Helium Sniffer Testing
The helium sniffing leak test is a method that uses helium as a tracer gas in combination with instrumentation that can detect presence of helium in the environment and more specifically an increase in helium due to a leaking part.
Generally sniffer leak detection is used to locate leaks in parts or systems so that they can be identified and where possible repaired. This test method is not quantitative as it is the skill of the operator that can determine whether a leak is found.
Helium is the lightest inert gas. Introducing helium as part of a leak detection process is very effective because this light inert gas will escape from any leaks in the piping or vessel quickly. Thus, helium will penetrate the surface easily. In fact, helium diffuses through solids at three times the rate of air. Helium gas is also ideal because it will not react with other elements making it safe to mix with hydrocarbon vapors.
Benefits
- Highly sensitive: Helium leak detection is a highly sensitive detection technique, particularly developed to identify extremely small leaks which cannot be detected with standard leak test methods
- Safe: Helium is non-toxic, non-flammable, non-condensable, and its presence in the atmosphere is limited to 5ppm. Additionally, helium is safe to use because it does not react with materials of parts being tested.
- Effective: Sniffer probe is very effective in locating minute leaks and can be useful in testing small parts as well as complex systems.