Hermetic packaging of drugs: optimized sealing of foil pouches

Factors affecting the sealing of foil packages were studied in the sealing of foil packages were studied in three laboratories. The relationship of sealing temperature (with machine speed and pressure kept constant) to the incidence of defective packages was determined. The maximum acceptable limit for defective pouches was 1%. Three tests were employed to detect defects: vacuum-dye, seal strength, and pressurized ammonia vapor. Only the last was sensitive enough to determine the optimum sealing conditions. This test also was capable of detecting leakage sites. Replacement of the cellophane layer of the foil laminate with polyvinylidene chloride-coated polyester improved the barrier properties of the package.