What Are the Standards for Helium Leak Testing?

There are several internationally recognized standards and guidelines for helium leak testing:

• ISO 14644-8: Provides guidance on cleanroom and air quality control, including how to perform leak testing procedures.
• ASTM E498: An American standard that defines the procedures and applicability of helium leak testing.
• EN 1779: A European standard that establishes the criteria for leak testing, covering both local and in-place tests.
• MIL-STD-1522B: A U.S. military standard that specifies helium leak testing for defense and aerospace equipment.

How Is Helium Leak Testing Performed?

Helium leak testing is generally carried out through the following steps:

1. Preparation and Inspection: The system, pipeline, or component to be tested is cleaned of all dirt, oil, and contaminants to ensure accuracy.
2. Vacuuming the System: The system or part is evacuated to create a vacuum, ensuring helium remains only within the test area.
3. Helium Gas Injection: Helium gas is introduced into the test system or component. Because of its small molecular size, helium can easily detect even the smallest leaks.
4. Leak Detection: If helium escapes from the system, detectors identify the exact leak location as the gas exits through a defect.
5. Result Analysis: The leak test results are analyzed and documented in a report indicating the leak rate, amount, and specific leak locations.
6. Reporting: A comprehensive report is prepared outlining the system’s leak integrity and test findings in detail.

Where Is Helium Leak Testing Used?

Helium leak testing is used in industries that demand high precision, safety, and reliability:

• Aerospace Industry: To inspect fuel systems, tanks, and pipelines in aircraft, rockets, and spacecraft for leaks.
• Nuclear Industry: To verify the leak integrity of pipelines and reactor systems in nuclear power plants.
• Automotive Industry: To check the tightness of vehicle fuel and air systems.
• Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical Industry: To ensure the safety and integrity of medical devices and production equipment.
• Oil and Gas Industry: To detect gas or fluid leaks in pipelines and transport systems.
• Electronics and Electrical Equipment: To verify the sealing of electronic components and devices against gas or water leaks.
• Vacuum Technologies: To monitor the leak tightness and performance of vacuum systems.

Helium Leak Testing Equipment and Techniques

Equipment:

• Helium Gas: High-purity helium gas used as the primary test medium.
• Vacuum Pump: Used to evacuate the system, preventing helium from escaping into the environment.
• Detectors: Highly sensitive instruments that detect helium escaping from leak points.
• Control Panel and Analysis Devices: Digital systems that measure and display helium leak rates and flow speeds.
• Software: Used to collect, analyze, and report test data. Most results are processed and visualized through this software.

Techniques:

• Helium Sniffing: A handheld detector is used near suspected leak points to sense escaping helium gas.
• Pressure Decay Method: The system is pressurized with helium, and pressure loss over time indicates a leak.
• Mass Spectrometer Leak Detection: Uses a mass spectrometer to analyze helium escaping from the system for precise leak measurement.

Advantages of Helium Leak Testing

• High Sensitivity: Due to helium’s small molecular size, even microscopic leaks can be detected.
• High Reliability: Helium is an inert gas, ensuring a safe and risk-free testing process.
• Fast Results: The test can be completed quickly, providing immediate insights into leak integrity.
• Ease of Application: The method is adaptable to various environments and suitable for testing large equipment.
• Non-Destructive: No damage occurs to the material during testing.

Disadvantages of Helium Leak Testing

• Expensive Equipment: Helium testing instruments and accessories can be costly.
• High Helium Cost: Pure helium gas can be expensive compared to other testing gases.
• Slower Testing Speed: Detecting very small leaks may require longer testing times.
• Limited to Gas Leaks: This method can only detect gas leaks; liquid leaks require different testing techniques.

Contact Us

For more information about helium leak testing or to develop a customized solution for your needs, please contact us. Our expert team will perform your tests quickly and accurately, providing full support throughout the process.

For inquiries or requests, feel free to reach out to us:

• Phone: +90 (850) 480 88 10
• Email: info@experte.com.tr
• Address: İçerenköy Mah. Değirmen Yolu Cad. Kutay İş Merkezi D No: 20 İç Kapı No: 11 Ataşehir / Istanbul

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