METHOD FOR REDUCING TEST CYCLE TIME AND FOR IMPROVING MEASURING ACCURACY AT A LEAK TESTING PROCESS

摘要

: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the test cycle time and for improving the measuring accuracy of a leak testing process of a container. The process comprises the steps of providing a pressure difference as an initial predetermined pressure between the exterior of a closed container and the interior of the closed container without destroying the integrity of the container. The pressure exterior to the sealed container is measured for a certain time. This measurement determines the pressure integrity of the closed container. The method also includes the step of minimizing the volume of the exterior of the closed container wherein the size of that volume determines the test cycle time and the measuring accuracy. The invention further comprises a test chamber which is closable and contains a cavity for introducing the container under test. A means is provided for installing or introducing a pressure difference at an initial predetermined value between the exterior of the container under test and the interior of the cavity. A measuring unit is provided for measuring the pressure value which is dependent on the pressure difference and the leakage of the container. The shape of the cavity is at least substantially geometrically similar to the shape of the container so as to minimize the volume of the cavity outside the sealed container under test.