Helium Leak Testing Services
Helium leak testing is a method used for gas tests that require stringent acceptance criteria, due to helium's small molecular composition in comparison to nitrogen. The testing process employs a mass spectrometer for sniffing, demonstrating sensitivity over a thousand times greater than other methods. Helium's small molecules make it ideal for penetrating leaks quickly and easily without interference from atmospheric background levels. Tyne Pressure Testing offers both on-site equipment and expert knowledge to conduct these tests, which are crucial for sectors such as oil and gas production and diver equipment. The facility provides nine hyperbaric chambers, including the world’s largest commercial chamber, capable of simulating water depths up to 4,500 meters. The team offers fully managed project services or independent chamber rentals, with the potential to run assessments from minutes to several weeks. Additional options include 24-hour testing with automated controls for efficiency and full documentation with video footage upon completion.Helium leak testing is used for gas tests with particularly stringent acceptance criteria due to its small molecular composition when compared to the more commonly used gas, nitrogen.
In conjunction with the use of a mass spectrometer for sniffing purposes, this method has been proven to show that helium leak testing can be over one thousand times more sensitive in the detection of leakage paths compared to alternative metrics.
Helium leak testing is an ideal choice for leak detection as the molecules are very small and penetrate leaks easily and rapidly. Helium occurs naturally at low concentrations in the atmosphere, meaning background levels do not interfere with the test results. Fugitive emission testing using helium can be carried out at our facility to test and evaluate the integrity of the external leakage of valves.
Tyne Pressure Testing has both the on-site equipment and extensive practical know-how to perform helium leak testing. This includes a range of products bound for critical inline service for oil and gas production, through to saturation diver watches. Assessment of the permeability of sealing barriers within these products can range from a matter of minutes, through to several weeks of exposure in a helium-filled chamber.
Our team of highly skilled test engineers are experienced in completing helium leak testing for a range of clients. Clients have the opportunity to select our beginning to end, fully project managed testing service, or can independently hire the chambers.
- Oil and gas – valves
- Defence – various components
- Subsea – diver watches
If helium leak testing is something you require, speak to a member of our team.