Helium sniffing.

For this method a helium sniffer is required. This device is able to detect helium concentrations in the air by using a probe.

How it works

A product is charged with pressurised helium. By using the probe, the surface of the product wille be scanned for helium concentrations. When an increase of helium concentration is detected by the sniffer, there will be a leak at the area of detection.

Automation of this leak detection method is possible by using a cobot.

Working principal sketch:

Pros:

• High level of precision (10^-5 mbar*l/s).
• Relatively inexpensive.
• Product stays clean.
• Ability to pinpoint leak location.

Cons:

• Operator dependent. Human mistakes are possible.
• The accuracy of the leak detection depends on the speed the sniffer probe is moved with and the distance from the product surface.
• Normally low throughput.
• Repeated test failures can lead to contaminated atmosphere in the test area. This makes the results less reliable due to an already existing helium concentration in the air.