Bonfiglioli Presents the LVA Leak Detector for Freeze Dried (Lyophilised) Vials - Press Releases

Bonfiglioli Presents the LVA Leak Detector for Freeze Dried (Lyophilised) Vials
April 13, 2005
Pharmaceutical Technology
Bonfiglioli, one of the world's leading micro-leak detection companies have introduced the LVA leak detector for freeze dried (lyophilised) vials, utilising revolutionary laser absorption spectroscopy technology.
Until recently freeze-dried (Lyophilised) vials where checked for vacuum using a spark test which would make the glass glow if a vacuum is present. Due to the relatively long testing time required for energising the vial (especially amber) this method of test became unsuitable as production speeds increased. A revolutionary method has now been developed by analysing the head space pressure inside a vial using Laser Absorption Spectroscopy. Laser absorption spectroscopy is an optical measurement method for rapid and non-destructive gas analysis.
Light from a near-infrared semiconductor laser is tuned to match the internal vibrating frequency of a target molecule. The laser is emitted at the same frequency that will tend to that of the target molecule (example: Moisture or Oxygen). The light is passed through the headspace region of a container. Energy from the laser is absorbed by the target molecules and thus begin to vibrate. The light is then scanned in frequency and detected by a photodetector. The laser absorption signal contains information about the headspace gas concentration and total headspace pressure. If no energy was absorbed then it would mean that the target molecule was not present. The amount of energy absorbed depends on the amount of target molecules present in the container under test.
Bonfiglioli's laser absorption spectroscopy leak detection machine, the LVA, utilises one laser head and may achieve outputs of 300cpm depending on the type of container. An indication of the actual vacuum level is also determined and displayed. The LVA machine is fully computerised utilising a SCADA platform. The software is easy to operate and includes utilities such as a products database, Statistical reports etc. A printer is also installed for printing test results and parameters. The machine includes an Auto Self Test system using calibrated Check Vials where by the machine is self challenged as frequently as desired to assure 100% reliability.