Helium Leak Detectors and Helium requirements

any helium should work

I do not think you need high purity.

I presume you are leak testing a vacuum system and blowing helium over joints and other possible leak locations. The leaks will either be sucking in air, if they are large leaks, or if they are very fine leaks only the helium molecules willl get through. Either way it doesn't seem to require exceptional helium quality. And the mass spectrometer is tuned to 'filter' the leaking gas so that the He molecules are the ones that get to its detector.

Greg

I agree with previous posts.

I would only add that aside from vacuum testing, there are methods of He testing which are done by pressurizing the vessel with He and "sniffing" for helium from the ouside with a sniffer probe. This method is less accurate than the vacuum method which sprays He at the part. We just implemented a He leak test at one of our suppliers.

Typically, you will be measuring the He by flow rates (cc of He/sec) that reach the mass spectrometer. Your testing apparatus has to be linked to this machine by some tubing that is not too small in diameter. If your attachment tubing is too small, the He will have a harder time reaching the mass spect. (Just make sure your tubing isn't very very small like 1/8".)

In my opinion, the most difficult part of the He leak test is your fixturing, because that too must be "helium tight" which can be a challenge depending on your test vessel geometry.

Remember...when your vacuum pump is running a vacuum on the system, DO NOT DISCONNECT THE PART FROM THE SYSTEM!!! This will allow the atmosphere to "rush" into your mass spectrometer and potentially burn up the filiment which then will need service. Always "vent" your system properly to avoid costly delays while your filiment is replaced.

Good Luck,

g

I am very thankful to Aurizon and Guest for replay. It is very helpful for me.

Similani

Hi there; Helium is helium there-for it should work. It only cost $15.00 at the local party supply house. Used for blowing up balloons; Helium Works well on my classic Veco MS9. Mr X

PS you can use it for laser mix as well.