GEA LeakCheck & OxyCheck

Get fully residual oxygen content control and leak detection of all packages produced with thermoforming packaging machines. Until now, incorrect O₂-content and leaks in food packages were identified by random inspection. Defective products were thrown away since most detection systems were invasive. GEA LeakCheck and GEA OxyCheck units help producers save food, packaging materials and time by analyzing a sensor-sensitive, fluorescent spot inside the MAP pack. Packages with the wrong oxygen levels or leaks can then be automatically rejected using, for example, a GEA CombiPick package sorting and converging system.

Automatic testing of residual oxygen content and tightness of all produced MAP packs without losses 

• Non-invasive technique based on fluorescent sensor-sensitive spot applied on inner surface of package film 
• MAP pack seals and films remain unaffected saving large quantities of film and food product 
• Fully integrated in the thermoformer 
• Supply only packages with right residual O₂ content and no leaks after the form-fill-seal process 

Increased food safety throughout the whole production volume 

• 100% process monitoring - all MAP packs are tested 
• No sampling tests necessary, where typically only less than 1% of the packs produced are tested 
• Reliable and precise system with no human error possible 
• No negative impact on the production capacity 

Significant time savings due to automated oxygen/leakage inspection process 

• No more manual testing by hand or visual inspection needed 
• Automatic rejection of defective packages 
• No labor-intensive tracing and tracking of out-of-specification packs

The inspection system consists of the following steps: The first O2 content measurement is taken by the GEA OxyCheck sensor installed right after the food packages leave the sealing station of the thermoformer such as GEA PowerPak or PowerPak PLUS. Further on, the GEA LeakCheck unit performs a stress test by applying compressed air pressure on all packs. After this, a second oxygen test unit re-checks the O₂ content. A difference in results points to a leak in the respective package.

Add-ons

As a combined single pack pick-and-place and converger system for end-of-line applications on GEA PowerPak and PowerPak PLUS thermoformer configurations, GEA CombiPick is a powerful add-on unit. Empty or defective food packages simply drop into a bin under the conveyor, while positively inspected products come out at the end in a clean line. In addition, this machine can merge up to six webs into a single-lane outfeed.