Vacuum Chamber & Packaging Leak Testing FAQ
Find answers about vacuum chambers, package leak testing methods, standards, applications, controllers, validation and DVACI equipment.
Ask a QuestionRectangular or cylindrical vacuum chamber: which one should you choose?
In this video, we compare both chamber designs and review their main advantages regarding safety, capacity and maintenance.
We also introduce Syvac, an alternative solution developed for vacuum leak testing applications.
What Is Internal Pressurization and When Should You Use It?
Internal pressurization is a leak testing method used when flexible or vacuum-packed products may not respond effectively to an external vacuum test alone.
The method introduces compressed air inside the package to create internal pressure, making small leaks easier to detect during package integrity testing.
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Which CDV Controller Is Right for Your Leak Testing Needs?
DVACI offers different control systems for different levels of automation, precision and traceability in package leak testing.
Model S is designed for simple controlled testing, Model A adds a higher level of automation, while Model P is intended for more advanced applications requiring greater control, traceability and standardized test workflows.
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Who Uses CDV Chambers? Discover Industries and Opportunities
CDV vacuum chambers are used across multiple industries where package integrity, leak detection and seal quality are critical to product performance and quality control.
Applications include pharmaceutical, food and beverage, cosmetics, chemical, automotive and industrial packaging, depending on the product, package geometry and required leak test method.
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Immersion or Dry Leak Test: What’s Best for Quality Control?
Immersion and dry leak testing are both used to evaluate package integrity, but each method is better suited to different products, packaging types and quality control requirements.
Immersion testing provides a visual way to identify leaks, while dry leak testing avoids exposing the package to water and can be better suited for rigid containers and cleaner testing processes.
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Do You Need Equipment Validation for Your CDV Vacuum Chamber?
Equipment validation confirms that your CDV vacuum chamber is installed and operating correctly, while test method validation verifies that the selected testing procedure is suitable for your specific product and package.
DVACI can support both processes through sample testing, parameter recommendations and on-site IQ/OQ services, helping ensure reliable package leak testing from the start.
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How to Get a Quote for Your CDV Vacuum Chamber?
Start by submitting your request through the DVACI contact form and sharing information about your product and testing needs.
Product photos, testing requirements and samples help DVACI prepare a customized vacuum chamber recommendation and quote.
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Are CDV Vacuum Chambers Safe to Use?
CDV vacuum chambers are designed with safety in mind, using shatter-resistant acrylic that provides both durability and clear visibility during package leak testing.
Safe operation also depends on proper training, regular inspections, pressure monitoring and built-in safety systems that help prevent misuse during testing.
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How Long Does a Leak Test Take?
Leak test duration depends on the method, package type and testing objective.
Immersion tests such as ASTM D3078 can be relatively quick, while dry testing, pharmaceutical methods and altitude simulations may require longer test cycles.
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How Is Human Error Reduced with Orion?
Orion helps reduce operator error by simplifying and automating key steps during package leak testing.
Automatic recipe selection by barcode and altitude-based pressure adjustments help operators use the correct test parameters more consistently and accurately.
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How Accurate and Reliable Are Your CDV Vacuum Chambers?
CDV vacuum chambers are designed to provide consistent and repeatable package leak testing results.
Calibration, precise pressure control and detection sensitivity are key factors in maintaining reliable test conditions and consistent results.
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What Types of Products Can Be Tested with a CDV?
CDV vacuum chambers can be used to test a wide range of products and packaging formats for leaks and package integrity.
Rigid and flexible packaging, bottles, jars, pouches and other sealed products can be evaluated by applying controlled pressure changes and observing how the package responds.
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What Are the Benefits of a CDV?
A CDV vacuum chamber provides a simple and visual way to evaluate package integrity and detect leaks during quality control.
Repeatable testing, clear leak visualization and flexible chamber configurations help improve consistency, reduce product losses and support different packaging applications.
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How Do They Simulate the Variation of Atmospheric Pressure?
Atmospheric pressure variations can be simulated by controlling the pressure inside the vacuum chamber to reproduce conditions similar to changes in altitude.
By reducing chamber pressure in a controlled way, the system can evaluate how packaging responds to lower atmospheric pressure during transport, storage or altitude changes.
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What Is a Vacuum Chamber Used for in Packaging Leak Testing?
A vacuum chamber is used to evaluate package integrity by creating a controlled pressure difference around the package.
This makes it easier to detect leaks, identify weak points and observe how packaging responds under vacuum conditions.
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What Is ASTM D4991?
ASTM D4991 is a standard test method used to evaluate empty rigid containers for resistance to leakage under differential pressure conditions, such as those that may occur during air transportation.
The container is immersed in an ethylene glycol-water solution inside a transparent chamber and exposed to a gradually increasing partial vacuum. Leakage is detected through escaping air bubbles or fluid entering the container after re-pressurization.
The method provides a differential pressure limit of approximately 95 kPa (13.8 psi) and applies to rigid containers intended for transporting hazardous liquids under UN TDG and ICAO requirements.
Why Use ASTM D4991?
ASTM D4991 helps verify that rigid containers can withstand pressure changes during air transportation without leaking. This reduces the risk of product loss, environmental exposure and safety incidents when transporting hazardous liquids.
What Should the Test Report Include?
- Identification of the containers and closures tested.
- Total number of specimens and number tested at one time.
- Required test pressure.
- Test temperature conditions.
- Pass or fail results for each specimen.
- Pressure differential at which leakage occurred.
- Presence of test fluid inside the specimen after testing.
- Any deviations from the ASTM D4991 procedure.
- Testing agency, date and responsible representative.
What Does DVACI Mean?
DVACI comes from the Spanish term “Cámara De Vacío”, which means “Vacuum Chamber” in English.
The original idea was to use the name DEVACI, but the .com domain was already taken, so the “E” was removed and the brand became DVACI.
Can I Add Options After Purchase?
No. Optional features cannot be added after the equipment has been purchased.
All required options must be selected and ordered at the time of purchase.
Which Safety Regulations Do Your CDV Vacuum Chambers Comply With?
DVACI CDV vacuum chambers comply with the European safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements applicable to the equipment.
The applicable standards include EN 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility and EN 61010-1:2011 / A1:2020 for electrical safety.
- EN 61326-1:2013: Electromagnetic compatibility.
- EN 61010-1:2011 / A1:2020: Electrical safety.
- These requirements support the CE marking of the equipment.
- The standards were verified by APPLUS in Barcelona, Spain.
Do CDV Vacuum Chambers Meet USP <1207> CCIT Requirements?
CDV vacuum chambers equipped with Orion PLC control and CDV Pharmaceutical models can be used for package integrity testing in applications covered by USP <1207.2>.
USP <1207.2> includes probabilistic container leakage testing technologies such as Bubble Emission and Liquid Tracer, both supported by applicable CDV configurations.
Why Do My Products Inflate During a Flight?
Products can inflate during air transportation because the atmospheric pressure outside the package decreases while the pressure trapped inside the package remains higher.
DVACI can simulate these conditions by applying approximately -250 mBar of vacuum around the package to reproduce the pressure difference experienced during air transport.
Why Do Products Containing Liquid Have to Be Tested Dry?
Products containing liquid are usually tested dry so any liquid escaping from the package can be clearly seen inside the vacuum chamber.
The package may need to be positioned upside down or on its side so the liquid remains in contact with the areas most likely to leak, preventing trapped air from escaping first.
Can Rigid Products, Such as Glass Containers, Be Tested in DVACI Chambers?
Yes. Rigid containers such as glass bottles or jars can be tested effectively inside DVACI vacuum chambers.
The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the container creates stress around the sealing area, making leaks easier to identify during testing.
What Are the Differences Between the AUTO and PLC Control Versions?
AUTO and PLC provide similar automated control, but the PLC version offers a more advanced operating environment for users who need greater flexibility, traceability and system integration.
The PLC version includes ORION OS, multi-user management and optional SD card, printer and barcode reader connectivity for more advanced package leak testing workflows.
What Is the Opening and Closing Mechanism of CDV Vacuum Chambers?
CDV vacuum chambers use a lid system assisted by two hydraulic cylinders to make opening and closing smoother and easier for the operator.
The hydraulic cylinders also work as shock absorbers, helping control the lid movement and reducing the risk of sudden closing during normal operation.
How Do You Pronounce DVACI?
The DVACI brand name is pronounced “Devaci.”
DVACI → “Devaci”
Where Are DVACI Brand Devices Manufactured?
DVACI equipment is designed and manufactured in Querétaro, Mexico.
DVACI devices are manufactured by BOUSTENS SA DE CV, the company behind the DVACI brand.
Is BOUSTENS a French Company?
BOUSTENS is currently incorporated in Mexico as BOUSTENS SA DE CV, established in 2011.
The company has French capital origins. An earlier legal entity, BOUSTENS SAS, existed in France in 2010 before the Mexican company was created.
What Are the Other Activities of BOUSTENS SA DE CV?
BOUSTENS SA DE CV is currently focused entirely on the development, manufacture and commercialization of products and services under the DVACI brand.
Today, BOUSTENS focuses 100% on DVACI and its vacuum chamber and package leak testing solutions.
How Can I Find My Nearest DVACI Distributor?
DVACI distributors and partners are listed by country in the Distributors and Partners section of the website.
If you are not sure which distributor covers your region, contact DVACI directly so the team can guide your request to the appropriate local partner.
How to Do Leak Testing for Sachets and Stick Packs?
Sachets and stick packs can be difficult to test because they often contain very little air, which reduces the pressure difference needed to make leaks visible during vacuum immersion testing.
When ASTM D3078 immersion testing does not provide enough sensitivity, internal pressurization according to ASTM F2096 can be used by injecting air into the sachet and observing for bubble emission.
Why Are Sachets Difficult to Test?
With little headspace, only a small number of bubbles may escape before the internal and external pressures equalize. Products with low viscosity can also block small defects, making leaks harder to detect.