Helium leak testing

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Helium leak testing is used for gas tests with particularly stringent acceptance criteria due to its small molecular composition when compared to the more commonly used gas, nitrogen.

In conjunction with the use of a mass spectrometer for sniffing purposes, this method has been proven to show that helium leak testing can be over one thousand times more sensitive in the detection of leakage paths compared to alternative metrics.

Helium leak testing is an ideal choice for leak detection as the molecules are very small and penetrate leaks easily and rapidly. Helium occurs naturally at low concentrations in the atmosphere, meaning background levels do not interfere with the test results. Fugitive emission testing using helium can be carried out at our facility to test and evaluate the integrity of the external leakage of valves.

Tyne Pressure Testing has both the on-site equipment and extensive practical know-how to perform helium leak testing. This includes a range of products bound for critical inline service for oil and gas production, through to saturation diver watches. Assessment of the permeability of sealing barriers within these products can range from a matter of minutes, through to several weeks of exposure in a helium-filled chamber.

Our team of highly skilled test engineers are experienced in completing helium leak testing for a range of clients. Clients have the opportunity to select our beginning to end, fully project managed testing service, or can independently hire the chambers.

Sectors requiring Helium Leak Testing:

If helium leak testing is something you require, speak to a member of our team.

Find out more about our hyperbaric chambers.

Hyperbaric Chambers

Our facility offers nine hyperbaric testing chambers ranging in size and pressure capability including the world’s largest, commercially available hyperbaric chamber which can simulate water depths down to 4,500 metres.

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FAQs

What is helium leak testing?

Helium leak testing is a common method of testing when finding small leaks or leaks in larger volumes.

An example of this type of type test at Tyne Pressure Testing is fugitive emission testing. This is when helium is used to test and evaluate the integrity of the external leakage of valves.

What are the benefits of helium leak testing?

Commonly used for gas testing, helium leak testing can be over one thousand times more sensitive in the detection of leakage due to its smaller molecular composition than nitrogen, which is normally used.

How often should I helium leak test my product?

Helium leak testing is mostly used to test that a prototype or new design tweak is functional and leak free. It is also common for this testing to be carried out on a production batch sample test or if the standard dictates every production unit.

Testing can be carried out on existing components in the field and this is dictated by the maintenance schedule of an application normally by the end user.

Why choose us?

Facilities on-site

Opt for either an all-encompassing, fully project managed testing service provided by our experts and in-house engineering team, or, hire our pressure testing facilities to conduct independent testing.

Client Facilities

Our clients travel across the globe to utilise our pressure testing services and hyperbaric testing equipment. We will aim to support your connectivity to provide a comfortable working environment whilst you oversee product testing.

Whilst your product is undergoing the testing process, take advantage of our dedicated client offices, break-out area, Wi-Fi and conferencing facilities. If a client representative cannot travel to our facility, they can remotely log onto our IT system to stream live test data and video footage of their component being tested.

Reduced Lead Times

Working to a tight timescale? We can conduct 24 hour testing at our facility, subject to availability. Clients also have the option to complete testing in multiple chambers.

Our largest chamber, hyperbaric chamber TPT 5, is equipped with automated controls and an interactive system to improve efficiency and reduce loading times meaning this chamber can fill, load and pressurise in just 90 minutes!

Data Reporting

As standard, our clients receive full documentation and product certification after the testing is completed.

The majority of our hyperbaric chambers are fitted with subsea cameras and this video footage can be shared upon request.

Additional Client Services

We can offer additional services to help fulfil project requirements such as; assembly, data reporting, third party verification, logistics and storage and dedicated client facilities.

Third Party Verification

We can arrange for a third party witness to oversee your product testing and verification. We frequently work with leading authorities such as Bureau Veritas and Lloyd’s Register.

Case Studies

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Subsea Defence
Helium Leak Testing

Tyne Pressure Testing partnered with a defence industry manufacturer to carry out leak testing of electronics enclosures installed on a manned underwater craft.

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Subsea Oil & Gas

Tyne Pressure Testing performed collapse testing on multiple pipe samples to support Technip's subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) product lines.

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Subsea Oil & Gas

Tyne Pressure Testing performed hyperbaric cycles to test a series of ball valves to ensure that they could withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures of a deep sea setting.

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