Current Trends in Leak Testing Technology

Leak detection techniques are not exclusively used for the vacuum products but are finding increasing applications in almost all industrial areas. Therefore, leak definition is evolving to accommodate the industry point of view. A leak always requires a flow of mass though the walls of a volume intended to be sealed. It usually results in escape or admission of liquids or gases from sealed components or systems. Leak detectors range in complexity from the simple bubble test to highly sophisticated systems using tracer gases. Commercial helium mass spectrometer leak detectors can commonly detect leaks down to 10mbar.L.s range. These techniques allow manufacturers to quantify and measure maximum acceptable leak rates for their products, instead of traditional qualitative evaluation. In this work we summarize the most suitable leak detection methods according to the specific applications and the maximum admissible leak rate. Typical solutions to detect leaks in several products ranging pharmaceutical blisters to large fuel containers are described.