Detecting small holes in packages

Patent · Tue Mar 19 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:203876

Kronberg, J W; Cadieux, J R

A package containing a tracer gas, and a method for determining the presence of a hole in the package by sensing the presence of the gas outside the package are disclosed. The preferred tracer gas, especially for food packaging, is sulfur hexafluoride. A quantity of the gas is added to the package and the package is closed. The concentration of the gas in the atmosphere outside the package is measured and compared to a predetermined value of the concentration of the gas in the absence of the package. A measured concentration greater than the predetermined value indicates the presence of a hole in the package. Measuring may be done in a chamber having a lower pressure than that in the package. 3 figs.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Savannah River Co
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,499,529/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-070,196
• OSTI ID: 203876
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
CONTAINERS
DETECTION
LEAK TESTING
OPENINGS
SULFUR FLUORIDES
TRACE AMOUNTS