Place a package to be tested in the
chamber and close the lid.
3. Turn on a vacuum pump and open a
regulator valve to generate vacuum
inside.
4. Increase vacuum (up to 30 inHg) until the
package is expanded.
PROCEDURE

STEP KEY POINT

5. If there's a leak, air or gas flow through
leaks will result in the formation of
bubbles outside the package where the
bubbles will rise from a leak.
6. When testing is complete, switch off
pump and relieve the vacuum.

RESULT:

1. Based on the observation on the expanded packages submerged in the water, identify
which packages has the following results:
• Positive: A steady stream of bubbles comes from the package at one or more locations.
• Negative: No bubbles are emitted from the package.
• False Positive: Bubbles cling to surface of the package after package is submerged in
water.
• False Negative: Food particles block holes through which air might escape from
defective package; or vacuum used is insufficient to force air through minute holes in
package.
2. Record the finding of each packages.

QUESTION/DISCUSSION:

1. Discuss the limitation of this test methods.

2. Explain the importance of conducting leak test especially in medical packaging.

CONCLUSION:
RESULT

1. Based on the observation on the expanded packages submerged in the water,

identify which packages has the following results:

Package A

• Package A was negative, the package was found to expand and No bubbles
were removed from the package.

Package B

• Package B is a False Negative, No bubbles are emitted from the package

surface after the package is submerged in water.
2. Record the finding of each packages.

Package A : the package expands and there are no bubbles

Package B : No bubbles are emitted from the package surface after the package is
submerged in water.

QUESTION/DISCUSSION

1. Discuss the limitation of this test methods.

Bubble Emission Method .This method is ideal for packages whose contents have
headspace or some amount of air or gas within the package. Placing the package in
MFY-01 Leak Tester, closing the lid, and submerging it under the water, vacuuming
the chamber. if air bubbles appear, then the package is compromised or faulty.

A leak can be defined as an unintended crack, hole or porosity in an enveloping wall

or joint, which must contain or exclude different fluids and gases allowing the escape
of closed medium. Critical leak spots in closed systems are usually connections,
gaskets, welded and brazed joints, defects in material, etc. A leak test procedure is
usually a quality control step to assure device integrity, and should preferably be a
one-time non-destructive test, without impact on the environment and operators.
Several leak-testing techniques are available, spanning from very simple approaches
to systems that are more complex.

The most commonly used leak test methods are underwater bubble test, bubble soap
paint, pressure and vacuum decay, and tracer gas detectors (halogen, helium and
hydrogen). The first three techniques, due to their characteristics and sensitivity, can
be used only for gross leak detection (300 g/y (10.5 oz) or more refrigerant leakages).
Tracer gas leak testing methods are much more precise than the previous group but,
in many cases, their theoretical sensitivity is more than is required. In a practical sense,
however, this is limited by environmental and working conditions.
2. Explain the importance of conducting leak test especially in medical packaging.

Leak detection is crucial for food and pharmaceutical packaging industry to preserve
the integrity of the products within the package. By using high-quality leak detection
instruments, it is possible to detect leaks in a timely manner and ensure that the quality
of food and pharmaceutical products is not compromised.

Medical package testing is done in order to ensure that the package’s seal meets
integrity standards. Validation offers the assurance and secure knowledge that the
package is properly seals, free of leaks and protected from outside contaminants.
Accelerated aging should be done after package testing has been done.

CONCLUSION:

The ASTM-D3078 is the standard test method for determination of gross leaks in
flexible packaging containing a headspace gas by bubble emission. The test is
conducted by submerging the test specimen in the immersion fluid within the confines
of a vacuum chamber. If bubbles or seepage of fluid within specimen attributable to a
leak are observed, then the specimen fails the test. This test method covers the
determination of gross leaks in flexible packaging containing a headspace gas by
bubble emission. A vacuum chamber shall be any transparent container capable of
withstanding approximately one atmosphere pressure differential, fitted with a
vacuum-tight cover. A vacuum gage, an inlet tube from a source of vacuum, and an
outlet tube to the atmosphere shall be connected to the chamber cover. Use an
immersion fluid which does not degrade the package being tested. The test sample
and test fluid shall be at equilibrium with normal room temperature. The procedures
for testing are presented in details.