A helium leak detector or mass spectrometer can offer the safest and most reliable results when searching for harmful gas leaks within a system. ATEC offers affordable helium leak detector rentals on products from leading manufacturers like Agilent, Pfeiffer, and Inficon.
What is a Helium Leak Detector?
Helium leak detectors, also referred to as HLD or mass spectrometers, locate and analyze leaks in systems or devices with helium. Helium is a small, inert, light molecule ideal for use as a tracer gas when detecting micro leaks in small systems like pipelines, underground tanks, and cables. Using helium gas has the added benefit of being non-toxic, non-condensable, and non-flammable.
Helium leak detectors are known as the most sensitive leak detection technology on the market because of this, allowing users to quickly locate the leak and determine its magnitude, shortening repair times. A helium leak detector rental unit requires little training to operate and quantify test results clearly for operators.
Helium Leak Detector Test Methods
Depending on a part's working condition or environment, the testing method with a helium detector rental may differ. Leak testing is performed according to one of two primary methods: pressure testing, which tests “inside out,” and vacuum testing, which tests “outside in.” Before using either test method, ensure the entire system is sealed. Once all openings are sealed, only a single port should be available.
Vacuum Testing
Vacuum testing first requires the part or system to be rid of all gas, whether through the HLD or a separate pumping system. Once the part is evacuated, the vacuum test consists of filling the system with helium to target areas suspected to have leaks. Shortly after administering helium with a spray probe, the leak detector should reveal the presence of a leak.
Pressure Testing
Pressure testing involves pressurizing the equipment under test (EUT) with helium, or a helium-based mixture of gases, and then utilizing a sniffer probe connected to the leak detector. Also known as helium sniffing, the sniffer probe is used around the EUT to locate the leak. By using a probe, helium sniffer detection is best for locating smaller leaks. The method often requires more skill with a sniffer probe and relies on the user more than testing with a vacuum method.
ATEC offers helium detector rentals designed to perform both methods.
Choosing a Helium Detector Rental
Before renting a helium leak detector, there are a few variables to consider when it comes to your testing needs.
Portable or Benchtop
A portable helium detector rental may be needed to test intricate pipelines and systems. Top manufacturers like Agilent and Inficon have advanced helium leak testing with their compact and durable equipment.
When the EUT or system is in a cramped or enclosed space, the portable HLD offers increased functionality. The mass spectrometer will be fixed on helium detection and deliver pumping speeds and accuracy often reserved for larger units.
High or Low Volume Leak Testing
The best helium detector rental for a given situation could change depending on the gas and size of a leak. When testing and locating a large leak, a high pump rate may be needed. The low pump rate may require much longer to test and more steps in the testing process. The leak rate of an EUT could also change depending on the gas within the system.