The function of the Automated Residual Seal Force Tester is to evaluate seal tightness by measuring the Residual Seal Force in the stopper/seal combination as a result of the sealing process.

The Genesis Automated Residual Seal Force Tester measures residual seal forces in pharmaceutical vials sealed with stoppers or lined seals and aluminum caps. The aluminum caps can be plain aluminum caps, or aluminum caps with plastic buttons. Other cap materials and styles may be accommodated as specialty applications.

Vial sizes accomodated include vial diameters from .5 inch to 3.5 inches, and vial heights (including vial, stopper and cap) from 1 inch to 7.25 inches. A wide variety of cap styles and sizes can be accommodated with specific cap anvils. Cap sizes including 13, 16.5, 20, 28, 30 and 32mm are supported. Residual seal forces in the range of 1.5 Lbf to 00 Lbf can be measured. Specialty applications should be submitted to Genesis engineering for evaluation.

The measured residual seal force is displayed on a display panel on the instrument, and is made available on a serial port for automatically placing the data in a spreadsheet on a computer.

The residual seal force is measured by applying strain (compression) at a fixed rate to the cap/stopper/vial package and collecting strain (distance) vs. stress (force) data. This data is analyzed by a proprietary data analysis algorithm to determine the residual seal force.

The residual seal force readings are completely objective (no operator subjectivity is involved in the measuring process) and consistent within ±20%.

For research or validation purposes, a special mode is available that provides both raw and some result data available through the serial port. This allows the raw force data to be dumped directly into a spreadsheet. A spreadsheet template is available from GMP that displays force and derivative data graphs based on the raw data.

The instrument includes a safety enclosure to protect the operator in the unlikely event of glass breakage or slippage, and to keep fingers away from the moving press.

View a video of the Residual Seal Force Tester here.

To learn more about Residual Seal Force and how it can be used to improve your capping process go here.