Pouch compression 2018
1 like442 views
This document summarizes a pouch compression tester machine. The machine can perform static and dynamic load tests on liquid- or gas-filled pouches to test seal integrity. It has digital controls, a load cell to measure force, and safety features like overloading cutoff. It can test pouches from 10ml to 1500ml in size. Key tests described are the dynamic load test, which compresses pouches until failure, and the static load test, which compresses pouches to a set load and holds for a set time to mimic retort processing.
Pouch compression 2018
- 1. Pouch Compression Pouch Compression Tester (Static + Dynamic Load Tester ) Pneumatic Model with constant rate of loading. Working principle : Constant rate of loading. (load is increased on the pack gradually) Suitable for testing the Seal Integrity of Liquid / Gas Filled - Pouches / Sachets / Blister-packs. Suitable for 10 ml – 1,500 ml or larger packs. General Features of the machine : Digital model Heavy duty load cell mounted under the lower platform measures the direct force on the pouch. Backlit LCD Display Embedded Push Buttons on control panel. Peak hold facility for registration of maximum reading. Auto-calibration facility using 50 / 100 Kg Deadweight Overload cutoff at max capacity. - Standard Platform size : L= 200mm x W= 200mm (Approx) Max Pouch size : L= 200mm x W= 200mm x H=45mm (Approx) - Large Platform size : L= 300mm x W= 200mm (Approx) Max Pouch size : L= 300mm x W= 200mm x H=70mm (Approx) Note : Other platform sizes (small or large) are also available. Computerised models (P 500/1000/1500 DDX) also available.
- 2. This equipment is suitable for : 1) Dynamic Load Test (Destructive Mode) Test Type : Press till failure In this method, the sample is compressed until the pouch bursts. 2) Dynamic Load Test (Non-Destructive Mode) Test Type : Press till Load Setpoint. Then release. In this method, the sample is compressed only upto the Load setpoint Pre-Determined by the user. If the pouch bursts before the set-point is achieved, then this becomes a destructive test. The machine automatically stops on sample failure or when the preset-load is achieved. Whichever is earlier. 3) Static Load Test (Non-Destructive Mode) (Also known as : Pressure Decay Test) Test Type : Press till Load Setpoint. Hold till Time Setpoint. The release. In this method, the sample is compressed upto the Load setpoint Pre-Determined by the user. Then, the force is held on the pouch for some time (predetermined by the user). After the times elapses, the machine automatically returns to the original position. If the pouch bursts before the set-point is achieved, then this becomes a destructive test. The machine automatically stops on sample failure or when the preset-load-time is achieved. Whichever is earlier. Note : The Static Load Test is done as per test specifications detailed in point # 4.1.2 of Chapter 4 of the “Flexible Retort Pouch Defects – Identification & Classification” by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Models Available : Sr No. Description Model # P500D Model # P1000D Model # P1500D 1 Capacity 500 Kgf 1000 Kgf 1500 Kgf 2 Least Count / Resolution 0.5 kgf 1 kgf 1 kgf 3 Accuracy (0.2% of Full Scale) 1 Kgf 2 Kgf 3 Kgf Safety Options : Option 1 No External Safety Device : - Machine to be used as-is. - No External Safety Port / Enclosure / Device attached. Option 2 Interlock Port : - An out-port will be provided with a special plug and socket. - You can make your own safety enclosure and connect the microswitch’s NO conection to the plug. - The machine will operate only when the microswitch is in pressed condition. - If microswitch is released, the machine will stop and reverse automatically. PROs : Cheapest option. You can make your own enclosure or safety shield concept. CONs : None in particular.
- 3. Option 3 Safety Shield Acrylic Box with Interlock : - A microswitch will be fixed above the Top Platform. - An acrylic box will be sitting over the entire top platform. Extending down upto the parking position of the moving platen. - Acrylic box needs to be removed for sample placement. - Without acrylic box in position, machine will NOT START. - If Acrylic box is removed in the middle of the test sequence, the machine will stop and reverse automatically. PROs: Cheap to build. Cheap to replace. Easy to clean in case of spills. CONs: Lifting the box (2-3 Kgs) for every test is not very convenient. Box can fall and break. Or can cause hurt to user. With Safety Shield Acrylic Box With Safety Shield Cabinet (EAS) Option 4 Safety Shield Cabinet (Extruded Aluminum Structure) with Interlock : - A cabinet will enclose the Moving part of the machine. - All sides of the cabinet will have transparent Acrylic for natural illumination / visibility. - The front door will have a magnetic latch and microswitch. - The door needs to be opened for sample placement. - Without door in position, machine will NOT START. - If door is opened in the middle of the test sequence, the machine will stop and reverse automatically. PROs : Looks much superior. Hinged door is easier to open for sample change. CONs : Slightly difficult to clean than the simple acrylic box (Option 3). Higher Cost. As per Canadian Food Inspection agency, retort pouches should comply with the static load burst test. You will have to press the pouch with a force of 7.5 kg per 15mm of inner seal perimeter and hold this force for 15 seconds. If the pouch leaks or bursts or even if the seals show signs of stress during this period, the batch is considered failed.