Extending the Life Cycle of Leak Detectors
Design, Repair, and Reuse as Sustainable Practices
The circular economy is about designing systems where raw materials continue to circulate, reducing the need for new resources and minimizing waste. At INFICON, we believe this approach not only supports environmental sustainability, but also benefits our customers by providing long-term value through service and lower total cost of ownership.
By designing products with sustainability principles in mind and integrating circularity into our preventive maintenance, repair and upgrade services, we strive to deliver long-lasting leak detection solutions to the users while reducing the environmental impact.
Designing for Longevity
Circularity requires a new way of thinking about product design that focuses on resource use throughout the entire life cycle, as opposed to the traditional focus on minimizing resource use during the production phase. At INFICON, we design products today with an eye toward the future, recognizing that sustainable products should be built to last. “Our goal is to create leak detectors that are not only durable but also easy to maintain, extending their life and reducing the need for replacement,” says Ulrika Conte, Operations & Quality Manager at INFICON AB.
In addition, by offering a smart range of spare parts and consumables, we keep instruments running smoothly and support a circular economy, where reuse and repair of existing parts is encouraged, rather than their disposal. “Leak detectors like the XRS9012, with their heavy-duty design, are built to withstand harsh environments. Some of our instruments have been in the field for 15-20 years and continue to perform accurately,” continues Conte.
“It is sometimes hard to convince our customers of the benefits of successor products, especially when their current device has been running reliably for decades,” adds Markus Wasserfuhr, Leak Detection Services Manager, INFICON GmbH.
Our approach to sustainability is comprehensive—from product design to resource-efficient manufacturing. For example, our Ecotec E3000 and Protec P3000 leak detectors have nearly identical housings, allowing them to be manufactured using the same basic tooling. We also use many common assemblies and components, such as the ion source and the preamplifier, across multiple vacuum leak detectors in our portfolio. This platform strategy extends product lifecycles, conserves resources, and reduces waste. In addition, we support a sustainable industry by helping companies reduce costs, improve their carbon footprint, and meet regulatory requirements for a circular economy.
Refurbishing as Step Toward Sustainability
Reducing waste and extending the life of products over time are key aspects of sustainability. By offering customers the opportunity to return their old equipment, we have also been able to recycle working components. The refurbishing of core parts of equipment such as the now discontinued Sensistor H2000 and the newer E3000 and UL-series leak detectors is an example of reducing waste, conserving resources, and ensuring that valuable parts are reused in the process.
In addition, INFICON provides ongoing support and offers customized service contracts to ensure that equipment is maintained efficiently and reliably, which can contribute to the longevity of leak detectors and reduce the need for premature disposal. "We offer long repair and maintenance periods even after production has ceased," continues Wasserfuhr, "so that our customers can continue to use their equipment for years to come without having to worry about service interruptions.”
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Continuous Upgrades
Designing products with upgrade options allows users to add new features or functionality without having to replace the entire unit. This can include software updates, smart adds-on, or easily replaceable sensors.
A clear step toward sustainability is the possibility to remotely support and upgrade leak detectors, cutting down on travel and transportation emissions, and helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the service process.
“Upgrades allow customers to maintain and improve their equipment, which results into more sustainable practices and reduces the need for new or replacement products,” says Conte. “With no moving parts, minimal maintenance, and easy sensor replacement, the Sentrac hydrogen leak detector is an example of longevity and sustainability. Users can easily upgrade it and get the add-ons and functions needed by today’s industry, without having to send the unit to the local service center.”
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