Tackling Leak Detection Challenges for Large, Complex Parts and Tools
Leak detection results directly in the user’s hand
Leak detection becomes increasingly challenging when dealing with large or complex parts and tools. Turbines, pressure vessels, and tanks — and also large HVAC systems for commercial buildings, ships, aircraft, or semiconductor manufacturing tools — are examples of systems that span significant areas.
Traditional leak detectors often fall short in meeting the efficiency requirements of such test objects, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete testing.
Let’s explore two common challenges encountered during leak detection of big systems and how industrial leak detection solutions from INFICON address them effectively.
Challenge 1: Reaching Every Area of the Part with Long Cables
When testing large or complex objects, the sheer size often necessitates long cables to reach all areas of the system. A common concern with using extended probes or long cables is the potential impact on response times, as signals must travel along the cable between the detector and the test object. This could delay the leak detection process and reduce accuracy.
“Let’s presume a part has multiple potential leak points,” explains Andreas Karlsson, Segment Account Manager Nordic at INFICON. “Response time for each individual leak must be fast; otherwise, the user risks scanning too quickly and the signal arrives too late after the leak already has been passed.”
Sensistor® Sentrac® Hydrogen Leak Detector overcomes this challenge by integrating the sensor directly at the tip of the hand probe. This design eliminates any signal delay typically associated with conventional low flow leak detectors and ensures consistent and reliable response times, regardless of whether operators use a 3 meter, 6 meter, or even 9 meter cable.
Additionally, leak detection around large-sized objects can be difficult if the hand probe cable is not long enough or prone to tangling. To address this, Sentrac offers a portable, battery-operated model that is fully independent of a fixed workspace. Lightweight and easy to move around, this model is wireless and can be seamlessly moved between production lines or testing locations. It is particularly useful for service and maintenance tasks, where portability and optimal performance are essential.
In industrial leak detection applications where high sensitivity is required, the helium leak detectors of the UL family greatly tackle the challenge of leak checking semiconductor manufacturing tools with the introduction of the SMART-Spray Helium Spray Gun. This innovative spray gun offers a completely wireless solution eliminating the inconvenience of long cables and tangled gas connection hoses and making leak detection with helium revolutionary easy.
Challenge 2: Viewing Results on the Instrument Screen
Another challenge with large or complex objects is the difficulty of monitoring the instrument screen while performing leak detection. The size or geometry of the object often makes it hard for operators to stay close enough to the detector to view the results, hindering their ability to pinpoint leak locations accurately.
Both Sentrac’s hand probe and SMART-Spray gun solve this issue with an integrated display that shows the leak detection results directly in the operator’s hand. This feature eliminates the need to remain beside the main detector, providing all the necessary information in the palm of the user. With this capability, operators can quickly identify and address leak locations without unnecessary back-and-forth movements, saving both time and effort.
Every testing process has its own special requirements. Testing large or complex parts for leaks presents unique challenges, from reaching all areas of the object with long cables to effectively displaying the detection results. INFICON solutions are designed to enable efficient and precise leak detection, regardless of the challenge.
Are you testing large or complex parts for leaks?
Look for more efficient solutions. Discover the Sentrac battery operated model and the SMART-Spray Helium Spray Gun !
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