Medical device manufacturing requires effective, consistent and accurate testing—proper functioning in the field relies on it. Automating your leak test and blockage testing systems enables medical device manufacturers to reduce human operator error, minimize false rejects and increase repeatability by controlling the testing sequence.
Automate your medical device leak and blockage testing with a turnkey, benchtop test solution
CTS simplifies the implementation of automated leak and blockage testing with customizable benchtop systems designed for the requirements of medical devices. Our cost-effective solutions remove operator dependence on the test and provide an objective, calibrated and quantified measurement—fully controlled by a Sentinel Blackbelt or Sentinel Blackbelt Pro instruments.
The benchtop test system (see right) leverages the built-in capabilities of the Sentinel Blackbelt/Blackbelt Pro instruments to automatically execute each test without operator interaction beyond load/unload. It controls all aspects of the operation, from sealing to the programmed leak test. It conducts all the test cycles in a sequence using unique timers and measurement limits specific to each individual test. This turnkey system allows for both leak and blockage testing, which can be customized for your application.
How it works: Leak and flow benchtop test systems for medical devices
CTS can adapt the test system for testing a variety of medical devices. For example, here is a typical leak and blockage test process for a multi-lumen catheter using the Sentinel Blackbelt:
A multi-lumen catheter is mated with proximal/inlet ends to the instrument’s test port seals or luer fittings. The distal/ outlet end is placed in a CTS Connect seal or tube pinch fixture. Upon start, the seals/pinchers actuate automatically, sealing the part for the leak test sequence. Each lumen is tested independently during the test sequence, venting those not under test to atmosphere.
Pneumatic seals automatically actuate and deactivate during the testing sequence to seal lumens during a leak test and vent lumens during a blockage test.
Upon completion, the distal/outlet end seal is released and the blockage test sequence begins on each lumen independently. Accepted tests receive a green light, rejected tests receive a red light. Upon a reject signal the test sequence is stopped to help increase throughput by not testing rejected parts fully unless desired.
Benefits of a CTS automated, turnkey test solution for medical device manufacturing
CTS makes it easy to automate your leak test. We provide a complete solution integrated with a single-channel Blackbelt or multi-channel Blackbelt Pro instrument.
The controls for the benchtop test system are within the Blackbelt and Blackbelt Pro instruments. These instruments conduct pressure testing, flow testing, and blockage testing to provide quantified results. They are integrated with pneumatic solenoids for actuating clamping and sealing functions. Each instrument is set with unique timers that are driven by sequencing operations to provide a more accurate and reliable test, eliminating operator dependence.
Choose the Blackbelt Pro for concurrent multiple part testing requirements or for features that support 21 CRF Part 11 and EU Annex 11. Different test system configurations are available to best meet your requirements.
Other benefits of CTS’ solutions for automated, turnkey leak test and blockage test solution for medical device manufacturing include:
1. No PLC required! The Blackbelt or Blackbelt Pro instrument manages the entire testing sequence.
2. Pneumatic actuated seals mitigate operator variables by regulating forces applied during sealing.
3. Data is collected during each test along with time-stamped pressure and flow curves.
Get the accuracy and repeatability you need to test critical medical devices with an automated leak test system from CTS. Contact us for a quote on your application >
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