Safety Systems

All vehicle components that are directly relevant to safety have special quality requirements - with corresponding demands on leak tightness. Brake hoses, brake fluid reservoirs and brake boosters, for example, should typically be tested against leakage rates in the range of 10^-3 to 10^-4 mbar∙l/s, often executed by helium testing in the accumulation chamber. Pyrotechnic airbag gas generators must be protected against intake of humidity  - corresponding to a reject leak rate in the 10^-6 mbar∙l/s range.

Airbag gas generators are tested by bombing. First the airbag igniter is subjected to helium overpressure, then it is tested in a vacuum chamber to measure how much helium escapes again from the test part. 

The leak rate specification for airbag cold gas generators are somewhat higher. Their helium-argon mixture must maintain its overpressure for more than 10 or 15 years. To test for the corresponding even smaller helium leak rate of 10^-7 mbar∙l/s, vacuum leak testing with the LDS3000 or the Modul1000 is the established method of testing.

Are you struggling with leak testing tasks of safety systems?

We are happy to support you finding the solution that best fits your needs! Simply contact us!

If you want to learn more about leak testing on safety systems check our application note "Leak testing of airbag inflators"