This invention relates to a leak detection system and process for detecting and ejecting defective containers. Particularly, this invention relates to a leak detection system for filled and sealed pliable containers.
The leak detection system of this invention is used to test filled and sealed containers or packages for leakage and to automatically eject any defective containers from the product stream. Leaks in plastic molded containers, such as plastic bottles, can result from impurities in the plastic materials or in the molding process of the containers. Typically, leaks can be large, to cause fluid or other product contents to pour from the containers, or the leaks can be small, to cause small quantities of air or product contents to be expelled from the container particularly when placed under pressure.
Due to advances in the manufacture and filling of pliable or plastic containers, wherein the containers are filled and sealed in a continuous process, as well as in the speed of these processes, it has become increasingly necessary to properly test the individual containers for product leakage. Subsequent to the manufacturing, filling and sealing processes, the containers may be stacked or otherwise grouped, and/or packaged, for example, in cardboard boxes. Leaking containers can cause sanitation problems and may cause contamination in the packaged containers. Any such leakage is not desirable, particularly in the food services and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, leaking containers cause warehousing or storage problems in situations where containers, particularly those having liquid contents, are stacked in vertical layers. Thus, it is desirable to properly test any filled container prior to further packaging.
Most prior art devices and leak detection processes are designed for testing individual product containers or bottles in bath-type operations and, therefore, are not well suited for use in continuous product processing operations. Thus, because of the continuous nature and advancement in these manufacturing processes, most prior art leak detection systems proposed and utilized in the past are not suited for such operations.
The leak detection system of this invention, overcomes the shortcomings and limitations of these prior art devices. particularly, the leak detection system of this invention permits filled and sealed pliable containers to be tested in a continuous operation.