Device for inspection of thermally sealed pouches

Abstract

The article presents a method and device for checking the correctness of the thermal sealing process in foil food packaging in the form of the so-called pouches. The seal inspection process is performed using a destructive method, which involves introducing compressed air into the packaging using a probe and measuring the pressure at which the seal bursts. The pouch inspection process is carried out routinely every given number of packages produced, as determined by the manufacturer. The developed device consists of two main elements: control and measurement module (controlling the packaging inspection process and presenting measurement results) and an actuator module (in the form of a probe and metal plates between which the pouch is placed during the inspection process). The article presents sample results of saved pressure values for correct and faulty seals and an example chart of changes in the working pressure in the packaging during the measurement process. Packaging inspection in the food industry is one of the critical production stages included in the HACCP system, contributing to improving food safety and reducing the amount of food waste. The developed solution is a new product offer of Łukasiewicz-ITeE addressed to producers, especially from the food industry. A series of packaging inspection devices has been implemented in one of the domestic poultry plants. After modifying the actuator module to take into account the packaging specification, the device has the ability to inspect other types of containers intended for sealing, such as trays, bowls, etc.