The SF6 LASERCHECK P3:atm is designed for integral leakage testing at atmospheric pressure – the test chamber does not need to be evacuated.
As a light source, the SF6 LASERCHECK P3:atm features a laser specially developed for this application, which illuminates the internal detection chamber to determine the SF6 concentration. In contrast to systems that use a thermal emitters as a light source, the system is able to detect very small leaks while significantly shortening test cycle times.
Since the temperature of the test specimens has no influence on the measuring process, the SF6 LASERCHECK P3:atm leak test system reliably delivers consistent results even under harsh environmental conditions such as encountered in industrial production. Due to the system’s fully automatic operation, no operator-dependent influences occur and reject levels in the ppm range are facilitated. A self-diagnostic module implemented in the SF6 LASERCHECK P3:atm monitors and documents all relevant system parameters. The system is therefore perfectly suited for industrial quality assurance and production control.
The SF6 LASERCHECK P3:atm uses a novel principle of leak testing (patent pending). The windowed detection chamber inside the system is illuminated by a specifically developed CO2 laser. A sample of the gas mixture from the test chamber is transferred to the detection chamber via a measuring probe. If the sample contains SF6 released from the test specimen, this leads to absorption processes specific to SF6, allowing a reliable detection of the test gas. The output signal of the sensor is near proportional to the test gas concentration in the detection chamber.
For system control, the SF6 LASERCHECK P3:atm provides a serial interface (RS 232 or Profibus DP). All system functions executed can be output via the interfaces for documentation. In many cases, external control is therefore not required. In addition, measurement data can be statistically evaluated for the purpose of quality assurance. Thus, any faults that may occur in the manufacturing process are reliably registered. The system is equipped with a pulse leak module for calibration or test procedures. Leakages on the test object can be simulated easily and reliably via the pulse leak PLA 40.
For integral leak testing, the SF6 filled test piece is placed in a test chamber or in a test bag. SF6 escaping from the specimen and thus entering the test chamber/bag is drawn into the system’s detection chamber via the measuring probe. In large volume test chambers, it may be necessary to install a suitable blower to ensure homogeneous gas dispersion. Since the test chamber does not have to be evacuated, it can be of very simple design. This also means that there are only minor demands regarding tightness of the test chamber. System connections can be made by means of simple plastic hoses in conjunction with standard fittings as used in pneumatics. Due to the robust measuring principle implemented in this system, high detection sensitivity can be achieved reliably and economically.
