Helium Leak Detection – some specifics of Helium Leak Testing Services & Procedures.

CAUTION:
HIGH TEMPERATURE
HIGH PRESSURE
INTERNAL LEAKS

It is perfectly understood that, using mass-spectrometry methods, it is fairly easy to detect the smallest, in a range of 5E-12 mbar x L x sec-1 leaks, getting quantitative and qualitative results for the following system integrity analysis… taking into consideration almost all possible sources of leakage, such as some defects of materials, porosity, poorly maintained installations – sealing, valving, piping, flanged connections and welded joints at the ambient conditions.
Meanwhile, we just need to remember, that some leaks do not “exist” at the ambient conditions (temperature and pressure) but could only be opened/detected at a higher temperature (possibly the system operation temperature) as a result of heat expansion processes; or at a higher pressure (possibly the system operation pressure) as a result of some micro-changes in the system geometry.
If so, if the leaks can not be detected at the ambient conditions, but the traces of cross-contamination are in place (in case of the U-tube and plate type heat-exchangers, for example), the Helium Leak Detection procedure should be modified accordingly:
- To simulate the operation temperature regimes, trying to restore (if possible) the original operation parameters to detect, pinpoint and quantify the hidden temperature-related leaks.
- In case of “high-pressure leaks” to recommend Helium Leak Detection Services in a sniffer mode only (instead of the vacuum mode), pressurizing the system, being tested, with a mixture of Helium and Nitrogen.
Also, we have to notice that there might be some internal leaks (let say, caused by a badly sealed valve, etc…), otherwise we will be dealing with a backstream disaster without knowing what’s going on…
To avoid common problems and delays with Helium leak testing and diagnostic of your system, please call the experts to analyse the integrated picture of the object, being tested to select the appropriate Helium Leak Detection scenario – we look forward to be of service to all our valued customers in Toronto and Southern Ontario…
K.H.R. Associate Inc. team