Bosch Packaging Technology has continuously expanded its portfolio of container closure integrity (CCI) technologies in recent years with high voltage leak detection and laser-based headspace analysis. The company will continue this trend with the launch of its new KLV series for vacuum leak detection.
The first in the series, the KLV 1360 can inspect between 250 and 600 containers per minute while the vacuum process ensures high inspection sensitivity. It achieves its performance thanks to special inspection chambers, where the containers can be tested either individually or in groups. Developed for vials and suitable for rigid glass containers, the KLV can inspect up to three containers simultaneously in one chamber, depending on the body diameter–which can vary from eight to 56 millimeters.
In vacuum leak detection, negative pressure is created in hermetically sealed chambers. If the container is faulty, the leaking fluid or gas causes the pressure to rise. The KLV 1360 measures this pressure increase with very high sensitivity. The machine is able to measure leaks equivalent to hole sizes of less than five micrometers.
Protection even after inspection
The KLV is the first machine of its kind where the integrated robotic system not only feeds the containers that require inspection into the process, but also adds reference samples for internal process control. In addition, automatic re-inspection makes sure that only containers that have clearly been tested leave the machine.
Even after inspection, the product and closure quality remain a top priority. The KLV does not grip the containers from above. Instead, the slightly slanted transport system makes it possible to remove the containers from the inspection chamber sideways in order to prevent leaks occurring due to closure gripping. Furthermore, a star-wheel system ensures gentle transportation through the system with minimal wear and tear. Because of its modular construction, the KLV 1360, which has a turntable fitted as standard, can be seamlessly integrated into existing lines.
