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Member

Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 8

Used Helium Leak Detection Equipment

05/21/2008 2:51 PM

We're currently looking for a helium leak detector capable of measuring a leak rate not to exceed 9x10^-7 cc/sec Helium (This equipment is to leak check a potted switch.) We had a product demo today for a VIC MS-40, which is the right machine for our application but too steep in price ($18K). Does anyone have experience w/ a vendor that sells refurbished equipment or could recommend a suitable alternate to the VIC MS-40?

Thanks in advance for any input.

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Guru
Hobbies - DIY Welding - New Member

Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1601
Good Answers: 58
#1

Re: Used Helium Leak Detection Equipment

05/21/2008 10:48 PM
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Anonymous Poster
#2

Re: Used Helium Leak Detection Equipment

05/22/2008 12:21 AM

Try www.hindhivac.com

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Power-User

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: USA Soviet Socialist Dictatorship of Cook County& Illinois
Posts: 207
Good Answers: 15
#3

Re: Used Helium Leak Detection Equipment

05/22/2008 7:30 AM

Bite the bullet and purchase a new leak detector. In the long run you'll be better off. I have purchased used and they're nothing but trouble. Purchase one with a turbo and no LN2 trap. If you don't need it for other things, consider having the testing done by a third party.

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Guru
Hobbies - DIY Welding - New Member

Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1601
Good Answers: 58
#4

Re: Used Helium Leak Detection Equipment

05/22/2008 8:25 AM

I don't mean to discourage you, but you should be aware that if you plan to expose your potted switch to helium pressure and then leak test it, the potting will likely have absorbed some helium. During the test, the helium will desorb and give a leak indication on a properly sealed switch. This is a fundamental property of helium leak detection and the reason why it is almost never used to test plastic materials, or containers that are coated with organic material.

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Power-User

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: USA Soviet Socialist Dictatorship of Cook County& Illinois
Posts: 207
Good Answers: 15
#5
In reply to #4

Re: Used Helium Leak Detection Equipment

05/22/2008 8:37 AM

Well said and very true if the article is to be "bombed". However the buyer should know that and it may be why the leak rate is so high.

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