This machine was designed for a customer in the Middle East which required a system to helium leak test their heat exchangers.

Given the predicted low rate of failing parts, to speed up the production volume of the system and to offer a cheaper solution, it was decided to test two components simultaneously using only one vessel.

The machine can run 57 tests/hour, with the components charged at 20 or 40bar and a pass/fail leak rate of 9E-6 mbar litre/s. The door is manual and the helium used for the test can be recovered and re-used in the following cycles thanks to a Helium Recovery Unit which can make the customer save up to X% in helium cost.

Due to the customer’s location, the Helium Recovery Unit was specifically designed to withstand temperatures as high as 55degC. All pump motors have been treated in order to improve insulation class for higher temperatures, the electrical panel is air-conditioned and the LDS turbo pump is equipped with a ‘Vortex’ cooling coil to maintain its temperature lower than its limit.

The gross leak test of the components is carried out using Nitrogen or dry air, fed to the system at 6bar and charged up to 60bar through a double-acting gas booster system and storage reservoir.

Due to the customer’s location a modem was installed on the machine for remote customer’s support and direct access to the PLC.