In-line Leak Detection for Kegs: The Innovation of Laser Spectroscopy

Have you ever received complaints that the beer in the keg didn’t meet the expected quality? Or perhaps a pallet was ruined due to a CO2 or product leak? These issues are often caused by microleaks in the keg valve, leading to problems ranging from CO2 loss to mold contamination.

Today, thanks to the new laser spectroscopy technology developed by Antares Vision Group, you can identify these issues by detecting even the smallest amounts of CO2 escaping from the valve, allowing for the identification of invisible microleaks.

How does it work?

When a keg has a leak or microleak, there is an increase in the concentration of CO2 around the valve area. The LDK 700 inspection machine, equipped with a suction system, continuously monitors the kegs on the conveyor belt, quickly, precisely, and reliably detecting any rise in CO2 using laser spectroscopy. This highly sensitive technology leverages the absorption of light by CO2 molecules at a specific wavelength, enabling a non-invasive, real-time analysis that instantly identifies kegs with leaks.

Innovative Features of LDK 700 Compared to Traditional Systems

Unlike traditional systems, the LDK 700 directly detects leaks by identifying the escape of CO2 gas from the keg without needing to stop the product for inspection. This direct detection technology, which does not come into contact with the product, is unaffected by external factors and can operate on high-speed lines.

Camera-based systems, which use vision technology, can only detect the presence of foam, which may not always occur with a microleak. Other inspection systems, such as vacuum-based methods, require direct contact with the keg and cannot perform continuous inspections. The line must be temporarily stopped to create a vacuum around the valve to detect leaks.

Key Advantages of the Technology

• Highly reliable due to the non-contact method with the keg;
• High sensitivity capable of detecting even a few molecules of CO2;
• Extremely fast measurement process;
• Low maintenance and long-lasting sensors and light sources that ensure accurate measurements.

These features make the technology particularly well-suited for inline applications, as it can be installed on standalone machines or integrated into an existing conveyor belt. Additionally, the technology is not affected by the type of packaging: it can be applied to PET, steel, or other materials used for kegs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the application of optical spectroscopy as a leak detection system for beer keg lines offers significant advantages for both the market and production. It reduces complaints by ensuring 100% inspection of kegs, minimizes rejects with positive environmental and sustainability impacts, and protects product quality and brand reputation. On the production side, it ensures an uninterrupted line, lowers costs associated with undetected defective kegs, and prevents damage to pallets from beer-leaking kegs.

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