Helium Leak Detectors

Helium Leak Detectors are a type of Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector (MSLD) which are used to measure the size and location of a leak in a closed system or storage tank. Helium is a molecularly small, non-toxic, inert, non-flammable gas that is not prevalent in the atmosphere and is an ideal choice to be utilized as a “tracer” gas in vacuum leak detectors. Any leak from a system or tank is measured through the amount of pressurized Helium being released from the system.
Leak Detectors are utilized in a wide range of applications in a variety of industries to ensure the integrity of the system. Leak detectors are an essential tool for testing the integrity of piping, HVAC systems, hydraulic lines, storage tanks, and pipelines. They are used to test closed tank systems prior to filling, and also applied to in-process systems to help early leak detection and prevent more costly repairs later.
A system leak can occur for a variety of reasons and result in loss of pressure in a system, or result in no pressure at all. As systems are built and installed they need to be tested in order to ensure a vacuum has been achieved. Once they are installed, finding a leak may not be easy and repairs can be costly.
Helium Leak Detectors and mass spectrometers are preferred instruments for detecting and locating small leaks because they offer such a reliably accurate detection system. Originally developed by the Manhattan Project, they can be used to find even microscopic leaks in a variety of systems. For this purpose, they are used in many highly regulated industries, such as medical and automotive.
Helium detectors are used in both high-pressure and low-pressure systems. Pressure Testing is utilized when an inside-out test is required. The part or tank is pressurized with helium or mixture of air and helium. The potential leak areas are scanned and recognized using a “Sniffer Probe” that is connected to the leak detector.
Low pressure systems are tested using differing pressures and operating at varying speeds to influence the compression ratio. The mass spectrometer usually operates at extremely low pressure levels attached to a turbopump to produce upstream pressure. The procedure provides protection against damage or contamination to the leak detector.
The system has sensitive electronics that confirm a leak. If there is a leak, helium will pass through the system and be detected through the spectrometer, which will measure the amount of the leaking gas. Under a pressure system, the system is charged and the amount of leaking gas can be measured with the use of the sniffer probe.
Leak detection is commonly used for large capacity systems as well as small systems such as hermetically sealed vacuum packaging equipment. Depending on the type of system and capacity you are testing, there are various models of Helium Leak Detectors available. Leak detectors will continue to play an integral part in ensuring the integrity and quality of manufacturing systems.
Since 1969 A-VAC Industries has specialized in the sale and service of all popular brands of Helium Leak Detectors and vacuum pumps. We are also a provider of specialized accessories for leak detectors and offer replacement parts in stock for all major brands. Contact A-VAC today for information on leak detection equipment and parts. A-VAC Industries is located at 1845 S. Lewis Street, Anaheim, CA. You can reach us by phone at: 800–747–2821, by email at: pumpexperts@avac.com, or visit our website at www.Avac.com.
With over 44 years of High Vacuum experience, you can count on the highly trained and skilled technicians at A-VAC to provide you the very best vacuum pump sales and repair service. We can also ensure that rebuilt or refurbished vacuum pumps are matched exactly with the proper vacuum chamber equipment.
A-VAC Industries is located at 1845 S. Lewis Street, Anaheim, CA. You can reach us by phone at: 800–747–2821, email at: pumpexperts@avac.com, or visit our website at www.Avac.com.