Case Study
A manufacturer of aluminum wheels requested assistance in proposing alternative
methods of testing for leakage. On the initial sales visit, it was observed that
the customer was bubble testing wheel rims in large transparent tanks filled with
water. The wheels were pressurized to 30 PSIG and submerged. The water became
dirty very quickly, making observation of bubbles extremely difficult. An efficient
and more sensitive method was required to increase throughput and quality.
According to the leak rate conversion table below, it is clear that besides operator
dependent, the bubble test was time consuming.
After considering the problem, HLT decided to propose a helium leak detection
system for four reasons.
- Higher throughput
- Superior quality test.
- No final cleaning (removal of
water spots prior to shipment)
- Most importantly, the direction of gas flow during bubble testing did not mimic
actual leakage occurring during normal operation.
Helium leak testing, Inc. was instrumental in converting a traditional bubble
testing technique for an aluminum wheel manufacturer. A more sensitive, time and
cost effective leak testing methodology was presented allowing for a fully automated
system.
The helium leak detection system proposal was adopted by the customer. Their
customers, major automobile manufacturers, noticed a significant reduction of
consumer complaints regarding flat tires due to defective wheel rims.
The automated system tests automobile wheels and detects leak rates in the order
of 1.0 E-6 atm cc/sec. The total test time is 20 seconds per unit.
