Helium accumulation test.
An example of a helium accumulation test by Verborg Engineering is the Gas Valve tester. As a result of it’s used method, this machine has a quick capacity, is very precise, and has a good price. Other tracer gasses are also possible for this method, however for this explanation we will use the preferred tracer gas, helium.
How it works
After being connected to the device, the product is being pressurised with helium. The pressurised product is enclosed in a room in which the helium-ratio can be measured. In this room, the air is continuously mixed by a created air-flow. After a set amount of time, samples of air are measured by a helium sensor (INFICON T-guard). If the product is leaking, the helium that is inside of the product will escape through the leak, and end up in the circulated air.
Working principal sketch:
Pros:
- Precise ( 10-5 mbar*l/s).
- Product stays clean during test.
- No operators required, fully automatic solutions available.
- High capacity rate for zero-defect production lines.
- No influence by ambient temperature, product temperature and humidity.
- No vacuum required.
- Relatively cheap solutions.
Cons:
- Leak location can not be determined.
- Tracer gas required.
Verborg Engineering B.V. Project example
The gas valve leak tester is a standardised product by Verborg Engineering B.V., it’s original design was for gas valves, but it is also customizable for similar products. With a double chamber and a cycle time of 17,5 seconds for each chamber (for gas valves),this way, the leak tester is able to perform a large amount of accumulation tests each hour. It’s fully automatic process makes it possible for this machine to be used in a production line, where the product can be supplied by a cobot.
This particular tester was made for a wide variety of gas valves (a few are shown below).
