LDA – In-Line Leak Detection System for Aerosols
In the aerosol production sector, ensuring the total integrity of containers is an essential safety requirement.
Traditionally, the ‘Water Bath Test’ is the standard for detecting leaks, but today the demands for productivity, precision and sustainability call for more advanced solutions. The Antares Vision Group’s LDA system represents the technological evolution for checking microleaks directly in-line.
Using innovative micro-sniffing technology based on infrared (IR) spectroscopy, LDA is able to sample the air around critical points in the container, detecting traces of propellant gas in the order of parts per million (ppm). This method not only ensures superior analytical sensitivity compared to traditional water bath tests, but also stands as a certified alternative method (ATM) fully compliant with the Aerosol Dispenser Directive ADD 75/324/EEC.
The integration of LDA into the production process eliminates the risks associated with explosive atmospheres and prevents the gradual emptying of products, safeguarding brand reputation and end-consumer confidence. Unlike water bath, LDA is a dry, non-destructive, compact system that operates at maximum line speed without compromising the product or requiring complex post-test drying systems. It is the ideal solution for those seeking objective precision, energy efficiency and complete digitisation of quality data in an Industry 4.0 perspective.
- 100% production control: in-line inspection at full speed without slowing down
- Propellant gas identification: analytical detection of Butane, Propane, Isobutane, DiethylEther (DME), HFOs, HFCs, CO₂, Nitrous Oxide
- Multi-gas capability, performance test compliant
- Versatility of containers: inspection of aluminium, steel, plastic or glass canisters
- Detection from all possible leak points: valves, seams and joints
- Sniffing IR technology: highly accurate infrared spectroscopic sensors for gas sampling
- Analytical sensitivity: detection capability up to 2.0 x 10-3mbarl s-1 , higher than water bath testing (approx. 10-2mbarl s-1)
- Compact and modular design: easy integration into existing lines with minimal footprint compared to conventional systems
- Simple and fast format changeover
- Integrated PC with intuitive user interface
- Industry 4.0 connectivity: open architecture with OPC-UA protocol for data exchange and automatic reporting
- Low maintenance, no wear parts
- Suitable for different sizes and types of canisters
- ATEX configuration: available in a version certified to operate in hazardous environments
- Can be implemented with weight control systems to identify overfilled (ADR requirements) and underfilled (non-compliant with weight regulations) products
- Maximum Safety: eliminates the risk of explosive atmospheres from undetected microleaks
- Non-destructive: dry system that avoids corrosion, water residue on the product and the need for drying
- Energy sustainability: drastic reduction in consumption compared to constant heating of water bath test vessels
- Objectivity of the test: elimination of human error and subjectivity typical of visual inspection of bubbles
- Brand Protection: avoids the risk of placing empty or malfunctioning products on the market, reducing complaints, recalls and penalties
- Localised Detection: identifies exactly the area of the product where the leakage is occurring in order to take timely action on upstream machine maintenance, improving overall plant effectiveness (OEE)
- Compliance with ADD 75/324/EEC: certified as part of an alternative system to a hot water bath
