Rigid and Flexible Container Leak Testing

The Sepha Multi-Q is a non-destructive, deterministic and multi-functional integrity testing system designed to detect leaks in non-porous, rigid, or flexible package types. The packaging industry is a diverse marketplace with multiple types of rigid and flexible containers or packages.

This diversity is the reason that Ascend Packaging Systems offers an all-in-one solution like the Multi-Q in leak detection machines for your packaging. We want to be partners in your success. That means equipping your operations with the tools you need. Tools that provide dependable results and flexible applications for all the different industries we serve.

Sepha Multi-Q Pressure Decay + HMI screen

Features and Benefits Technical Specifications CCI Testing Method

Features and Benefits of the Sepha Multi-Q

Efficient
Non-destructive

Objective
Simple Pass/Fail Results

Speed
Quick Test Time, Recipe-Driven

Simple
Fast, Tool-less Changeover

Memory
Batch Data can Be Stored or Printed

GMP Design
Built for cGMP Environments, Grade 304 stainless steel body

Technical Specifications of Sepha Multi-Q

Vacuum Decay

Test Type (Container)
Bottles, Ampoules, Vials, BFS, PFS, medical devices
Container Contents
Water-based liquids, lyo/powder, protein/glucose
Test Area/Size
N/A – Dedicated Tooling
Measurement Range
Down to 5 um
Test Cycle Time
Starting from 10 seconds
Operation
Fixed tooling attached to unit

Pressure Decay

Test Type (Container)
Bottles, ampoules, vials
Container Contents
Oil-based liquids, toxic products, lyo/powder
Test Area/Size
N/A – Dedicated Tooling
Measurement Range
Down to 5 um
Test Cycle Time
Starting from 10 seconds
Operation
Fixed tooling attached to unit

Construction
Anodized Aluminum and Acrylic-capped ABS cover

User HMI
10″ WXGA 1280 x 800 pixels with resistive touch screen

Connectivity
Active directory, network connectivity, central network storage, custom data MES/CPC connectors available, 3x USB, Ethernet port, external calibrated leak port

Data Storage Capacity
10,000+ recipes

Utilities
Electrical: 24v DC 4A
Air Supply: Min. 200 L/min at 0.6 Mpa

Features
LED status lights, flexible reports

CCI Testing Method

The Multi-Q’s pressure decay CCI testing method is often the preferred technique for testing leaks in vials and ampoules that contain toxic product, oil-based liquid or lyo/powder, glucose/protein or other products that can’t be tested using the vacuum decay method. Powdered and oily or viscous content can block the chamber when a vacuum is pulled, while toxic content can release toxic fumes when boiling point is reached to create a vacuum.

The method works by placing the container in the machine’s test chamber that’s pressurized at a target level. Then, the chamber stabilizes, and the decay or loss of pressure is measured over a predetermined time period. Changes in pressure indicate that air is leaking into the tested container.

Other testing methods compatible with the Sepha Multi-Q include:

Ramp to Event

A destructive, deterministic, quantitative test method that uses pressure/vacuum to ramp to an event.
Used for component testing to detect weak welds/seals etc.

Ramp to Proof Pressure

A non-destructive, deterministic, quantitative test method using pressure/vacuum to ramp to a target pressure.

Occlusion

A non-destructive, deterministic, quantitative test method using pressure drop/time.
Typically used to test parts that must remain open to function correctly.

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Container Closure Integrity Testing for Rigid and Flexible Packaging

The following packaging types can be tested using the Multi-Q’s vacuum decay container closure integrity testing (CCIT) method:

Rigid, non-porous containers including:
- Plastic screw capped bottles containing solids (tablets, capsules, powders) or liquids (with significant gas headspace volume)
- Glass or plastic vials containing liquids (with significant gas headspace volume) or solids (powders)
- Glass or plastic ampoules containing liquids
- Glass pre-filled syringes containing liquids or solids (lyophilized powders)
- Ophthalmic dropper tip bottles containing liquids
- Blow Fill Seal bottle or strip containing liquid
- Flexible, non-porous packages including bags and pouches containing solids (powders, medical devices)
- Sealed cups or trays containing solids (tablets, capsules, powder or devices)
- Non-lidded, empty cups or trays

Put Our Years of Experience to Work for Your Business.

We’re prepared to support our customers with all their packaging equipment needs.