FAQs

  • The sensitivity that can be achieved differs for each test method and depends on container type and content. The Multi-Q HD combined with vacuum decay offers extra sensitivity down to 1µm, while the standard Multi-Q vacuum and pressure decay methods can identify leaks as low as 5µm in parenterals. The VisionScan 3D can test for micron holes in blister packs as low as 5µm and the PakScan and MediScan can both test as low as 10µm.

    The sensitivity is often not determined by our machines, but by our customers’ requirements to demonstrate package integrity to protect the product inside.

     

    Product Test Method Container Type Sensitivity*
    Multi-Q HD Vacuum Decay Parenterals
    (vials, ampoules, bottles, pre-filled syringes, BFS)
    1µm
    Multi-Q Vacuum/Pressure Decay Parenterals
    (vials, lyo vials, ampoules, bottles, pre-filled syringes, BFS)
    5µm
    Multi-Q Flexible Membrane (Vacuum Decay) Flexible & Semi-Flexible Packaging
    (non-porous pouches, sachets, bags, stick packs, medical device packaging)
    15µm
    VisionScan 3D Vacuum Deflection Blister Packs 5µm
    PakScan Force Decay Flexible Packaging
    (non-porous pouches, sachets, bags, stick packs, medical device packaging)
    10µm
    MediScan Force Decay Flexible Packaging
    (non-porous pouches, sachets, bags, stick packs, medical device packaging)
    10µm

    * Pack and material dependent

  • Yes, the Sepha Multi-Q is multi-functional leak test machine developed to test Container Closure Integrity of parenterals including vials, ampoules, pre-filled syringes, bottles, BFS and liquid filled flexible packaging. The machine can be used in combination with different technologies including vacuum decay (ASTM F2338-09) and pressure decay.

    Parenteral applications that have a lower Maximum Allowable Leakage Limits (MALL) often require a higher level of sensitivity to demonstrate CCI. The Multi-Q HD has been developed to reach this sensitivity and offers a reliable solution down to 1 micron*

  • Yes, our leak test solutions can be used across different industries. While most of our projects are related to pharmaceutical packaging, in recent years we have worked with many different companies in other industries and have tested product including lenses, perfume bottles, dog treats, wet wipes, laundry tablets etc.

     

     

  • All our standard leak test solutions are off-line, that can be used in lab environments or next to a large packaging line. While we don’t offer standard in-line solutions, our technologies are adaptable. We have worked on different projects where our technologies have been integrated to provide in-line solutions. To discuss your requirements, please get in touch on +44(0)28 9048 4848 or info@sepha.com.

  • Depending on container type and content, our machines utilise different technologies. Blister packs for example are leak tested using vacuum deflection (ASTM F3169-16), while flexible packaging is tested by force decay or a flexible membrane in combination with vacuum decay (ASTM F2338-09). We also offer CCIT solutions for parenterals including vacuum decay (ASTM F2338-09) and pressure decay. And have developed method to perform ramp to event, ramp to proof or occlusion.

  • Our range of leak test solutions can test most container types used in the pharmaceutical industry including:

  • The deblister rate per hour varies per machine, ranging from from 16 up to 60 packs per minute depending on blister pack type.

  • Different types of blister packs can be deblistered ranging from peelable child-resistant packs to alu/alu push-through packs to staggered multi-product packs. An overview of the different blister pack types that can be deblistered per machine is available on the page What types of blister packs can be deblistered?

  • There are different reasons to deblister tablets or capsules from blister packs. Pharmacies for example deblister blister packs for dispensing purposes, while for pharmaceutical manufacturers it is key to recover valuable product from rejected blister packs. We will discuss the most common reasons below. Read more…

  • Yes, all models in the PressOut range use minimal pressure to extract tablets and capsules to prevent product damage during the deblistering process. This also ensures foil pieces do not detach from the blisters to prevent foil contamination.

    The PressOut Universal and PressOut Universal Mini have been developed for those products that need extra protection. The machines feature a cutting technology that partially cuts around the pocket, minimizing the pressure required to push out fragile or valuable products.

  • Yes, the Multi-Q and Multi-Q HD both utilise the Vacuum Decay method in line with ASTM standard test method F2338-09. The VisionScan 3D blister leak test solution utilises the principle of Vacuum Deflection according to ASTM standard test method F1369-16.

  • Yes, our range of leak test machines conduct non-destructive tests. Unlike traditional methods, for example blue dye, Sepha’s machines are non-destructive and reduce unnecessary, costly waste often associated with these test methods. Packs that have passed the test, can be returned to the production line.

  • Yes, the PressOut Universal and PressOut Universal Mini include a sophisticated cutting technology that is suitable for all types of blister packs including curved formats, peelables and heavy gauge alu/alu or child-resistant blister packs. The machines provide a gentle operation where the foil around the pockets is partially cut before pressing-out the product. This minimises pressure on fragile or valuable products and prevents foil contamination as the foil remains attached to the waste blister pack during emptying.

  • The EZ range of blister packaging machines offer a 3-in-1 process to create small batches of blister packs including Forming, Sealing & Perforating/Cutting. After the trays are formed in step 1, they are filled manually with tablets, capsules or medical devices in step 2, where the packs and content will be sealed. This is a quick and easy process.

    The video below shows the 3-step process for the EZ Blister+

     

    Discover the full Blister Packaging range:

  • Currently we do not have an off the shelf cutting machine that is separate to the EZ Blister or EZ Blister AutoFeed.

  • Our packaging machines do not have the facility to print text or images onto a blister pack, but they do have the ability to emboss coding digits onto the sealed pack. For example, expiry dates and batch codes.

  • We can provide a full suite of documents, including but not limited to, specification documents (FDS, URS) User Manual (Including declaration of conformity, material certificates, spares & parts list, pneumatic & electrical drawings) and validation documents (IQ/OQ)

  • The EZ range of blister packaging machines can package a wide variety of materials including PVC, PVdC, Tyvek, Aclar®, AluAlu and Peelables

  • The Autofeed option can be used for both thermoform and coldform packaging requirements. Material must be minimum of 130mm and maximum of 170mm width.

  • We can package a wide variety of materials ranging from PVC, PVdC, Tyvek, Aklar, AluAlu, Peelables

Sign up for our Sepha newsletter