A global automotive parts manufacturer required a helium accumulation test for airbags system for high-volume production of airbag inflators. The inflator parts were contaminated with lubrication residues. As a result, they faced maintenance challenges and system downtime issues.
To solve these issues, we engineered a custom production leak test system utilizing LACO’s patented HATS™ (Hybrid Accumulation Test System) leak test method. Additionally, the application involved extremely low leak rates in the range of 10⁻⁵ atm cc/sec and larger. Therefore, the HATS method proved ideal for these contaminated parts.
The HATS method is similar to the traditional helium accumulation method; however, accumulation and measurement of the helium signal are performed under vacuum inside a sealed test chamber rather than at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, this system uses a proprietary membrane that transfers helium from the test chamber to the helium mass spectrometer leak detector. This design eliminates the need for a sniffer probe and, in turn, improves reliability, repeatability, and test efficiency.
| Tracer gas: | Helium |
| Controller System: | FLEXSTATION |
| Leak Test Method: | Helium HATS (Helium Accumulation) |
| Leak Rate: | 1 x 10-4 atmcc/sec |
| Cycle Time: | Approximately 1 part every 15 seconds |
| Configuration: | Portable cart |
| Chamber: | Two custom-machined leak test chambers |
