Helium Leak Detector

Helium Leak Detector

A helium leak detector is a machine that uses helium as part of the process for checking for leaks in a multitude of equipment used in production processes. Companies need to ensure leak tightness as part of there manufacturing process because of the increase in safety standards and the focus on environmental issues.

Using a helium leak detector in the process of production can be one of the best methods for helium leak detection. First the item is placed in a chamber that is vacuum sealed, and then the air around the item is removed, creating a seal between the inside and the outside of the item. Helium is then pumped into the inside of the item and the helium leak sensor on the outside will detect any gas that leaks out, these sensors are in the form of a very sensitive mass spectrometer. Using this method it is possible to detect leaks that other tests, like the pressure decay method, will not detect.

There are a lot of benefits to using helium leak detection equipment and methods. Helium is the second smallest atom (the smallest being hydrogen) and this means it can get through any possible gaps that other atoms will not get through. You therefore are assured that, when you use a helium leak detector, you are testing to the highest standards.

Although helium is found in the atmosphere, it is in such a minute amount that the test is never affected. I mention this as it is a common question when looking at testing and it is important to understand that the integrity of the test is robust and intact.

Helium leak detector equipment is very safe as helium is an inert gas and is therefore ideal to use for testing purposes. With other gases, used in another gas leak detector, you have to be careful if any residual amounts are left in the item after being tested as they can react with other liquids or gases which it may come into contact with when put into operation. This will not happen with helium.

It is easy for mass spectrometers to detect helium when testing as it has got a mass number that is unique and you can then tune the mass spectrometer to only detect helium. Once again this helps greatly to ensure the integrity of the test and will often give you better results than an ultrasonic leak detector.

The price of helium is low which can make it a cost effective test, when compared to other industrial leak detector tests, and as helium does occur naturally within the atmosphere (albeit in minute amounts), it can be discharged into the atmosphere without causing any harm to the environment.

An Inficon helium leak detector can offer a number of flexible solutions from manual options to fully automated options. Production rates and test pressures can be tailored to suit your needs with the flexible programming software. I would recommend that buy your machine new instead of buying a used leak detector.

I hope this has given you a better understanding of a helium leak detector and how this great piece of machinery can help you in your production processes. This is a cost effective solution that is also environmentally friendly and it will also give you the best test results.