News
Leak Test of Electrodes Utilized in Propane Pump
Barber welding and Helium Leak Testing, Inc. have collaborated on leak testing electrodes welded to flanges utilized in propane pumps at temperature of 250F under a pressure of 260 psig.
This is a critical test due to the fact that propane is explosive. The parts are constantly subjected to temperature cycles that can lead to material failure due to fatigue. The flange was encapsulated in a vacuum chamber designed by HLT.; One side of the electrode is pressurized with helium white the other is evacuated and monitored by a leak detector.; Thirty-four parts were tested and successfully passed with test criteria of 1x10 -7cc/sec. The leak detector utilized had an accuracy of 2x10 -11 cc/sec. The test time once the part reached the required temperature was 30 minutes.
The Gas Station Case
A gas station maintenance and repair contractor determined there was a gasoline leak in the station piping system. The leak was determined to be under the concrete, how he did not know exactly where. Starting to excavate without knowing the location of the leak would result in major excavation, long downtime and higher costs to both the contractor and station owner. The contractor contacted Helium Leak Testing, Inc. for help. We sent a member of our technical staff to evaluate the situation. In four hours the technician was able to locate two large leaks with minimal concrete damage. This permitted the contractor to excavate only the location where the leakage was and consequently reducing downtime and major concrete repair.
Pressure/Deflection Test
HLT worked with Teradyne and successfully evaluated cooling plates. The plates were rectangular cooper tubing epoxy to aluminum flat plate. The assemblies were measured for deflection at various pressures using dial indicators at six locations. The assembled were then pressure cycled 4,000 times with repeat deflection beyond the 0.005 in. requirement.
Hydrogen Leak Detectors
HLT has recently added Hydrogen Leak Detectors and Hydrogen Sensors to our comprehensive Metrology services.
Hydrogen (H2) gas is fired for heat treating some metals by Bodycote Thermal Processing. As a safety measure Bodycote uses H2 Sensors to assure a non-combustible working environment.
Whether your applications are safety or process control related, Helium Leak Testing is here for you!
R&D
HLT is currently performing a R&D investigation on ear pieces for Cirrus Healthcare product in conjunction with House Ear Institute.
This study involves the balance of external pressure in the aircraft cabin to the internal pressure at the ear drum.
The airlines have an ongoing focus to provide passenger comfort during altitude changes. |
