FTIR Spectrometry for Low Leak Rate Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing leak rates in pressurized containers, such as inhalers, are inadequate for ensuring product safety and compliance with regulatory standards, especially as manufacturing improvements lead to lower leak rates and increased consistency, requiring more precise monitoring techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a closed-loop flow path and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry to measure leak rates by circulating gases through a sample cell, allowing contents to accumulate and determining spectral responses to calculate instantaneous concentrations and leak rates, even for low leak rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional leak rate testing methods are used, then the testing process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for detecting low leak rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical leak detection methods with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, an optical analysis system. The FTIR system uses infrared radiation to detect and quantify propellant gases leaking from inhalers, providing much higher measurement precision for low leak rates while eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a closed-loop flow path as an intermediary system that circulates air through the test chamber and directs it through the FTIR spectrometry system. This closed-loop flow path allows leaked propellant to accumulate over time and enables the FTIR system to continuously monitor and quantify the leak rate with high precision
2Reliability
If manufacturing improvements are implemented to reduce leak rates, then product safety improves, but the ability to detect and characterize these low leak rates becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces insufficient conventional detection methods with FTIR spectrometry, which uses infrared radiation absorption characteristics to identify and quantify specific propellant gases. This optical method provides the sensitivity required to detect and characterize the low leak rates achieved through manufacturing improvements, ensuring product safety is maintained and verified
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop flow path that continuously circulates air through the test chamber and directs it through the FTIR spectrometry system. This continuous circulation allows leaked propellant to accumulate gradually over time, enabling the detection and characterization of very low leak rates that would be undetectable in single-pass or open systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise characterization and estimation of leak rates, ensuring product safety and compliance with regulatory standards by accurately measuring even low leak rates in pressurized containers.
Implementation Method 1
Gases, such as air from the test chamber, are then circulated through a sample cell of a spectrometry system, such as a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry system
Implementation Method 2
The present invention leverages a closed loop flow path that allows contents leaking from a pressurized container to build over time
Data Source
AI summary
A leak rate testing system for pressured containers such as inhalers includes a test chamber holding the pressurized containers and accumulating compounds leaking from the containers. A sample cell receives the compounds from the chamber and a spectroscopy system obtains spectral responses of compounds in the sample cell so that a controller can determine leak rates over time.