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Helium Leak Detection

A Helium Leak detector, also known as a Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector (MSLD), is used to locate and measure the size of leaks into or out of a system or containing device.   The tracer gas, helium, is introduced to a test part that is connected to the leak detector.  The helium leaking through the test part enters through the system and this partial pressure is measured and the results are displayed on a meter.

Helium leak detectors consists of the following components:

  • A spectrometer to detect the mass of helium
  • A vacuum system to maintain the pressure in the spectrometer
  • A mechanical pump to evacuate the part to be tested
  • Valves which enable the various stages of detection: evacuation, test & venting
  • An amplifier and readout instrumentation to monitor the output signal
  • Power supplies and controls
  • Fixturing that attaches the part to be tested to the detector