How to select the right leak testing solution
The first rule in the field of leak detection is that there is not one technology that is perfect for all applications and challenges. This is the reason why there are so many different technologies on the market and also the reason why Pfeiffer Vacuum offers three different leak testing technologies in our portfolio.
The number one criteria for the selection of the right process and technology is the needed sensitivity. Thereby the range of leak rate requirements in the different applications is covering several decades of flow rates:
Leak rate requirements
Another key aspect is the importance of cycle time. While some laboratory processes do not have very strong requirements for fast test cycles, efficiency and throughput are key in the automotive industry. Therefore, the range of cycle time requirements is starting at multiple minutes and goes down to 1 second (and below).
Furthermore, the reliability and general approach of the test process is very important. For example, probabilistic test methods which rely on a series of events that are associated with uncertainty are stochastic by nature. Therefore multiple test sequences are needed to confirm the security of the results, e.g. blue dye testing. Pfeiffer Vacuum only offers deterministic test results which follow a predictable test sequence (e.g. tracer gas leak testing, Micro Flow leak testing and pressure / vacuum decay methods). Within the range of deterministic test methods, the reliability between the different technologies in regards to e.g. temperature changes shows significant differences.
To provide a recommendation of the optimal lest solution for your requirement, please refer to our questionnaire to collect relevant information.
