CTE-I Leak test box
Convertible model and scalable
The CTE-I is a fully pneumatic immersion leak test chamber designed to detect leaks in heat-sealed or lidded packaging for solid products. Its operating principle is based on the ASTM D3078 standard: the packaging is immersed in water and subjected to a controlled vacuum (from -0.1 to -0.85 bar)
Any leak is indicated by the appearance of bubbles, allowing for precise and immediate identification of the defect.
Its fully pneumatic design sets it apart from electronic control boxes: it requires only a compressed air connection (6 to 8 bar via 8 mm Rislan® hoses) and can be used in areas where electrical installations are limited. The hinged transparent PMMA chamber provides a clear view of the product being tested, making it easier for the operator to identify and locate bubbles.
The CTE-I is a customizable and scalable model: the size of the body can be adjusted upon request, and a wide range of accessories and custom configurations are available to meet the customer’s specific needs. It comes with an LNE/COFRAC-accredited calibration certificate, ensuring the metrological traceability required by quality management systems.
Description
Implementation of CTE-I
The CTE-I box is used in all industrial sectors where the integrity of packaging is a quality or safety requirement:
Agri-food
Leak detection on pouches, doypacks, trays, yogurt cups, and modified-atmosphere packaging. An undetected leak can lead to product contamination, a shorter shelf life, and costly product recalls.
Cosmetics and Fragrances
Leak testing of skincare product pouches, cosmetic blister packs, and wipe pouches. Immersion testing allows for the precise identification of the source of a leak before the product is released to the market.
Pharmaceutical
Verification of the integrity of heat-sealed primary packaging (blister packs, tablet pouches, sterile pouches). The traceability of the test is ensured by the LNE/COFRAC calibration certificate provided with the CTE-I
Aeronautics and Industry
Leak testing of mechanical assemblies, seals, connectors, and enclosures. The flexibility of the vacuum settings (0 to -0.85 bar) and delay settings (0 to 999 seconds as standard) allows the test protocol to be tailored to the specific requirements of each application.
How does the ASTM D3078 immersion test work?
The immersion leak test according to ASTM D3078 is one of the simplest, fastest, and most cost-effective methods for detecting leaks in flexible packaging. The 4-step process:
- Immersion: The package is placed in the tank filled with water and held submerged by the perforated Plexiglas presser.
- Vacuum application: The chamber is closed, and a vacuum is gradually applied via the compressed air supply. The vacuum expands the air inside the package.
- Observation: The operator observes the surface of the package through the transparent box. Any leak is indicated by a continuous or intermittent stream of bubbles at the location of the defect.
- Reading and result: The vacuum level reached and the duration of the test are read on the vacuum gauge. The result is either compliant or non-compliant, depending on the protocol defined by the user.
This test is non-destructive for compliant packaging (samples that do not leak may be returned to the production batch).
Benefits
- Fast, economic and easy to use
- Reliable and economical
- Adapted to the production envrionment / Robust
- Test on receipt of raw materials, in production, before shipment
- Easy and quick maintenance due to the absence of electrical connection
- Safety jacks from a defined box volume
- Many accessories and possible arrangements according to the customer’s needs
Technical information
| Box | Transparent PMMA chamber on hinge |
| Range of measurements and accuracy | From -0.1 to -0.85 Bar as standard. |
| Useful dimensions | It depends on the size of box. |
| Reading the depression | Needle pressure gauge 50 mbar resolution |
| Units | Bar, Psi |
| Power supply | – On compressed air 7 bar network connected to Rislan® 8mm pipe. (not included) |
| Depression adjustment | Regulator with filter |
| Depression time | Adjustable time device from 0 to 999 s |
| Principle of the test | Visual |
| Temperature | From 0 to 40°C |
| Standards | ASTM D3078 |
Options
| Decrease in depression time (venturi more powerful) |
| Safety gas springs |
| Adjustable time device from 0 to 99 999 seconds |
| Water drain valve (without tray) |
| Manovacuometer with needle with better resolution |
| Specific accessories |
Delivered with:
A calibration certificate LNE / COFRAC
Also worth checking out :
The CTS-I enclosure — Vacuum bell jar version for small packages and laboratory testing.
The CTEX-I case — Electronic version with digital display, memory, and data export for documented traceability.
Our Calibration Service — Annual recalibration of the CTE-I with an LNE/COFRAC-accredited certificate.
The packaging leak test page — to explore our full range of leak detection solutions.
