This study evaluated the capabilities of a high-voltage technique for the detection of pinhole leaks by using flexible pouches and semi-rigid cups for foods. This evaluation was performed by measuring the discharge voltage when high voltages ranging from 0.25 to 10 kV were applied to sample packages. The results showed that package contact surface area, film thickness, food type and electrical conductivity are significant factors affecting the detection of pinhole leaks in flexible pouches by a high-voltage leak detection (HVLD) system within the ranges tested ( p < 0.05). For plastic cups with plastic-laminated and foil-laminated lids, the headspace inside a cup had the greatest effect followed by dielectric constant of lid films, electrical conductivity of foods and pinhole diameter ( p < 0.01). In general, the HVLD system can detect pinholes as small as 10 mm in both plastic-laminated and foil-laminated pouches and lid cups, even at worst-case scenario conditions, including liquid, semi-solid and solid foods with 0.85 a w . Because of high voltages applied, however, delamination in foil-laminated films occurred when an applied voltage was greater than 3.5 kV, which resulted in increased oxygen permeability. Statistical z-test analysis of results from blind studies showed that the HVLD technique is significantly effective in determining defective pouches and cups with pinhole leaks as small as 10 mm ( p < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the HVLD technique is a promising non-destructive and on-line method to detect pinhole defects, which may be applicable to a wide range of hermetically sealed packages.
The carbon sequestration potential of trees grown on farmlands of Punjab has been estimated on the basis of data collected from 60 villages. A project based methodological approach was used to estimate the sequestration potential between 2005 and 2035. The results show that there is mitigation potential of 1.63 x 106 tC during the period of analysis and whole of this potential could be achieved at a negative cost where non-carbon revenue is sufficient to offset direct costs. Agroforestry seems to provide attractive options for Punjab state, as large number of farmer’s land area is dedicated to agriculture supported by irrigation facilities and high productivity of land.
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