F O R M , FI L L & S E A L
New measurement system for perfectly sealed MAP packaging LeakCheck is GEA’s new in-line measurement system capable of the contactless checking of seal and package integrity on all forms of modified atmosphere packs (MAP). This guarantees the protective function of the seal and assures consumers about the quality of the products and food packaging.
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onsumers want fresh, hygienically packaged food, while retailers want long-lasting products that look
GEA LeakCheck sensors measure the oxygen content of the MAP packs
Volker Sassmannshausen
attractive. Positioned at the start of the supply chain, food manufacturers must provide solutions that meet all hygiene and quality standards. Meeting these demands while boosting productivity calls for end-toend process monitoring automation. First in line was GEA’s tried-and-trusted OxyCheck quality control system. This contactless, non-invasive oxygen content
GEA LeackCheck
measuring system has been verifying MAP since 2017. Based on that system, the GEA
Thanks to GEA LeakCheck, the two key
LeakCheck now uses an in-line process on
factors for ensuring food safety – residual
the GEA thermoformer to test the seal and
oxygen content and seal integrity – can
package integrity on each package.
now be continuously recorded and
The test procedure comprises three steps.
monitored on an end-to-end basis.
Firstly, the residual oxygen content in each
Process errors are rapidly detected and the
package is measured with a fluorescent
delivery of faulty packaging is virtually zero.
sensor spot printed on the inside of the
In summary, Volker Sassmannshausen,
top film. Optical sensors mounted on the
senior product manager, thermoforming
thermoformer project light onto the sensor
packaging systems at GEA, emphasises, “With
spot, gauging the wavelength of the light
the GEA LeakCheck, all units leaving the
emitted by the dye to accurately determine
packaging machine are tested non-invasively.
the oxygen content.
Since the measuring techniques are non-
This step alone significantly reduces the
invasive, neither the packaging material nor
risk of defective packaging with excessively high residual oxygen levels. Next, packages
detected and accurately removed on exiting
are subjected to overpressure and under
the packaging machine. This method ensures
pressure in a stress unit before a second
that even the smallest leaks are detected.
contactless measurement is taken. If the
To boost food processing productivity, the
new result differs from the first, the package
industry is focusing on automation. The aim
seal is broken. Using the GEA CombiPick, for
is to achieve a consistent or even enhanced
instance, the leaky package is automatically
product quality.
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Food Review | August 2020
the contents are wasted. Besides efficiency and sustainability, the upshot is that practically no defective packaging reaches the market.” •
GEA – www.gea.com
