In the packaging industry, plastic containers are used for the storage and transportation of liquid media. These include bottles, canisters, drums and IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), which cover a large volume range from approx. 0.5 to 1,200 liters. Ideally, these must be checked for leaks in the production process cycle. Due to its good availability, compressed air is often used as a test medium.

There are various challenges here: For example, the containers expand considerably when pressurized. Filling large-volume products to the test pressure requires special solutions to ensure that the filling process does not take too long. In addition, the test process can be influenced by the upstream blow molding process due to temperature effects.

The Cetatest 715 LV (Large Volume) leak tester was specially developed for the packaging industry. After the start impulse from the system control, the entire test sequence is controlled via the test device. The turbo filling option enables fast and automatic filling to the required test pressure. Integrated protective circuits protect the test part and the device's internal sensors. To achieve a stable measuring condition, the expansion behavior must be limited. For example, IBCs are tested in the transport grid box and additional hold-down devices are used. Temperature effects can be successfully compensated for by switching to appropriately parameterized test programs. For this purpose, the temperature of the test part is measured in the test stand and the appropriate test program is selected.

The test pressures are in the range of 25 to 160 millibars (depending on the product). With the Cetatest 715 LV, the leak test of a 1,000 liter IBC can be completed in a total test time of less than 30 seconds, achieving good separation and repeatability. Depending on the test part volume, holes between 0.07 and one millimeter in size can be reliably detected.

Thanks to its industrial interfaces, the tester is prepared for Industry 4.0 requirements. The transmission of the measured values to the control system enables traceability and evaluation of the production quality. as