Abstract: A method of detecting leaks and measuring volumes as well as an apparatus, the Power-free Pump Module (PPM), that is a self-contained leak test and volume measurement apparatus that requires no external sources of electrical power during leak testing or volume measurement, where the invention is a portable, pneumatically-controlled instrument capable of generating a vacuum, calibrating volumes, and performing quantitative leak tests on a closed test system or device, all without the use of alternating current (AC) power. Capabilities include the ability is to provide a modest vacuum (less than 10 Torr), perform a pressure rise leak test, measure the gas's absolute pressure, and perform volume measurements. All operations are performed through a simple rotary control valve which controls pneumatically-operated manifold valves.

Abstract: A protocol for testing the integrity of a double-walled underground storage tank.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an MEMS device is provided. The method includes steps of a) providing a first substrate having a concavity located thereon, b) providing a second substrate having a connecting area and an actuating area respectively located thereon, c) forming plural microstructures in the actuating area, d) mounting a conducting element in the connecting area and the actuating area, e) forming an insulating layer on the conducting element and f) connecting the first substrate to the connecting area to form the MEMS device. The concavity contains the plural microstructures.

Abstract: In a leak testing apparatus and a method for manufacturing unleaky closed containers having first and second flexible wall areas with different flexibility characteristics, a biasing member is moved toward and onto the first flexible area and a force detector monitors a biasing force at the second flexible area. A container is considered unleaky if a difference signal from force measuring signals at first and second points in time fulfills a test criteria. Sampling the biasing force monitored which results in the first force measuring signal includes determining maximum biasing force signal value which occurs during a time span up to and including the first point in time.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a sealed fuel system and a controller. The fuel system includes a fuel tank, a fuel cap, a control orifice, and an absolute pressure sensor. The controller associates a threshold large leak in the fuel system with a fuel cap sealing error. The controller detects completion of a prior refueling event, compares measurements from the pressure sensor to a reference vacuum across the control orifice to determine the presence of the threshold large leak, and sets a diagnostic code corresponding to the large leak only upon completion of the prior refueling event. A method for detecting the large leak includes detecting completion of the refueling event, comparing vacuum measurements from the absolute pressure sensor to a reference vacuum across the orifice to determine the presence of the large leak, and setting a diagnostic code corresponding to the large leak only upon completion of the prior refueling event.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a printhead, an ink container, a sensor, a memory, and a processor. The printhead ejects droplets of ink to form an ink image. The ink container supplies ink to the printhead. The sensor detects an air leak in the ink container when an amount of air therewithin exceeds a given limit level. The memory records a count of air leaks detected by the sensor during a given counting cycle initiated at a given start time and completed following a lapse of a given period of time. The processor compares the detection count against a given threshold value upon completion of the counting cycle, and indicates a defect in the ink container when the detection count exceeds the given threshold value. A storage medium storing a computer-executable diagnostic program for use in such an image forming apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for verifying the tightness of a tank bleeding system with a tank bleeding valve, a stop valve for air-tightly closing the tank bleeding system relative to an atmosphere prevailing outside the motor vehicle, and a bistable pressure switch whose switched condition indicates whether a predefined switching pressure is exceeded or not reached in the tank bleeding system, in order to be able to determine the tightness of the tank bleeding system without using a pressure sensor, the following steps are carried out: waiting until the vehicle speed drops below a certain threshold; opening the tank bleeding valve; closing the tank bleeding valve when a negative pressure has been attained which lies below the switching pressure; measuring the duration from the time an initial pressure lies below the switching pressure until the moment the switching pressure is exceeded again; and assessing the tightness is assessed based on the measured duration.

Abstract: A conduit is connected to the interstice between an outer and inner wall of a storage tank or the liner thereof and may be used to monitor the integrity of the interstice. The conduit comprises a coupling in fluid communication with the interstice, a tube connected at one end to the coupling and having a length sufficient to extend into a riser pipe of the tank. The conduit may also include a bushing holding the tube apart from the tank and providing for the variable positioning of the tube with respect to the tank. A method of monitoring the integrity of the interstice uses monitoring equipment connected to the conduit.

Abstract: A method for monitoring functionality of a seal assembly within an injector feed assembly is described. The method includes providing a buffer fluid to the seal assembly, measuring at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid, and determining a functionality of the seal assembly based at least partially on the at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid.

Abstract: A leak detection method for determining changes in helium concentration over time in an interstitial space between a primary vessel and a secondary vessel. The primary vessel is disposed inside a secondary vessel and charged with helium. An expected concentration of the helium in the interstitial space resulting from permeation of the primary vessel material is calculated and accounted for to determine a leak in the primary vessel. In another embodiment of the leak detection method, air flow is circulated in the interstitial space between the primary and second vessels. An abrupt change in measured concentrations can be used to determine the approximate location of the leak in the primary vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus detects a leak of an electrically conductive fluid from a disposable plastic bag used in mixing applications, such as during bioprocessing in a sterile environment. In one embodiment, the bag is associated with a sensor for detecting a leak from an interior compartment. The sensor may be arranged to detect either a leak internal to the at least two material layers of the bag or external to the outer layer, or both. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated packaging material is composed of a thermoplastic material outermost layer, a paper base material layer, a conductive barrier layer and a heat sealing innermost layer. An apparatus inspects an opening section, which is formed by at least partly eliminating the thermoplastic material outermost layer and the paper base material layer and by being sealed to be easily opened. In the apparatus, a probe electrode and a grounding electrode are arranged on the outer side and the inner side of the opening section, a current flowing between the probe electrode and the grounding electrode is detected by using the conductive barrier layer, and the sealing status of the opening section is inspected by a judging mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying the leakproofness of a container used for accommodating preferably liquid media as well as a plastic container that is composed of several segments (22a, 24). The invention further relates to a method for producing a container from several segments and a container comprising a closed barrier layer. The disclosed container is composed of at least two segments (22a, 24) which are joined together circumferentially at the edges of the faces thereof by means of one respective welded connection (16, 17) such that an enclosed space is formed. An inner pressure that is different from the ambient pressure is applied within the enclosed space while a change in pressure is monitored.

Abstract: In a method for checking the permeability rate of a closed container (3) with respect to a medium, in particular for checking the permeability rate of a film-type container for accommodating a film container for accommodating a pharmaceutical active constituent formulation, the container (3) is filled with a medium, charged with a gas, and the increase in the amount of medium in the gas is then analysed.

Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and method for testing fuel evaporative systems, and more particularly to a stand-alone tank tester system (and method) for testing vehicle fuel tank integrity. Furthermore, a self-contained calibration tank with switchable leak sizes for calibrating the tank tester to multiple leak sizes is provided. Constant flow and vacuum methods for testing fuel tank integrity are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a system for using a thermal measurement method to determine the gas pressure in a vacuum element or in an evacuated body having an envelope and comprising on its exterior a flap delimited by two film faces that are joined together in the region of the free edge of the flap; the system according to the invention is characterized, on the one hand, by the fact that the space between the two film faces of the flap communicates with the space inside the envelope of the vacuum element and is at least partially filled with an open-pored, thin material layer, and, on the other hand, by a device for measuring the gas-pressure-dependent heat exchange coefficient of the flap at the location of the material layer; the invention also relates to the manner of operation of this measuring device.

Abstract: An end cap for a pressure vessel has at least one part for connecting the end cap to a housing. The at least one part comprises a number of recesses. The recesses are arranged to form at least one fluid passage between an inside and an outside of the end cap when the end cap is plugged on the housing. A housing for a pressure vessel has at least one counterpart for connecting an end cap to the housing by engaging a part of the end cap. The at least one counterpart comprises a number of recesses. The recesses are arranged to form at least one fluid passage between an inside and an outside of the housing when the end cap is plugged on the housing. A method for leak testing a pressure vessel and a method for checking a connection between at least one end cap and a housing of a pressure vessel for leak tightness are also described.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for detecting improperly sealed portions of sealed packages. For example, in one embodiment, a package leak detection system automatically provides pressure within a tank for a predetermined period of time. The tank is at least partially filled with colored fluid with a sealed package being at least partially submerged in the colored fluid. In the tank, the pressure inside the tank forces the colored fluid into improperly sealed portions of the sealed package. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the package leak detection system automatically shuts off the package leak detection system and releases the pressure within the tank so the sealed package can be inspected for potential leaks.

Abstract: An instrument for impermanent sealed perforation of thin-walled, hermetically sealed packaging. The instrument includes a longitudinally tapered needle and a septum with a hole. The underside of the septum is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The hole through the septum is configured and arranged to permit unrestricted passage of the distal longitudinal end portion of the needle through the hole, while sealingly engaging the longitudinal midsection of the needle. The septum is incapable of sealing the hole through the septum after withdrawal of the needle from the hole.

Abstract: Method for locating pressure losses in vacuum bags used in the manufacturing of composite material parts, according to which the vacuum bag with a part in its interior coated by airweave at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, is exposed to contact with a gas dispersion at atmospheric pressure of solid suspended tracing particles, preferably tar, which in the event of there being pressure losses in the vacuum bag, are deposited in the airweave areas close to them. The contact between the vacuum bag and the gas dispersion is performed preferably through an applier of said gas dispersion over the vacuum bag through an application device, either in open surroundings or in closed surroundings such as an autoclave.

Abstract: A seal checker for conveying and pressing a packaging bag by upper and lower conveyance units is provided which is capable of saving space with a compact structure, and is also capable of improving maintainability and cleanability. A lower transfer conveyor is mounted on a main body frame, and an upper transfer conveyor is supported by an elevating mechanism mounted to the main body frame. The elevating mechanism includes first and second link members and a frame that connects upper end portions of the link members to each other. Lower portions of the first and second link members are connected to the main body frame. The frame is configured so as to move in parallel with the lower transfer conveyor.

Abstract: In order to check the hermeticity of a closed cavity of at least one micrometric component, said component includes a structure made over or in one portion of a substrate, a cap fixed to one zone of the substrate to protect the structure, and an indicator element whose optical or electrical properties change in the presence of a reactive fluid. The indicator element may be a copper layer for an optical check or a palladium resistor for an electrical check. The micrometric component is placed in a container which is then hermetically closed. This container is filled with a reactive fluid under pressure, which is oxygen for the optical check and hydrogen for the electrical check. The component in the container is subjected to a reactive fluid pressure higher than 10 bars for a determined time period, and to thermal (T>100° C.) or optical (?<500 nm) activation. After this time period, an optical or electrical check of the indicator element determines the hermeticity of said cavity.

Abstract: A testing method comprising introducing into a pressure chamber (2) a batch of gable-top, plastics-coated paperboard cartons (10) containing a liquid, closing the chamber (2), supplying air under pressure to the interior of the chamber 2 exteriorly of the cartons (10) to a pressure level sufficient to cause the air to penetrate potential leakage paths between the outside of at least one of the cartons and the interior of the latter carton(s), whereby the air penetrates into the interior of the latter carton(s), and, after a period of time, reducing the pressure level, whereupon the air which has penetrated into the interior of the latter carton(s) causes outward bulging of the side walls of the latter carton(s).

Abstract: Air leaks in a vacuum bag are detected using a leak detection film covering the inside face of the bag. The film includes a gas permeable binder carrying oxygen sensitive material that changes in physical appearance at the location of an air leak. The film may be adhered to the inside face of the bag or may form a separate membrane that is placed over a layup being molded in the bag. The film may be illuminated with light having a wavelength selected to cause the film to luminesce.

Abstract: Provided is a pinhole inspecting method for suitably inspecting a pinhole in a bottle compared with conventional pinhole inspection. A reference inner pressure (P1) is a bottle inner pressure obtained directly after closing a supply valve (3) after opening the supply valve (3) for only a predetermined time. Whether the reference inner pressure (P1) is over a previously specified first threshold value (Pth1) or not is checked, and when it exceeds the first threshold value (Pth1), airtight status of the bottle is held for a predetermined time, and then a pressure reduction quantity (?P) of the bottle inner pressure from the reference inner pressure is measured after a fixed time. The bottle is judged to have no pinholes only when the value of ?P is not exceeding the previously specified second threshold value (?Pth2).

Abstract: For leak testing closed containers (9) which are filled with a filling product containing at least one liquid component the container is introduced in a test cavity (1) which is evacuated at least down to vapour pressure of that liquid component. The pressure in the surrounding of the container (9) and thus within test cavity (1) is monitored. Monitoring is performed by a vacuum pressure sensor (7), whereas lowering pressure surrounding the container (9) is performed by a vacuum pump (5). Leakage is detected by monitoring a pressure change in the surrounding of the container which is due to evaporation of liquid emerging from a leak and being evaporated in the low pressure surrounding.

Abstract: A system to first verify an adequate degree of hermeticity of a hermetic container in providing safe storage of a commodity by retaining sufficient hermeticity in a closed container and if satisfactory, loading a commodity in the container to self-verify the continued safe storage of the commodity by retaining sufficient hermeticity to protect the commodity from the effects of at least one of oxygen, humidity, insects and microflora in a hermetic container on the commodity therein. The hermetic container has at least one self-verifying component for measuring a parameter internal to the container, during and after manufacture, before and after placement of a commodity therein, and for providing the measurement externally to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for testing the performance of a sealant for solid oxide fuel cell packs. The apparatus includes an oven including a base, a platform provided on the base and a frame connected to the platform. An elevator is used to raise and lower the oven. A pressuring and testing chamber is provided on the platform. The pressuring and testing chamber includes a first body and a second body connected to the first body. A carrier is provided between the first and second bodies. The carrier includes a first plate and a second plate so that the sealant can be provided between the first and second plates. A pusher includes an end connected to the frame and another end for pushing the second plate. A pusher-driving unit is connected to the frame for raising and lowering the pusher.

Abstract: A device for detecting an air leak in a tool comprises a vacuum bag and a leak detection film disposed along an inside face of the vacuum bag. The leak detection film may include oxygen sensitive material configured to change physical appearance at a location of an air leak in the tool. A breather layer may be interposed between the tool and the leak detection film for facilitating air flow therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of testing a seal on a collapsible tube dispensing orifice during the manufacturing process in an assembly line. Air pressure is applied within the tube wall, at a station in the line, on one side of the seal, and the pressure is monitored on the other side of the seal within a reciprocating cover, for any increase in pressure which would indicate a leak in the seal.

Abstract: A microchip system has a package forming a hermetically sealed interior, and MEMS structure within the interior. The system also has a gas sensor for detecting the concentration of at least one of oxygen or hydrogen within the interior.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for testing the leakage rate of an encapsulated device comprising the step: bombing the device with a neon and/or argon atmosphere using a bombing pressure of at least more than environmental pressure and measuring the quality factor before and after bombing. Preferably, the bombing time is about 10 to 100 hours, and the bombing pressure is 1.5 to 100 bar, more preferably 1.5 to 5 bar and most preferably about 4 bar. With this test, the leakage rate of fine leaks of the device may be determined.

Abstract: A leak detector apparatus for a pressurized cylinder having a cylinder of a radius (r) with a slidable piston in the cylinder with a gas filled chamber positioned between a cylinder end and the piston face. The length (L) of the chamber is calculated according to load changes on the piston where the volume (Vc) of the chamber changes. The pressure and temperature of the chamber are measured as well as the length. These values are inputted to a processor to solve the ideal gas law equation PV=nRT where a change in n for a change in length indicates a leak.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for plastic tube sealing and testing. A housing may have in a sealing chamber a tube sealing positioning apparatus with a tube holder slidable on a vertical guide from a lower portion to an upper portion to be positioned adjacent a heating apparatus and a clamping apparatus. The tube holder may be moved and positioned by a linear positioning device. The heating apparatus may have a nozzle to direct heated air on an open end of a plastic tube. The clamping apparatus may have two clamping devices slidably disposed to clamp the heated open end of the plastic tube to fuse the tube wall adjacent the open end. A spacing distance sensor and a tube position distance sensor may be attached to the clamping devices for sensing the position of the tube and the spacing of the clamp jaws of the clamping devise. A control processor may be connected to the linear positioning device to control movement and dwell time of the tube holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-destructive test apparatus which can be applied not only to a structure in dry conditions but also to a structure constructed under water or in a location to which it is difficult for a worker to gain access. The non-destructive test apparatus includes a support frame which is disposed adjacent to the target structure and has a vertical guide rail, and a vacuum box which moves upwards or downwards along the guide rail of the support frame. The vacuum box is attached to the target structure and creates a vacuum therein. The non-destructive test apparatus further includes a hoist which is provided on the upper end of the support frame to move the vacuum box upwards or downwards, a fastening unit which fastens the support frame and the vacuum box to the target structure, and a vacuum pump which creates a vacuum in the vacuum box.

Abstract: In order to check the hermeticity of a closed cavity of at least one micrometric component, said component includes a structure made over or in one portion of a substrate, a cap fixed to one zone of the substrate to protect the structure, and an indicator element whose optical or electrical properties change in the presence of a reactive fluid. The indicator element may be a copper layer for an optical check or a palladium resistor for an electrical check. The micrometric component is placed in a container which is then hermetically closed. This container is filled with a reactive fluid under pressure, which is oxygen for the optical check and hydrogen for the electrical check. The component in the container is subjected to a reactive fluid pressure higher than 10 bars for a determined time period, and to thermal (T>100° C.) or optical (?<500 nm) activation. After this time period, an optical or electrical check of the indicator element determines the hermeticity of said cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leaks in blister packages wherein a package is supported with a support chamber and a flexible and imperforate bladder is placed over the package after which at least a partial vacuum pressure is applied and a measure made to determine if any leakage is detected while an image of the bladder is detected, such as by a camera, with the image being used to provide a visual indication of the location of a failure in the blister package.

Abstract: An instrument for accurately measuring mass flow rate of a fluid pumped from a hermetically sealed container, through attainment of a steady state mass flow rate, having a check valve positioned between a vacuum pump and a mass flow rate sensor.

Abstract: An instrument for detecting leaks in a hermetically sealed package. The instrument includes (i) a hollow needle, (ii) a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle, and (iii) a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the needle for evacuating gas from the hermetically sealed package, and in fluid communication with the mass flow rate sensor for directing mass flow from the evacuated package into operable contact with the mass flow rate sensor so as to permit sensing of any continuing mass flow from the evacuated package. The instrument may further include an oxygen sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle for analyzing the oxygen concentration of the gas within the hermetically sealed package.

Abstract: In a leak testing apparatus and a method for manufacturing unleaky closed containers having first and second flexible wall areas with different flexibility characteristics, a biasing member is moved toward and onto the first flexible area and a force detector monitors a biasing force at the second flexible area. A container is considered unleaky if a difference signal from force measuring signals at first and second points in time fulfills a test criteria. Sampling the biasing force monitored which results in the first force measuring signal includes determining maximum biasing force signal value which occurs during a time span up to and including the first point in time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak detection in flexible packages involves the location of a flexible fluid containing package (2) in a sealed chamber (1) and evacuating air from the chamber to a predetermined pressure value. An initial measurement of a reference dimension (h1) of the package is made by a sensor (8) and after a predetermined period of time a second measurement of the reference dimension (h1) is made by the sensor (8) to detect any change in that reference dimension as indicative of a leakage of fluid from the package (2).

Abstract: A test device for testing the integrity of a seal has a clear t-shaped liquid reservoir with three ends. A guide adapter is connected to the first end of the liquid reservoir and extends axially therefrom along an axis of the reservoir. A shaft adapter is connected to the second end of the body, opposite the first end. A test shaft with first and second ends extends axially through the first and second ends of the body and test and shaft adapters along the axis. The first end of the shaft is adapted to be connected to the rotating shaft of pump assembly.

Abstract: A seal checker for conveying and pressing a packaging bag by upper and lower conveyance units is provided which is capable of saving space with a compact structure, and is also capable of improving maintainability and cleanability. A lower transfer conveyor is mounted on a main body frame, and an upper transfer conveyor is supported by an elevating mechanism mounted to the main body frame. The elevating mechanism includes first and second link members and a frame that connects upper end portions of the link members to each other. Lower portions of the first and second link members are connected to the main body frame. The frame is configured so as to move in parallel with the lower transfer conveyor.

Abstract: In order to check the hermeticity of a closed cavity of at least one micrometric component, said component includes a structure made over or in one portion of a substrate, a cap fixed to one zone of the substrate to protect the structure, and an indicator element whose optical or electrical properties change in the presence of a reactive fluid. The indicator element may be a copper layer for an optical check or a palladium resistor for an electrical check. The micrometric component is placed in a container which is then hermetically closed. This container is filled with a reactive fluid under pressure, which is oxygen for the optical check and hydrogen for the electrical check. The component in the container is subjected to a reactive fluid pressure higher than 10 bars for a determined time period, and to thermal (T>100° C.) or optical (?<500 nm) activation. After this time period, an optical or electrical check of the indicator element determines the hermeticity of said cavity.

Abstract: A mechanical seal device capable of preventing a sealing ability from being lowered by the irregular displacement of the seal surface of a sealing ring and by the deterioration of a packing for sealingly fitting the sealing ring by heat generated due to its slidable contact with the sealing ring. The mechanical seal device comprises the rubberlike elastic material annular packing having a joining face fitted peripheral surface (inner peripheral surface ) of a stepped hole and an adhesive face on the inner peripheral side of the joining face and having an insertion tip part at its insertion tip inserted into the fitting peripheral surface and the sealing ring for fixing having a fitting surface joined to the adhesive face of the packing, a rear surface fitted to the support face (bottom face ) of the stepped hole, and a seal surface on the opposite side of the rear surface.

Abstract: Described is a leak testing method for disposable sterile syringes (1) prefilled with a medicinal product, each of which comprises a barrel (2) for containing the medicinal product and a plunger (7) which slides inside the barrel (2) and forms a seal with the latter's inside surface. The method comprises the steps of fixing the position of the plunger (7) relative to the barrel (2) of each syringe (1) to be tested; exposing the syringes (1) to an outside pressure that is different from atmospheric pressure; exposing the syringes (1) to an outside pressure equal to atmospheric pressure; releasing the position of the plunger (7) relative to the barrel (2) of the syringe (1); and detecting any change in the position of the plunger (7) relative to the barrel (2) of the syringes (1).

Abstract: In a leak testing apparatus and a method for manufacturing unleaky closed containers having first and second flexible wall areas with different flexibility characteristics, a biasing member is moved toward and onto the first flexible area and a force detector monitors a biasing force at the second flexible area. A container is considered unleaky if a difference signal from force measuring signals at first and second points in time fulfills a test criteria. Sampling the biasing force monitored which results in the first force measuring signal includes determining maximum biasing force signal value which occurs during a time span up to and including the first point in time.

Abstract: An instrument for detecting leaks in a hermetically sealed package. The instrument includes (i) a hollow needle, (ii) a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle, and (iii) a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the needle for evacuating gas from the hermetically sealed package, and in fluid communication with the mass flow rate sensor for directing mass flow from the evacuated package into operable contact with the mass flow rate sensor so as to permit sensing of any continuing mass flow from the evacuated package. The instrument may further include an oxygen sensor, also in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle for analyzing the oxygen concentration of the gas within the hermetically sealed package.

Abstract: An instrument (10) for detecting and reporting the location of a leak in thin-walled hermetically sealed packaging (100) as between a seal leak and a side-wall leak. The instrument (10) includes a needle (20), a vacuum pump (40), and a means for creating at least two different steady-state differential pressure values across the packaging (100), a mass flow rate sensor (50), and at least one pressure sensor (31), a device for generating a perceptible signal (70) and a processor (60). The instrument (10) is operative for sensing the external pressure outside the packaging's (100) retention chamber, sensing the internal pressure within the retention chamber and transmitting an internal pressure signal, sensing the mass flow rate of gas pulled from the retention chamber, calculating flow rates and differential pressures thus indicating leaks.