Helium leak detectors are specially designed for leak detection applications in industry and manufacturing. This is very important in the manufacturing sector as it ensures the integrity of production processes and controls the leak tightness of products or components. This helps prevent unwanted incidents, and defective products can be recalled, avoiding market release and compensation.

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In this article, MIGCO will provide you with detailed information on why you should use helium gas for leak testing. The methods for testing individual components and where to buy helium gas.

Helium leak testing method

Helium is the best gas currently available for leak testing for the following reasons:

It is an inert, non-toxic, non-condensing, and non-flammable gas. In fact, it exists in the atmosphere at a very low concentration of only 5 ppm.
Due to the small atomic size of helium, it easily passes through tiny gaps or cracks. The only gas molecule smaller than Helium is Hydrogen, but it is not used for leak testing because it is not inert.
Helium is relatively inexpensive, cost-effective to use, and available in cylinders of various capacities from gas suppliers.

What is a helium leak detector, its function, and structure:

A helium leak detector is also known as a mass spectrometer leak detector (abbreviated as MSLD). They are used to locate and measure the rate of leaks into or out of a product, system, or container.

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Helium gas is introduced into the area to be tested when connected to the leak detector. Leaked helium passes through the test object to the detection system. This pressure is measured, and the results are displayed on a screen.

– The structure of a Helium leak detector includes:

A mass spectrometer used to detect helium.
A vacuum system to maintain pressure levels in the spectrometer.
A mechanical pump for partial evacuation for testing.
Shut-off valves to allow for different stages of the process: evacuation, testing, and ventilation.
Amplifier and display unit to monitor output signals.
Power supply and controller.
Fixtures for attaching the test part to the detector.

Leak testing methods for individual components

There are two common methods for leak testing parts using helium:

Vacuum testing – Outside
Pressure testing – Inside to out.

The method will be chosen appropriately based on the working conditions of each part to be tested. Maintaining the same pressure conditions during the test as in its actual use is mandatory. The vacuum system should test with a vacuum inside the chamber.

– Vacuum testing – Outside method

This is a testing method using a separate pumping system for the larger volume or inside the test equipment with the smaller volume to locate leaks.

Helium is directed to the suspected leak locations of the product part using a spray probe with an adjustable flow device.

– Pressure testing – Inside to out method

In pressure testing, the part is pressurized with helium gas or a mixture of helium and air to locate leaks. Potential leak locations are scanned with a diagnostic sensor connected to the inlet of the leak detector.

Applications of Helium leak testing

Quality control of product parts and manufacturing equipment using helium leak detectors helps ensure the integrity of companies’ production processes. This is part of preventive maintenance or in the event of unexpected incidents.

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Typical applications of this method include:

Sealed containers.
Valves, pipes, seal testing.
Leak testing of vacuum vessels and systems, medical instruments, high-purity pipelines.
Brake lines, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, air conditioning units, radiators, heat exchangers, condensers.
Electron microscopes, leak testing of semiconductor processing equipment, electron and ion beam processing equipment, underground tanks,…

Where to buy Helium gas for leak testing

Currently, MIGCO is a unit in Ho Chi Minh City specializing in supplying helium gas for leak testing, crack detection, and providing vacuum leak testing services. We also supply a variety of other industrial gases and specialty gases.

All gas products come with complete CO, COA, CQ documentation, and fast, safe, and on-site delivery. Contact the MIGCO Hotline directly for support and advice on helium leak testing and helium cylinders of various capacities.