Cascade unveils laser based detection system

International transport regulations demand that manufacturers of aerosol sprays rigorously check their products to ensure they are not leaking before they are transported to customers.

However, as manufacturers introduce production lines that are capable of producing cans at faster rates, many conventional automated solutions can no longer match the speed of the inspection process.

Now, thanks to the use of its own proprietary patented Quantum Cascade Lasers-based technology, Scotland-based Cascade Technologies has developed a number of systems that can be used for the detection, measurement and monitoring of gases in industrial processes and industrial emissions.

More important for aerosol manufacturers is the company’s recently introduced CT2210 micro leak detector, which makes use of the novel laser technology to identify aerosol cans that are leaking propellants, such as propane and butane, as they travel along a conveyor belt at a rate of 500 cans per minute.

According to Richard Cooper, commercial director of Cascade Technologies, the system itself performs three important functions sampling the gas around each canister, measuring whether or not any leaking gases are present and then signalling any cans that are deemed to be leaking.