Improving the seam quality in beverage filled aluminium cans to ensure the hermetic sealing

Abstract

This master’s thesis is a study on leakage problem from seaming area faced by beverage filled aluminium cans. Occurrence of leakage from a seam area means the hermetical sealing method of the can is compromised, resulting in release of gases and syrup along with the contamination of metal and microbes into the beverages inside the can. The thesis addresses the problem of can leakage problem in Nepal where the climate is moderate to hot, and the demand is quite high and increasing exponentially. This thesis aims to investigate the occurrence of leakages and find out the actual reasons for it. The research aims to provide necessary solution to the leakage problem by analysing the seaming parameters. The research scope is limited to the seam area of the can and does not include other problems related to filling, dent, corrosion, or gas dosing.

This thesis separately studies the seaming parameters of leakage and non-leakage cans. The seaming process is investigated in detail and each seaming parameters were analysed. The important factors related to seaming operation were acknowledged. The results were obtained from the experimentation and comparative analysis of both leakage and non-leakage cans. The accepted range of each seaming parameters for a proper seam formation and stoppage of leakage were proposed. The causes of leakages in most of the cases were linked to some inappropriate seaming parameters and reasons for seaming parameters being inappropriate or out of range, were further discussed. The solutions and necessary steps to solve those problems were suggested, which would correct the specified seaming parameters and eventually minimise the leakage problems.