Helium Leak Testing
A helium leak detector, also known as a Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector (MSLD), is used to locate and measure the size of leaks into or out of a system or containing device. The tracer gas, helium, is introduced to a test part that is connected to the leak detector.
Helium leak testing is a highly sensitive technique used to detect and locate leaks in sealed systems, ensuring their integrity. Widely employed in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, this method leverages helium’s unique properties: it’s a small, inert, and non-reactive gas that can easily penetrate tiny breaches.
The process typically involves pressurising a system with helium or a helium mixture. A mass spectrometer, tuned to detect helium, then scans for escaping gas. Alternatively, a vacuum method can be used, where helium is sprayed externally, and the spectrometer checks for ingress into an evacuated system. Both approaches offer exceptional accuracy, capable of detecting leaks as small as 10⁻¹² mbar·L/s.
Helium’s rarity in the atmosphere minimises background interference, enhancing reliability. However, its rising cost and limited supply pose challenges, prompting some to explore alternatives like hydrogen mixtures. Despite this, helium remains the gold standard due to its proven efficacy.
From ensuring the safety of spacecraft to maintaining vacuum-sealed medical devices, helium leak testing is indispensable. Its precision safeguards quality and performance, making it a cornerstone of modern engineering.
Leak Detector Specification
