BlisterScan, the non-destructive leak tester, identifies leaks as small as 7µ in individual blister pockets of pharmaceutical or medical blister packs. It is the perfect alternative to the Methylene Blue Dye Test

It pinpoints micro holes and weak seals in:

• Non-porous blister packs in materials such as PVC, PVDC, ALu/Alu, Aclar etc
• Blisters containing solid dose products such as tablets, capsules or medical devices.
• Multiple blisters from a full sealing index measuring up to 320mm Width x 150mm Length

Non-destructive leak tester for blister packs, perfect for:

Drug stability testing in laboratories

R&D departments test materials to ensure the correct materials are used to protect new products from contamination by moisture, air and bacteria. 

QA Testing of packaging processes

Build leak tests into the Quality Assurance procedures for your blister packaging line. Objective seal testing maintains compliance and ensures the integrity of the packaging process. BlisterScan ensures protection from moisture, air and bacteria and allows investigation of atypical results. 

Reduce production rejects

Minimise reject blisters and waste disposal created in pharmaceutical production and packaging facilities by carrying out leak testing more frequently. Earlier detection of a leak means line operators can troubleshoot the cause of a leak before a large volume of faulty blisters are produced.

Non-destructive test generates less waste and bigger product yield

• The non-contact laser scanning method is clean and dry, unlike other destructive leak testing methods (eg Methylene Blue Dye Test), and does not destroy test product or packaging.
• Tested product can be retrieved from faulty packs and repackaged.
• Packs which pass the leak test can be put back onto the production line.

• Detects holes down to 10 microns.
• Totally objective results as no operator intervention is required
• Pass or fail criteria can be set to the same micron level as your existing Blue Dye Test.
• Result data is stored and can be printed or downloaded to other storage devices for further analysis.

• Fast test cycle means that leak testing can be carried out more frequently.
• Earlier detection of leaks allows line operators to investigate the cause of the failed seal more quickly, so fewer faulty packs are produced on the line.

• The average user can save $1,000 per day by replacing the methylene blue dye test with BlisterScan

• No special technical skills required.
• Touch screen operator interface.
• 30 second product changeover.

Leak Test Method

A beam of light scans the individual pockets before and after applying a vacuum. After a set dwell time the blister pockets are scanned again. A Pass or Fail result is given for each individual pocket based on a comparison of the “before” and “after” readings against a pre-determined leakage acceptance level. Further graphical analysis is provided for each individual blister pocket. This enables engineers to trace and identify the source of a leak more easily.

SEPHA is happy to deliver a live web-based demonstration of BlisterScan. Request a demonstration.

Machine Operation

1. The operator inserts the custom product nest into the tooling holder and closes the drawer.
2. BlisterScan automatically scans the nest and selects the correct test method from its library of pre-programmed blister formats.
3. The operator enters batch data via the touch screen and keyboard.
4. The operator opens the drawer and places the blister packs in the product nest.
5. The operator closes the drawer to seal the test chamber and presses the start button.
6. BlisterScan runs the test.
7. A Pass or Fail result for each pocket is shown on the screen.

Storage of Result Data

A blister format library is installed onto the system before delivery. New formats can be added via any data storage device, eg USB, CD-Rom.

Tooling

A customised leak test method is developed for each product. Two low-cost product-specific nests are also required, which the system uses to identify the correct test method for that product.

Calibration

BlisterScan is supplied with a calibration tool. Calibration options are selected from the touch screen display.

Product Recognition

Automatically stores product-specific data in pre-designated file locations. BlisterScan verifies the product to be tested before each cycle.

Technical Specifications

Product Brochure

Sepha BlisterScan Brochure

Sepha Blisterpacking, Leak Testing and Deblistering Equipment Brochure  (.pdf format - 1175KB)

Useful Articles and Whitepapers about Leak Testing

Comparison of Leak Test Methods
Examines how different types of leak test match up to critical criteria.

Specification for a Leak Tester
Details a typical specification for a leak test and shows how BlisterScan compares.

How to Calculate Leak Testing Savings
Shows how leak testing improves quality control and improves blister packing processes.

FAQs about BlisterScan Non-Destructive Leak Tester
Your questions answered about detecting leaks and weak seals in blsiter packs with Sepha's BlisterScan.