Helium Leak Testing (HLT) is based on the principle of field mass spectrometer. The leaked Helium gas is ionized by the electron beam from the filament within the ion chamber of the analyzing tube. The ions are accelerated using added voltage and move out through a slit and then passed through the magnetic field generated by the analyzer.
Since the circular trajectories of the ions depend on their mass, the collector can catch only the helium ions and detect helium. Using a special detector the ion current is converted into an electric current. This current is accelerated and displayed on the screen using leak detection units. The measured current is in direct proportion to helium concentration and therefore equal to the measured leak.
The HLT is a system containing the following modules;
a) Helium mass spectrometer leak detector. b) Control system and valves which control individual steps of the measuring cycle, from evacuation to testing to venting. c) Rotary & TMP vacuum pumps to maintain sufficiently low pressure in the spectrometer d) Fixture, which connects the unit to be tested with the detector.
Some of the notable applications of HLT are;
1) Analytical- Electron Beam Microscopes, Mass spectrometer system 2) Automotive- AC, Brake Tubing, Heat Exchanger, Fuel Tanks, Compressors, Valves 3) Medicine Tech- Pacemaker, Electron Microscopes, X-ray Tubes, Ampulla 4) Power Engineering- Power Turbine & Condenser, High Voltage Components 5) Process Industry- Furnaces, Soldering ovens, High-Pressure valves.
At IXAR, we specialize in Helium Leak Testing, which is a very sensitive and quantifiable test. It is reliable and best-suited to be integrated into the manufacturing process. Our personnel ensure that this highly sensitive and technical method is robust and works efficiently as part of a production line.
