In-line leak detection for MAP vertical products – LDS-V IoT CO₂

The Antares Vision Group LDS-V – IoT – CO₂ system is the benchmark for in-line leak detection on vertical products in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) such as cups, sandwiches, bags, pouches, and doypacks traveling upright on the packaging line. Adopted by leading food manufacturers worldwide, it provides automatic, non-destructive package integrity inspection on 100% of production, thanks to best-in-class detection performance, high operational reliability, and a proven ability to identify even the smallest micro-leaks that may compromise product shelf life, quality, and safety.

The solution operates at full production speed and detects CO₂ escaping from packages, without requiring any changes to the gas mixture inside the package.

The product infeed stage is designed to ensure extremely stable and accurate measurement conditions. Adjustable shutters, combined with a high-efficiency air-knife frame, create a protective barrier that isolates the inspection area from CO₂ present in the production environment.

As the product passes through the inspection station, four soft, motorized rollers apply gentle, uniform lateral pressure. The force is carefully calibrated to promote CO₂ release from packages with seal defects, holes, or micro-holes that are often invisible and difficult to detect using traditional methods. Any released gas is immediately captured by several sampling points positioned around the product, ensuring complete coverage of the entire surface.

The gas is analyzed by IR absorption spectroscopy, a highly sensitive technology that directly measures the concentration of CO₂ released by the package. This approach detects extremely small micro-holes that may not cause immediate product deterioration but can significantly reduce shelf life during distribution and retail display.

In addition to identifying and automatically rejecting non-conforming products, LDS-V – IoT – CO₂ provides process data that helps optimize packaging operations. Defect recurrence is analyzed by package area, enabling timely identification of thermoforming and sealing system anomalies, reduced machine downtime, and targeted maintenance.

Available as LDS-V – IoT – CO₂ and LDS-V – IoT – CO₂ HL for short and tall vertical products respectively, the system is also available in the classic configuration for horizontal formats.

LDS Series: the ultimate solution for eliminating destructive testing, reducing waste, and protecting brand value.

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