Helium Testing
Use of a Mass Spectrometer with Helium as a trace gas is widespread, and by far the most sensitive and up to date detection method available.
Helium is selected as the primary tracer gas because it is the lightest inert gas and therefore readily penetrates small leaks. Helium is also non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-destructive, relatively inexpensive, and is only present in the atmosphere in minute quantities (5 ppm).
The Helium Mass Spectrometer is unaffected by the presence of any other trace elements.
This method of testing can be used for Vacuum and Pressurised components.
