(WITT Gasetechnik: Witten, Germany) -- Leaky modified atmosphere packaging is one of the most common causes of quality loss, customer complaints, and food waste in the food industry. With the LEAK-MASTER ONE, WITT Gasetechnik presents an inline leak testing system that, for the first time, combines two previously conflicting requirements: high-precision leak detection in the micrometer range, and clearly traceable individual testing at full packaging speed.

The LEAK-MASTER ONE is integrated into the MAP packaging line and checks products individually for leaks. It’s based on a CO_₂-based vacuum testing method with infrared sensors specifically designed to detect microleaks relevant to practical applications. With a detection threshold of around 10 micrometers, the system accurately identifies precisely those leaks that gradually compromise the protective atmosphere and often only become apparent as a quality issue at a later stage.

Individual inspection of up to 120 packages per minute

This is made possible by 12 minivacuum chambers operating in parallel that are loaded automatically using pick-and-place robotics. The system achieves a testing capacity of up to 120 packages per minute, thereby enabling, for the first time, highly sensitive leak testing of individual packages directly within the running process.

The LEAK-MASTER ONE resolves a key trade-off in inline leak testing: Whereas previously either slow, highly sensitive methods or fast but less accurate systems were used, the LEAK-MASTER ONE combines speed and precision at the individual package level.

Clear test results for every single package

The key process advantage lies in the clear and reproducible identification of every single leaky package. Each leak is detected and documented on a product-by-product basis, enabling targeted removal from the production line. For quality assurance and production, this means fewer follow-up checks, significantly less unnecessary waste, and higher output.

At the same time, the LEAK-MASTER ONE helps food manufacturers reliably meet the contractual quality requirements of retailers, avoid complaints, and support long-term supply reliability with major retail partners. Leaky packaging does not reach the market, allowing customer losses to be more effectively avoided.

For demanding MAP applications

The LEAK-MASTER ONE is suitable for almost all CO_₂-containing modified atmosphere packaging (excluding cases with a high oxygen content >20.9%) and for applications with high standards of process reliability and quality. Typical applications include meat and cheese products, convenience foods, fresh ready meals, baked goods, and other MAP applications.

More at wittgas.com.