How do we perform a helium leak-testing inspection system?
At Crysopain, we’re experts in the maintenance of cryogenic equipment and plants. Especially, we are experts in testing your cryogenic systems for leaks with state-of-the-art helium tests.
We perform helium tests to check the air-tightness of cryogenic vessels, such as small rangers and dewars, as well as in larger tanks such as pressure tanks.
How do we test your vessels’ air-tightness?
Cryogenic containers have a vacuum chamber that guarantees the perfect isolation of the cryogenic liquids inside, which is why it is so vital to check for leaks.
We use helium for these tests because it is the smallest inert particle that exists, allowing us to detect leaks down to 10-11 mbar L/s.
Related content: Super-Fluid Helium: The importance of Liquid Helium and its applications
Our first priority: compliance on every level
We carry out this testing in the strictest compliance with ASME Standard V art 10 ap IV and V. The process that we follow to do so is:
- Firstly we create a vacuum in the inter-chamber vacuum while leaving the mass spectrometry leak detector connected.
- Then, we spray small quantities of helium gas over the area we’re testing. Finally, we scan the critical parts of the outside of the tank or vessel such as welds, joints, valves, etc.
- If any leaks are present the helium will escape into the inter-chamber and the detector will sound the alarm. In the video above you can see for yourself how we perform a helium test on a vacuum-insulated pipe.
- You can also check for pores in the inner pipe by feeding a small amount of helium into it. If the gas reaches the inter-chamber due to the pressure difference, the detector will go off.
- Once we’ve verified that there are no leaks or have repaired existing ones, we reconnect the vacuum pump to ensure the proper level. We can then heat the inner vessel and keep the pump connected. The process finishes once we’ve stabilized the vacuum for at least 24 hours.
Cryospain’s goal in performing these painstaking helium test is always the same: to verify that your entire system is safe and in perfect working order.
When it comes to cryogenic installations – safety always comes first
These tests are a vital step for the safety of your facility and to ensure peak performance throughout your cryogenic plant.
We can often perform these tests in our very own workshop in the case of dewars or rangers. For large installations or tanks that can’t be transported, we’ll go wherever you need us and perform them on-site.
Keep learning: Maintenance and repair service for cryogenic Dewars
Leaks don’t just mean you’re losing cryogenic liquid – they mean lost money
At Cryospain, we believe in quality and safety, both for our clients and for us as a company. We therefore always recommend extensive testing such as this. Of course, this guarantees the security of your systems and equipment. But it also means improved efficiency and results across the board for your cryogenic storage or facilities.
If you expect these standards for your cryogenic systems, why not contact our team of specialists, with 18 years of experience behind them, at cryospain@cryospain.com.
