Why to use helium leak testing and benefits of helium leak testing

Use of 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.  The helium leaking through the test part enters through the system and this partial pressure is measured and the results are displayed on a meter. It is applied in package design, failure analysis, tooling qualification, packaging line setup and validation, and product quality monitoring.

After learning about the application of helium leak testing, lets discuss about the benefits of helium leak testing method:

> Leak testing is an intricate affair, it requires even minute errors to be brought in notice. Helium due to its smaller molecular size and atomic mass of 4. Helium has the ability to flow through much smaller openings and at a much faster rate than other gas compounds.It displays a high sensitivity rate as low as 1 X 10-10 cc/s which makes it easy to “quantitatively detect and measure”.

>Helium has three key characteristics that make it ideal for using in leak detection which are non-explosive, non-toxic and non-destructive. The inert nature of helium gas makes sure it will not interfere with, or in any way impact, the type of material or vessel that you are testing.The inert and odourless nature of helium makes it chemically inactive when it comes in contact with any of the vessel’s material.

>The presence of helium in the atmosphere tends to hold in the 5 ppm (parts per million) range. This helps to insure that false readings and general atmospheric interference is a non-factor when using helium gas as a testing agent.

> Another benefit of helium leak testing is its higher sensitivity in comparison to other technologies. This helps in detecting leaks in components with minute errors and improve their quality.

> The cycle-time of helium leak testing is faster reducing the cost and total processing time.


The characteristics of helium gas outlined above make it a very user friendly element for leak testing. Along with these features, the easy availability and relatively inexpensive acquisition cost of helium has made it the “first choice” of method for leak detection in a wide variety of settings. Advances in the development of better mass spectrometers have led to more superior and more robust techniques and methods. We at Mikro Innotech are a leading company providing leak detecting solutions to reputed brands in various sectors of industries. Contact us for your requirements regarding helium leak detection method.