Welcome to the FAQ page of the ATEQ Leak Testing website!
You’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions, organized by categories to make your search easier. Whether you’re looking for information about our products, technical advice, maintenance resources, or details about our services, this section is designed to provide quick and clear access to the information you need.
Explore our various categories to find solutions tailored to your needs, or contact us directly if you have a specific question.
ATEQ provides comprehensive training programs covering leak testing fundamentals, equipment operation, and application-specific procedures for marine components. Our programs are designed to equip maritime personnel with the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform accurate leak testing, combining theoretical principles with hands-on operation of leak detection equipment.
Training can be delivered on-site at your facility or at our technical centers, customised to your specific marine applications and production requirements. Our programs ensure your team can confidently perform accurate leak testing on fuel cells, propulsion systems, navigation equipment, and waterproof enclosures.
For more information about training programs, contact our team or visit our training services page.
ATEQ leak detection systems are designed for seamless integration into existing production lines. Our engineering and support teams work closely with customers to implement solutions as inline automated test stations, end-of-line (EOL) systems or robotic handling solutions, ensuring reliable and efficient testing even in high-volume production environments.
ATEQ’s tracer gas leak detection equipment can accurately locate microscopic leak locations in any marine and maritime products.
Leak location can be identified using these methods:
- Tracer gas sniffing
- Evac and spray method
- Ultrasonic leak detection
ATEQ’s He-490S offers ultra-high sensitivity helium leak detection, identifying leaks as small as 10⁻¹² and precisely locating leak points in sniffing mode.
Marine fuel cells, propulsion systems, and electric boats are typically leak-tested using helium or hydrogen tracer gas methods for high-sensitivity applications, especially hydrogen circuits.
Pressure decay or mass flow testing is commonly used for fuel lines, cooling circuits, and propulsion components in production environments.
A wide range of marine and maritime products require leak detection tests to ensure maximum performance, safety and long-term reliability. Some of these components are
- AIS transceivers and communication modules
- Navigation, radar and monitoring systems
- Diving equipment and underwater devices
- Marine fuel cells and battery packs
- Propulsion, cooling and fluid handling systems
Any component exposed to water, pressure, or corrosive environments must be leak tested to ensure operational safety and durability.
An AIS (Automatic Identification System) transceiver or receiver automatically sends and receives vessel identity, position, speed and course information to improve navigation safety and collision avoidance. AIS equipment must meet international performance and type-test standards such as IEC 61993-2 (Class A) and IEC 62287-1 (Class B).
To ensure safety and regulatory compliance, AIS enclosures are tested to the IEC 60529 Ingress Protection (IP) standard, which defines how well devices resist dust and water ingress. Common marine IP targets for AIS and other marine electronics are IP65, IP66, IP67 or higher.
Ingress Protection (IP) testing assesses the resistance of marine components to dust and water ingress in accordance with international standards such as IEC 60529.
For marine applications, IP testing is typically performed using:
- Pressure decay or pressure rise testing for sealed housings
- Vacuum leak testing for sensitive electronic enclosures
- Tracer gas testing (helium or hydrogen) for high-precision leak detection
- Water immersion or spray tests for basic low accuracy testing.
Leak testing is commonly performed during the production stage to detect micro-leaks early, reduce test cycle time, and avoid damage to high-value components.
Maritime communication refers to the exchange of information between ships, ports, offshore platforms, and coastal authorities using radio, satellite, and digital communication systems. It ensures safe navigation, collision avoidance, weather reporting, emergency response, and regulatory compliance.
Reliable maritime communication systems must operate in harsh marine environments, where exposure to saltwater, humidity, vibration, and pressure can compromise electronic components.
Leak testing is essential to guarantee enclosure integrity, prevent water ingress, and ensure uninterrupted communication at sea.
The Early Decision Tool is a smart, innovative way to make leak testing faster and more efficient. Instead of waiting for the entire test cycle to finish, it analyses pressure conditions early on, allowing faulty parts to be rejected much sooner. This means less wasted time, reduced scrap, and a more streamlined production process.
By integrating real-time analysis, the tool can cut cycle times by up to 50% while maintaining the same high level of accuracy. It quickly pinpoints defective parts before the full test cycle is complete, helping manufacturers boost productivity and uphold quality standards at the same time.
Curious to see it in action? Explore the tool here: ATEQ EDT Tool
The EDT can be applied across a wide range of industries and components that require leak or pressure-decay testing, including:
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Automotive – A/C systems, exhausts, fuel and brake lines, reservoirs
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E-mobility / Hydrogen / Battery systems – fuel cells, battery packs, hydrogen tanks
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Medical devices – catheters, fluid bags, vials, filters, syringes
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Packaging – bottles, caps, cosmetic and food packaging, plastic containers
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Consumer electronics – smartphones, smartwatches, cameras, drones
Essentially, any mass-production process involving pressure or leak integrity testing can potentially benefit from using the EDT.
The Early Decision Tool (EDT) is an intelligent leak testing solution that speeds up the decision-making process by analysing pressure trends early in the test cycle.
It works in two stages:
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Learning Mode – Thousands of measurement curves from real production parts are collected to define a reliable uncertainty zone. This creates clear green (pass), red (fail), and grey (undecided) areas.
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Production Mode – During testing, the tool checks the measured values against these zones. If the result falls in the green zone, the part is accepted early. If it falls in the red zone, it’s rejected immediately. Only grey-zone results continue through additional steps until a final decision is made.
By making accurate decisions earlier, the EDT helps manufacturers reduce cycle times while maintaining high precision and reliability.
Learning Mode
Production Mode
Curious to see it in action? Explore the tool here: ATEQ EDT Tool
Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a standardised measure defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC) under standard 60529 to classify the degree of protection that an enclosure provides against the ingress of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water.
The rating consists of two digits: the first digit (0-6) indicates the level of protection against solid particles, with higher numbers offering better protection, while the second digit (0-9) specifies the protection against liquid, with higher numbers indicating greater resistance.
For example, an IP67 rating means the enclosure is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. IP ratings are crucial for ensuring the reliability, safety, and robustness of electrical and electronic devices in various environments.
Since the 1990s, there has been a sudden increasing popularity of consumer mobile technology. A testing standard was set up by the IEC to ensure that these products manufactured met the international quality standards. “IP” stands for ingress protection and the two digits that follow ensure that the product meets a specific degree of protection against the entry of solids, such as dust and liquid.
For an IP67 rating, the product must be completely dust-tight and capable of withstanding temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without significant water ingress.
IP68 testing, on the other hand, requires the product to meet the same dust-tight standards but also to endure continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer, typically at depths up to 3m and longer durations than IP67.
Leading smartphone and automotive manufacturers typically conduct these tests with leak testers in their production lines to test their products’ durability and resistance to water, dust, and dirt.
How do you ensure every electronic component is perfectly sealed? Watch ATEQ’s leak testing systems in action across multiple parts — fast, precise, and fully automated.
Differential pressure sensors play a crucial role in leak testing by indicating precise measurements of pressure differences, which is essential for accurate leak detection. The sensor is used to precisely measure the pressure difference between a test part and a master part.
During an air leak test, the pressure inside the test object and the reference (master part) initially increases due to the temperature rise from pressurisation. This pressure variation stabilises during the balancing process. After stabilisation, if there is a pressure difference between the master and test object, the differential pressure indicates the presence of a leak on the test part.
Packaging plays a very important role in conserving your products and ensuring they are sterile and uncontaminated. These packages can cause a leak due to material defects, contamination of seals, or manufacturing defects. The following types of leak tests can be performed.
Bubble emission test: The package is immersed in water and subjected to air pressure. The presence of bubble emission indicates a leak.
Pressure Decay test: Package is subjected to air pressure and monitored for any pressure drop with reference to a master part. Any pressure difference with reference to a master/reference package indicates leakage.
Tracer gas testing: The package is filled with helium/hydrogen gas and sealed. A sniffer probe is run across the package and monitored for any leaks over the package surface.
In the packaging industry, leak testing is conducted by filling the package with a set air pressure. Once the system’s air pressure is stabilised, it is monitored for any pressure drop, which would indicate a leak. After the monitoring phase, the air within the system is released. If the observed pressure drop is within the acceptable limits, the package passes the leak test; otherwise, it fails.
In the medical packaging industry, every package must undergo leak testing to adhere to critical safety standards. This rigorous approach is crucial because medical products, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices, require absolute sterility to prevent health risks such as infections or treatment failures.
In contrast, in industries like the FMCG sector, the stakes are not as high, allowing for a random sampling approach to leak testing. Here, only a select few packages are tested at random to ensure quality control.
Discover how leak testing is conducted in the packaging and container manufacturing industry
Leak and blockage tests for catheters are crucial to ensure their functionality and safety. Pressure decay leak testing is the most widely preferred leak testing method but depending on the type and construction of catheters, there can be variations in the test method followed.
- The catheter is first connected to the testing device and completely insulated from outside pressure using suitable fittings.
- Then, the catheter is pressurised to a desired test pressure depending on the type of catheter. Typically, the test pressure varies from 100-450 psig for non-compliant balloon catheters and 5-200 psig for multi-lumen catheters.
- The system is left untouched for a few seconds to stabilise the air inside the test system. This is called the stabilisation period.
- The pressure decay test is conducted and monitored for any pressure drop during this period. Depending on the reject level, the leak tester shows if the testing unit has passed the leak test or not.
Multi-lumen catheters sometimes require blockage tests. In this case, each of the catheter tubes is sealed and tested sequentially, using the pressure decay test method. The stabilisation time is set lower to reduce pressure loss through unblocked parts and finally, the pressure drop is measured over a period to check blockage.
Watch how ATEQ’s automated leak test systems are used in high-speed testing of medical devices in assembly lines. This video demonstrates the integration of pressure decay testing to ensure catheter quality and performance.
In the pharmaceutical industry, leak testing is an important quality check to ensure product sterility and integrity. Leak testing with extreme precision and accuracy is important to test the reliability of these products and their packaging.
Prefilled syringes, vials and ampoules, blister packs, and infusion bags can be leak tested using pressure/ vacuum decay testing methodology while sterile containers and drug delivery systems that need higher air tightness are tested with helium/ hydrogen tracer gas testing.
Pharmaceutical products are also tested for identifying molding faults, membrane thickness variation, etc based on current discharge measurements and for their fluidic flow properties.
Check out our IONIQ 20 and the D620 to know more about the technology and its capabilities.
In the medical device manufacturing market, devices typically have a barrier and pathway-like function that requires keeping whatever is inside the device (such as a gas or liquid for example) inside while simultaneously preventing whatever is outside the device from getting inside it. These devices are commonly used to transport or extract fluids or gases to and from specific parts of the body. Due to the important function and nature of these devices, it is imperative that they undergo stringent and accurate leak testing to ensure each medical device functions as it should, is safe to use, and meets the highest standards of quality.
Using our previous example, if a leak existed in a medical device this could result in fluids or gases seeping or leaking out into the wrong parts of the body. This can result in severe consequences for the end users (patients and healthcare professionals) and can even be fatal! In addition, the manufacturer could also be held responsible for the failed medical component resulting in lawsuits, fines, and recalls which could cost the company millions of dollars.
Medical devices produced by manufacturers must meet ever-expanding quality and safety parameters to comply with the strict regulations and standards of the FDA and GMP. The best way for manufacturers to mitigate risk is by identifying components that don’t meet production standards using leak testing instruments that are accurate, scalable, and repeatable. Therefore, leak testing has become a critical part of medical devices production and assembly.
Why is air leak testing crucial for medical devices? Watch how leaks can develop
over time and impact safety and performance.
EV batteries have many components that are prone to leak due to their exposure to high pressure and temperature which can result in fatal accidents. Battery safety and efficiency are growing influential factors among manufacturers.
Battery components such as cells, cooling plates, cooling circuits, modules, and battery packs are normally tested by the pressure decay leak testing method. Leak testing of battery packs is sometimes challenging due to their large volume and longer testing duration. Manufacturers do tracer gas or sniffer tests to test battery packs for leaks.
ATEQ’s F620 can be used for testing individual Li-ion EV battery pack parts and the F670-LV for the battery pack assembly. The F670-LV is an excellent alternative to tracer gas tests and, is a widely preferred battery pack leak testing solution due to its cost-effectiveness, optimized test time, and noise cancellation feature. It also works on the principle of the pressure decay method.
Discover how ATEQ’s leak testing equipments ensure airtight integrity for e-mobility components during high-speed automated production. Designed for precision and reliability in EV manufacturing.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential for maintaining indoor comfort in both residential and commercial buildings. For manufacturers, ensuring these systems are free from leaks is critical for product reliability, safety, and performance. HVAC systems have many smaller components 
that can experience leaks over time from pressure and vibrations. These leaks can vary from automotive air conditioning leaks due to vibrations to leaks from faulty seals hoses or valves due to wear and tear.
Individual HVAC components undergo leak and flow tests during the manufacturing process on the production line to ensure the leak and flow rates are within the specified rating. The final HVAC system or assembly can be tested using a sniffer or tracer gas leak detection method.
Most HVAC manufacturers prefer our F620 for individual HVAC components leak detection testing and the He-490S for final HVAC assembly leak testing.
Performing air leak testing on automotive components is essential to ensure their leakproof quality and overall reliability. The most widely accepted method for this
is pressure decay leak testing. This process begins by pressurising the component or system with air and then isolating it from any external air supply. The pressurized air is left to stabilize before being monitored using pressure transducers and differential pressure sensors. Any observed pressure drop during this monitoring phase indicates a leak in the component.
Multiple automotive components undergo leak testing to meet stringent quality standards. These include fuel tanks and injectors, exhaust pipes and manifolds, cylinder heads, and coolant lines. By using the pressure decay method, manufacturers can efficiently detect and address leaks, ensuring the safety and performance of their automotive products.
Temperature and volume changes play a critical role in flow testing. According to the ideal gas law (PV=nRT), pressure (P), volume (V), and temperature (T) are interrelated regardless of the volume flow or mass flow unit. 
Any change in temperature or volume will consequently affect the pressure within a closed system.
The effects of volume or temperature variation on flow testing are:
- Volume variation: An increase in volume reduces pressure and hence reduces the flow rate. A decrease in volume or volume compression increases the flow rate.
- Temperature variation: An increase in the temperature in the test part increases the pressure, which affects the flow testing measurement.
- Viscosity: An increase in temperature reduces fluid viscosity allowing the fluid to flow freely. This can result in a higher flow rate.
Brake systems are one of the most important safety features in an automobile. The brakes work on a hydraulic system which uses fluid as a medium of operation. The hydraulic brake system is tested for leaks and flow rate of hydraulic fluid.
- The process begins by connecting the hydraulic brake system to a leak tester.
- The test assembly is pressurised to a set pressure typically around 70-200 bar and then left idle to stabilise the air.
- After stabilisation, the assembly is monitored for any pressure drop.
- If there is a leak, there will be a pressure drop at a constant rate, and inversely, no pressure drops if there is no leak.
Hydraulic brake leak tests are generally conducted on the brake fluid reservoir, master cylinder, brake calipers, hoses, and connections as well as final assembly. By implementing these leak tests in the production line, brake manufacturers and OEMs can efficiently and accurately test hydraulic brakes for leaks, ensuring high-quality, leak-free brake systems for their vehicles.
Our F600 HP is an excellent solution for conducting high-pressure leak detection on the production lines.
Vacuum decay testing involves creating a vacuum inside a test item and detecting leaks by monitoring any increase in pressure caused by air entering.
Pressure decay: the test part is pressurised and the pressure loss is monitored Commonly used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries
The choice between vacuum and pressure decay testing depends on the required, product type, production demands, and type of quality control requested by the client and the application.
Curious about leak testing? Connect with our experts — it’s quick, easy, and free.
Burst testing is a method used to determine the strength and durability of materials or products by subjecting them to increasing pressure until they burst. This test assesses the maximum pressure a product can withstand, ensuring it meets safety standards and regulatory requirements. The process involves preparing and sealing the test item, gradually pressurizing it using air or other liquid, and continuously monitoring the pressure until the item bursts.
Burst tests can be applied to the packaging industry and medical industry products such as medical device pouches, blood bags, cosmetic packaging, etc. to identify the maximum permissible pressure it can resist.
Medical devices continue to innovate and are available in a wide range of complex shapes and packaging materials. They vary from porous flexible packaging to non-porous rigid containers. Of these, the class III medical devices require higher safety conditions as they present a potential risk of illness and injury.
Non-compliant balloon catheters are an excellent example of a leak-testing solution. It is equipped with inflatable balloons to approach blockages, dilation, or stent delivery.
The balloon is inflated to a set diameter depending on if it is stented or not. For most applications, non-stented catheters undergo pressure decay testing while stented catheters undergo low-pressure/ vacuum decay testing.
Laparoscopy/endoscopy devices and respiratory devices are a few medical device assemblies that require multi-step leak detection. Its complex structure and the presence of multiple seals require leak testing at different points in the assembly.
Devices such as catheters, ventilatory systems, pacemakers, breast implants, plugs/caps, urine, and disposable bags, syringes, etc. are other most tested medical devices for their leak and product reliability. The pressure decay leak testing method is the most widely preferred test method.
Dunk test also known as submersion or bubble testing is the most basic and traditional air leak testing process conducted. It is conducted by pressuring the test part, submerging it in water, and then observing for escaping air/gas bubbles. Though this type of testing process is effective for identifying leak locations, it is not a recommended testing process to measure or quantify leaks.
The leak rate is directly proportional to the intensity and size of bubbles created.
Leak rate= (3.14 x (D)^3 x 0.001/6) x frequency
Where D= bubble diameter(mm) and frequency= No. of bubbles/min
Did you know? A leak can take 9 months or even longer to fully develop and occur.
Watch the process unfold!
Flow testing is a test method that is used to assess the functionality and performance of a component or system by measuring the flow rate of a fluid (liquid or gas) passing through it and to ensure the flow rate is within the specification. Like pressure decay leak testing, the test component/system is subjected to a set air pressure, and the air is made to pass through a calibrated flow tube which creates a pressure drop. This pressure loss is measured by the flow meter.
ATEQ flow testers are capable of delivering accurate test results by using air as a test medium, eliminating the need to use liquid/ gas to test for flow rate.
Try out our flow testing simulator, which enables you to simulate the flow characteristics of various fluids or contact us for a quote
- High sensitivity:
Tracer gas testers are highly sensitive and can detect leaks as small as 10⁻⁸ SCC/sec. Helium or Hydrogen gas has a low molecular weight and can easily escape through tiny leaks, making it easily detectable. - Leak detection location:
Tracer gas testing can also help in determining the leak location by moving the sniffer over your test part. In a controlled environment, it is a practical method to detect leak locations, e.g., EV Battery pack leak testing. - Non-destructive testing nature:
The NDT (non-destructive testing) nature of these leak testers makes them widely accepted for testing components. These devices test for leaks without damaging the components or system, which is highly beneficial for delicate or brittle components.
Pressure decay leak testing is one of the most widely used techniques for detecting leaks in objects. The test process consists of 4 consecutive steps:
- Preparation:
The test part is first pressurized or vacuumed at a determined pressure/vacuum level. - Stabilization:
After isolation, the system is left idle for a period to stabilize the air inside it. - Test:
The system is monitored for any pressure variation using pressure transducers and/or differential pressure sensors. A pressure variation indicates the presence of a leak in the part, and the device shows if the test part is within an acceptable leak rate or not. - Venting:
The test air is vented out to the atmosphere, and the part returns to initial pressure conditions and is prepared for the next test cycle.
This type of test is preferred due to its non-destructive testing (NDT) capability, quick testing cycle, high sensitivity, and accuracy in leak detection.
Air leak testing methods include several techniques depending on the application and required accuracy. Below are some common methods:
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- Dunk Testing:
Dunk testing, also known as bubble testing, is one of the oldest and most basic air leak testing methods. The test is conducted by pressurizing the part or vessel, submerging it in water, and observing for bubbles that indicate escaping air or gas. The rate of bubble formation and size of the bubbles are directly proportional to the size of the leak. This is a simple, cost-effective method for leak location but cannot measure accurately or quantify the leak rate. - Tracer Gas Method:
For devices with very low leak rates in the range of 10⁻⁵ SCC/sec or lower, the tracer gas or sniffer test can be used. These tests involve pressurizing the test part with a non-atmospheric gas, such as helium, hydrogen, or halogen, and using a sniffer probe to detect the leak location. These tests can be performed using two methods: with a sniffer probe to localize the leak or in a chamber to identify minute leak rates. Highly sensitive, these tests can identify and localize even the tiniest leaks but require manual operation and a controlled test environment to minimize external interferences like wind, temperature, and pressure changes. - Pressure Decay Leak Testing:
The test part is first pressurized to a predetermined level, isolated from any pressure loss, and then monitored for any pressure drop. These tests can be performed either directly with reference to a master test object or indirectly using a chamber. These methods, which use pressure transducers and/or differential sensors, are fast and highly accurate for detecting and quantifying the leak rate. - Vacuum Decay Leak Testing:
Vacuum decay leak testing operates on the same principle as pressure decay testing, but in this case, the test part or assembly is evacuated of air and monitored for any pressure increase in the system due to airflow from the external environment. - Mass Flow Testing:
With the help of a flow meter, pressurized air is sent through the test part at a predetermined level and used to measure the flow rate. Typical applications include medical tubes, catheters, and HVAC leak detection.
- Dunk Testing:
Air leak testing plays a significant role in manufacturing processes across various industries. Below listed are a few of its key advantages:
- Quality improvement: Leak testing not only enhances the quality, reliability, and safety of products but also minimizes customer complaints by identifying and allowing corrections to be made early in the production process.
- Reduce failure rate: Early leak detection can prevent product failures and potential safety hazards that can be caused in the future. It helps to identify flaws in the manufacturing process, improve, and ultimately achieve higher-quality products.
- Cost reduction: Leak testers can significantly reduce operational costs. They help prevent product defects that can arise at the customer’s end. Additionally, the automated, nondestructive nature of these tests cuts down cycle times and operates at minimal costs, further optimizing production efficiency.
- Highly accurate and calibrated device: These devices can perform highly accurate tests with utmost precision. The low maintenance requirements of leak testers ensure smooth and continuous operation, requiring only annual calibration. This enables continuous performance with minimal downtime.
- Non-Destructive Test Nature: These leak testing devices facilitate safe, reliable non-destructive testing that preserves the integrity of the test part.
Leak rate calculations depend on several factors such as volume, pressure, and test cycle time. It is derived from the Ideal gas law.
On a general note, the leak rate is given by
LR (atm·cm3/min) = 0.0006 × Vol (cm3) × (∆P/∆t) (Pa/s)
Choosing the right air leak tester depends on several factors based upon your application. The most influential factors are:
- Acceptable leak rate: The “acceptable leak rate” is a critical parameter for selecting an appropriate air leak tester. It refers to the maximum rate at which a part can leak air and still meet operational standards. Determining this rate is essential as it influences the choice of both the leak testing method and the technology.
- Test pressure and method: The pressure level used during the test, along with the selected leak testing method, are crucial factors in choosing the appropriate leak tester. These elements are determined based on the specific application and requirements of the part being tested.
- Test piece characteristics: The shape and volume of your test part also play an important role in choosing the right leak tester. For instance, an EV lithium-ion battery pack is of large volume and requires specially designed leak testers that can conduct these tests within the shortest time period.
- Test environment: The environment in which leak testing is conducted affects your test results. Our F610 equipped with a water-proof case is an excellent solution to withstand external influential factors.
- Space: The availability of space in your testing facility or production line is another influential factor in choosing the right leak tester
Many regulatory requirements govern air leak testing procedures. A few of the standards are below
ASTM E2930 – 13(2021): Standard Practice for Pressure Decay Leak Test Method
ISO 20486:2017 – Non-destructive Leak testing – Calibration of reference leaks for gases
ISO 27895:2009 – Standard Practice for leak testing of valves in a vacuum system
ISO 20485:2017 – Non-destructive Leak testing — Tracer gas method
ASTM F2338-09 – Standard Test Method for Non-destructive Detection of Leaks in Packages by Vacuum Decay Method
ATEQ products adhere to international leak testing standards. Refer to our certificates and accreditations or contact us to know more.
Absolutely! Air leak testing can be semi-automated or fully automated and integrated into your existing production line for improved efficiency and accuracy.
It reduces your factory operational costs, provides real-time feedback on parts tested, and permits multiple product testing with the multi-channel option.
Check out our F620 or F6900 which permit single or multi-channel automated leak testing and can be easily integrated with your PLCs for automation, data collection, and analysis. Talk to our experts to know more about how leak testing can be automated in your organization.
Air leak testing is conducted by applying pressure or vacuum to a test part, vessel, or system and monitoring it for any presence of leaks in the system. The test object undergoes the following testing procedure:
- Fill / Vacuum time: The test part is sealed and connected to the test equipment. Depending on the test method, the test part is filled with air or gas or vacuumed according to production specifications.
- Stabilization Period: After reaching the set pressure or vacuum level, the system enters a stabilization phase to ensure that there are no temperature or pressure fluctuations within the system that can influence the results.
- Test Period: During this testing period, the test piece is monitored for any pressure changes in the system. Various types of leak testing principles can be followed here depending on the test accuracy. Test results are displayed on the equipment indicating if the product has a leak within acceptable levels or not. Also, the results can be transferred to your PC (monitoring system) via communication protocols.
- Venting: The test air is vented out to the atmosphere and the circuit is open. The test part returns to initial pressure conditions and prepares for the next test.
It is essential to acknowledge that every object in this world has some degree of leakage, but the key factor is whether it remains within acceptable limits.
Leak testing is crucial because
- Safety: Ensures that it detects and prevents hazardous gas leaks or entry of contaminants into your test piece or system.
- Quality Control: To ensure that your test part is meeting the quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Environmental Protection: To ensure that your test piece is leakproof and does not pollute or contaminate the surrounding environment.
- Improved product lifespan: To improve your product lifespan by restricting entry of contaminants or restricting wear and tear and damage due to continuous leaks.
Leak testing is a test method that is used to confirm the test piece’s tightness or to detect the location of a leak.
A leak can be defined as an unintended crack, hole, or porosity in an enclosing wall or joint that is meant to contain or exclude various fluids and gases. This defect allows the escape of the enclosed medium. Leakage occurs when there is unintended flow of fluid through the walls of a vessel or sealed container. This occurs due to the pressure difference between the inside of the vessel and the external atmosphere, causing air to flow from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.
Leak testing is conducted by applying a set pressure or vacuum to your test part and using various test methods such as pressure decay, bubble testing, or tracer gas sniffing, to detect, measure, and localize any leaks. The objective of air leak testing is to ensure manufacturers that their products are manufactured with the required leak-tight specifications to ensure safe and reliable operation.
