Leak measurement in flexible packaging

摘要

An apparatus and method for measuring of leaks in flexible gas-filled packaging wherein the force generated by a gas-filled package (10) under test is measured when the surrounding space is evacuated, and wherein a vacuum chamber (30) containing the test package (10) is arranged to be subjected to a vacuum step to achieve rapid application of vacuum to the test chamber (30). The rapid application of the vacuum is achieved by the use of a pre-evacuated chamber (36), or extra large capacity vacuum pump connectible abruptly to the test chamber (30) via a controllable valve (38). <IMAGE> <IMAGE>