Helium for leak detection

[Peter_1]

What about PED regulations which states much higher testing pressures (+/- 25 bars on high side in most occasions)

[Derek]

PED = Design and Manufacture

Proof Test with Nitrogen or Argon (cheap and no environmental issues)
Leak Test at max operating pressure (limit pressure al la PED) with helium as it gives a quantifiable result if done in a chamber.

PSSR (UK) = Operation and Maintenace

Leak Test with helium and portable mass spectrometer (£16K) again gives a quantifiable result if elak is above background levels (10e-6 m.bar.lt.sec-1).

Washing Up liquid = corrosive salts and water will fill small porosities under capilary action and give false results but thats in the molecular leak rate zone.

Nitrogen Under water = corrosion risk and water will fill small porosities under capilary action and give false results but thats in the molecular leak rate zone.

Snoop or leak Detection Fluid = Not corrosive and viscious so pretty relaible for laminar leaks.

Ultrasonic = Excellent in plant rooms not good for low pressure slow leaks and won't pick up oil signature from temperature/vibration activated leaks. No quantifibale display!

Capacitive hand helds pick up every thing from cleaning solvents to bad breath but give users 'confidence' frequent 'ghost leaks' in plant rooms. No quantifibale display!

Beta source detectors relaible but radiation hazard means hassels at end of the warranty period. Gives ppm and mass per year.

IR Sensors good but bulky usually wall mounted and access by tubes making it slow to respond. Displays in ppm not mass per year.

New HFC legislation

This will mandate leak detection hand held for inspection.

Just the rantings of a few years trying to find Nirvana and missing it.....