Even in aseptic processes, external factors and simple wear and tear can lead to defects in a membrane, metal bellows or seal. And that can have severe consequences for the production operation. Because if a leak is discovered too late, entire batches of product must be destroyed and cannot be sold.
To prevent this from happening, Krones’ subsidiary Evoguard has developed a leak monitoring tool that uses a sensor to monitor humidity at the back of the membrane on ESL valves or at the back of the metal bellows on aseptic valves. The system alerts the operator immediately if it measures a too-high level of humidity. Thus, the company operating the line can see in documented real time when a leak occurred and take timely action. As a result, it’s no longer necessary to destroy an entire, large batch.
