Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Pointers On Doing A Helium Leak Test

By Debra Cox


In this type of test, helium is used in finding smaller leaks or large leaks in bigger volumes. It is utilized as a tracer gas, and the concentration is measured. A helium leak test must be used for testing leaks since it is inert and is therefore safe to use. It will not react with any other material within the part that should be tested.

In the many tests conducted, a mass spectrometer is a device that is used. The importance of using it is that it can identify very small leakage as contrasted to using other tests as it only uses temperature independent dry method.

When using a vacuum system or high pressure, this type of test is very important. It will be able to help you know if there is any problem with your system. A detection unit will form a vacuum inside the product to be tested. Helium should then be sprayed outside the product. If fumes are detected, the detection unit will notify you immediately. This allows you to determine where the problem is.

The two main approaches are the pressure testing and vacuum testing. The best detection method is determined by the working conditions of a product that should be tested. In vacuum testing technique, a product will be tested from the inside. The device ought to be evacuated followed by spraying the gas on the site of the leakage. Any helium detected inside the device when the test has been carried out confirms a leak. This indicates that repair ought to be done.

To ensure that you are offered results one can depend on, the leakage detection unit has to be cared for. You need to follow the guidelines provided by your manufacturer on maintenance. Annual services and weekly and monthly examinations should be done to know if the unit is in good working condition. Calibration of the unit should also be done since it is a quick and easy task.

Gas is characterized by odor which a normal individual can easily notice at a concentration that is below an explosive range. Such a level of concentration ranges from zero points five to one percent. A gas odor indicates a leakage and information on this should be immediately investigated. When a leak is established, the movement of the fumes must be determined. If an accident exists, it must be eliminated immediately with the leak repaired.

Insects such as cockroaches, flies, and spiders like to move to the point of the leakage. This is due to the microbial breakdown around the area. Since they like how fumes smell, busy insect activity around the meter or regulator indicates a leakage. A test should be conducted for confirmation immediately.

A fungus-like growth around places like the valve box can indicate a leak. This is because fungi grow where there is no oxygen. The color of growth can be greyish white or white. All these indications need to be investigated using a leakage detection instrument. Workers should not enter manholes without testing the level of oxygen and fumes concentration first.




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