Patent ID: 6279384
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A method for detecting a leak in a sealed package containing a product in the form of a foodstuff or a pharmaceutical, the method comprising:adding a hydrogen-containing test gas mixture into the package, the test gas mixture being at least substantially oxygen-free and having a hydrogen content ranging from 0.0001% to less than 5% by volume, the adding being to subject the contents thereof to a first pressure;maintaining the package in a chamber having a predetermined gas pressure, the maintaining being for a predetermined time;maintaining the hydrogen gas concentration of the gas in the chamber below a reference concentration, the reference concentration being less than the hydrogen gas concentration in the package immediately after addition of hydrogen gas to the package;detecting, after the predetermined time, the presence of hydrogen gas content in a measuring space in gas flow relationship with the chamber, with a detection apparatus;wherein the package is considered defective if hydrogen has leaked outside the package and a detected hydrogen gas content is higher by a predetermined value than the reference concentration.