Detecting Leaks in Nonporous Packaging by Dye Penetration

  

Vinod Kumar
Published : May 31, 2023

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DETECTING LEAKS IN NONPOROUS PACKAGING BY DYE PENETRATION 

Medical products and gadgets may accidentally become contaminated by packaging leaks. These leaks are typically seen at microscopic pinholes or breaks in the seals holding packing components together. The mentioned dye penetration processes can be used to identify seal channel problems. A qualitative pass/fail test is dye penetration testing. Any packaging that shows signs of a leak will be disregarded. Be aware that these testing techniques can pinpoint leakage sources and qualitatively confirm leaks. The test findings, however, cannot estimate the extent of the leak because these approaches are not quantitative.

Capillary action is used in the dye penetration detection of pinhole and channel leaks. When liquids are contained in narrow tubes, they tend to rise despite the pull of gravity. When the adhesive forces between the liquid and the surface of the tube walls are larger than the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules the capillary action takes place. The dye penetrant solution will rapidly wet the surface of the pinhole or channel since a pinhole or channel leak is essentially a tube and its surface tension is lower than that of flexible packaging materials. Due to capillary action, the dye penetrant solution does not need to be “pushed” into the channel or hole in order to identify leaks.

Video 01: ASTM F1929-12 | Dye Leak Test

Conclusion:

Detecting leaks in nonporous packaging by dye penetration is an essential process to ensure the integrity of packaging and prevent contamination or spoilage of the contents. The dye penetration test involves injecting a colored dye into the package and observing any leaks or penetrations of the dye through the packaging material.

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