Helium Leak Detection was invented by VEECO in 1945. Since the creation of the early leak detector, the technology behind the detector has had continued improvement with a shift away from diffusion high vacuum pumps to the use of turbo molecular and split flow turbo pumps.

Using sector field mass spectrometry scientists were able to take a sample of helium gas whether from positive pressure (by means of sniffing) or negative pressure (under vacuum mode). The sample of tracer gas the enters the leak detector instrument and is subject to a counter gas flow against a high speed turbo pump rotating at 60,000 to 70,000 RPM.

Molecules of small density i.e. (helium 4 amu) and (hydrogen 2 amu) are able to break past the high speed turbo and enter the mass spectrometer which uses an ion source to create a positive charged electron beam in which collided gas molecules become positively charged. The mass spectrometer then uses a powerful magnet to bend the beam to remove or filter unwanted heavier or lighter molecules from being detected. The mass spectrometer uses a negatively charged collector to attract the positively charged gas molecules. This collector then amplifies the signal to provide you with a leak rate.

When purchasing your leak detector it always worth noting key areas of performance. We have listed a few for you to assist in your selection.

Maximum inlet pressure - Important should you have a gross leak (most bench leak detectors can operate around 10 to 15 mbar. Leak detectors using partial flow additional pump sets can detect leaks as high as atmospheric pressure at 1013 mbar.

Helium pumping speed - The higher the better as some leak detectors have poor clean up rates after detecting large amounts of gas.

Dual filament Ion Source - Always choose a system with dual filaments. Single filaments do blow due to gas pressure in-rush.

Calibrated leak - If you have this fitted as an accessory then you have the assurance that every time you use the unit it can be tested in only a few minutes.

Wet or Dry - The majority of leak detectors are fitted with rotary vane oil sealed vacuum fore pumps. The oil sealed pumps out perform any scroll or diaphragm dry option. Some cleanroom environments demand dry as there only option. These dry systems require more servicing than conventional wet units.


Automated Production Leak Testing
Premier pumps can also provide consultation and advice for high volume automated helium leak test production tools from a leading manufacturer based in the United Kingdom, they are called Vacuum Engineering Ltd whom have built over 500 production leak test systems to date.

Why Leak Test ?
Helium leak testing and detection is essential as international emissions legislations, safety & environmental issues and the cost associated with replacing faulty equipment become factors for
more businesses. Helium leak detection will lower your operating costs, bring your business in-line with legislation and may even save lives!

How Do Leaks Occur ?

 

Leak Detection Applications

 

 

FUEL TANKS	AUTOMOTIVE
HVAC AND REFRIDGERATION	MEDICAL ONCOLOGY LIN/ACCS
EVAPORATORS	CONDENSORS & RADIATORS
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS	GAS METERS
SF6 SWITCH GEAR	HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS
PHARMACEAUTICAL & FOOD	CLOSED CYCLE POWER STATIONS
OFFSHORE & ONSHORE PIPELINES	LNG TRAINS
UNDERGROUND CABLES	AEROPLANE FUEL TANKS

 

 

 

Premier pumps  can supply and service any make or model of leak detector. We have over 25 years of supporting all makes and we offer fast turnaround and our prices are competitive as we outsource our spare parts direct from Asia, Europe and the USA.

For advice on prices or technical support then please call our office or send an email to:- enquiries@premierpumps.com.au