Seal-Scan® is an Airborne Ultrasonic Technology (ABUS) that inspects and analyzes pouch seals non-destructively offline. Seal-Scan® is a deterministic, quantitative, high resolution method that inspects pouch seals for defects and seal integrity for consistency. Testing is non-destructive, non-invasive, and requires no sample preparation. Seal-Scan® provides advanced digital imaging software tools for process control which offers in-depth seal quality analysis. Seal-Scan features two scan modes:
• Linear Scan (L-Scan) to simulate online defect detection line graph)
• C-Scan for detailed seal analysis, producing pixel by pixel evaluation of seal (Opto-Acoustic image)
Seal-Scan systems utilize the ASTM Test Method F3004-13, non-destructive test method for “Evaluation of Seal Quality and Integrity using Airborne Ultrasound Technology.” Approval of this test method was developed utilizing PTI’s ABUS technology.
Pouch seal or package material is scanned between two focused ultrasonic sensors. Ultrasonic waves propagate through single or multiple layers of bonded materials. Ultrasonic propagation through different mediums causes reflection of sound waves, and reduces/eliminates signal strength. The level of signal passing through the seal is a function of the quality of the seal. Various types of defects, leaking and non-leaking, process-related and random are detectable. Seal-Scan® is capable of producing Opto-Acoustic images as well as detailed statistical analysis by either of two scan modes (L-Scan and C-Scan). An L-Scan is a single linear scan along the X-axis of the seal that provides a line graph of seal integrity and simulates online inspection. C-Scan produces multiple scans (along X and Y-axis of seal area) that provide a high-resolution ultrasonic image of the seal structure. This technology can be integrated into a pouch production line via the Seal-Sensor for 100% on-line seal defect detection.
