| PROCEDURE: |
PURPOSE: |
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Leak Detection Testing
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- Validates seals in the container.
- Serves as a diagnostic tool by indicating imperfections in the
seal area before product is non-conforming.
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Opening Force
Place container top-up into the holding vice and align the cap under
the sensor arm. Activate the cylinder and read measure gauge at the end
of the upward stroke.
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- Measures the force required to open the container.
- Ensures container can be easily opened by anyone.
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Electronic Organoleptic Testing
Punch ¼ inch hole in lid of container and insert flexible hose of an
electronic nose (Aroma Scan) into the container. Remove the flexible
hose when test is complete.
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- Measure the volatile odors inside the container.
- Ensures containers conform to baseline odor parameters.
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Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate Testing (MVTR)
Open container and place a predetermined amount of desiccant into the
container. Close the container and place into an environmental chamber
(80% RH @ 72ºF). Weigh the containers at given intervals and record
weight gain.
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- Determines MVTR through the seal and sidewall of the container.
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Impact Testing (Drop Testing)
Fill containers with water and place at three different conditions:
(a) room temperature (b) 36ºF (refrigerator temperature) and (c) 0ºF
(freezer temperature). Drop containers bottom first and inverted from a
4-foot height. Inspect containers for damage and record data.
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- Determines the impact strength of the container at different
temperatures.
- Ensures containers can withstand impact across a range of
environmental conditions.
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Microbiological Testing
Swab inside wall of containers and transfer to growth agar for
enumeration.
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- Determines the sterility of the container.
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Internal Pressure Test
Invert container (cap side down) under a water bath and insert a
probe through the sidewall. Inject air through the probe into the
container until the container shows signs of air leakage in the water
bath. Measure the air pressure with a calibrated pressure gauge.
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- Quantifies internal air pressure required to break container seal.
- Validates the efficacy of airtight seal
- Ensures container meets minimum requirements to withstand air
transport.
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Continuous In-line Testing
Place an inert gas (argon) into the container prior to closing.
Measure the amount of escape through the seal area of the container by
using a continuous in-line measurement system.
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- Detects and rejects any container which does not meet the airtight
specification
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