---

Leak testing

Leak detection and measurement of leakage rates

There are two test methods for detecting leaks:

• The local leak detection method, used to discover leaks (quantitative)
• The integral leak test method, used to determine the total leakage rate of the test item (qualitative).

Leak testing with test gases (usually helium He4) is the most sensitive measuring method and also offers a wide dynamic range. It is therefore able to detect both very small and very large leaks. For leak testing with vacuum technology, only helium is used to detect leaks. For these test techniques we use advanced leak detectors (mass spectrometers).