Leak Testing and Detection

Although helium is abundant throughout the universe, it is extremely rare on earth. Because of its properties, helium has been in greater and greater demand; it is currently used in:

Laser technology
Welding and cutting technology
Vacuum heat treatment
Filling gas for airbags
Semiconductor production
Fiber optics production
Lifting gas
Leak detection

Helium has become a precious resource and, owing to its low supply, is very expensive. Often there is no alternative for helium, but Linde found a way to substitute expensive helium used for leak detection with a less expensive gas. Linde has helped customers in the following industries make the switch:

Manufacturing: An Alabama manufacturer of refrigerator coils switched from helium to a helium-nitrogen mix.
Construction: An Austrian mountain cableway operator sought help from Hofer & Weratschnig in detecting leaks in a 3.7 miles(6-km) underground pipeline system that delivered water and compressed gas to 30+ snow cannons. Hofer & Weratschnig pressurized the pipeline with a mixture of 85% nitrogen and 15% methane, purchased from Linde Austria. The pipeline, buried 4.9 feet (1.5 m) deep was then inspected by patrolling the run with an above-ground gas detector.
Food processing: To promptly detect even the smallest holes in product packaging, a test for impermeability was developed for the potato-processing industry. A nitrogen-helium mixture was added to the product after it was packed into bags. If helium was detected after sealing, the bag in question was immediately rejected.

To use other gases in place of helium, changes to detection equipment are often needed and safety issues must be considered. Besides helium substitution Linde has also experience in stationary and mobile helium recovery systems.

If you are currently using helium for leak detection and wonder if there is a cheaper alternative, Contact Us. Chances are, there is.