A novel helium leak test method is often required in industrial manufacturing environments where part contamination cannot be avoided. In many production processes, components carry oil, grease, water, dust, or debris directly into leak testing. As a result, conventional helium leak testing systems often struggle with reduced performance, excessive maintenance, or costly equipment damage.
To address this challenge, LACO Technologies developed a patented solution designed specifically for contaminated production environments: the Hybrid Accumulation Test System (HATS™). This novel helium leak test method protects sensitive leak detection equipment while maintaining reliable, quantifiable results.
Why Traditional Helium Leak Testing Struggles with Contamination
In automotive and heavy industrial manufacturing, parts rarely arrive at leak testing clean. Oils, machining fluids, and debris often remain on the surface or inside components.
Because of this contamination:
- Leak detectors can ingest oil or moisture
- Vacuum components require frequent maintenance
- Cycle times increase due to outgassing
- System reliability declines over time
Therefore, manufacturers need a helium leak test method that tolerates contamination without sacrificing performance.
A Novel Helium Leak Test Method: Hybrid Accumulation Test System (HATS™)
The Hybrid Accumulation Test System (HATS™) represents a novel helium leak test method specifically engineered for contaminated parts. Instead of exposing a mass spectrometer leak detector directly to the test environment, HATS™ isolates the detector from contamination while still allowing helium to pass through.
As a result, manufacturers can test dirty or wet parts without risking damage to sensitive instrumentation.
How the HATS™ Helium Leak Test Method Works
HATS™ uses an internal membrane that selectively allows helium to reach the mass spectrometer while blocking oil, water, and particulate contamination.
Additionally, the system operates under partial (rough) vacuum, not high vacuum. This design choice improves response time and simplifies system hardware.
Because the chamber only requires rough vacuum:
- Pump-down times are faster
- Outgassing from contaminated parts has minimal impact
- Traditional high-vacuum valves are unnecessary
In many cases, a simple venturi pump provides sufficient vacuum performance.
Novel Helium Leak Test Method: HATS™ Test Sequence
The HATS™ test process follows a simple, repeatable sequence:
- The operator loads the test part into the chamber and connects the helium supply
- The system fills the part with helium while protecting the leak detector behind the HATS™ membrane
- At the same time, the chamber draws a partial vacuum
- Helium leaks from the part into the chamber and permeates the membrane
- The mass spectrometer measures the helium concentration
- The system vents the chamber and prepares for the next part
Throughout the process, contamination remains isolated from the leak detector.
Benefits of This Novel Helium Leak Test Method
By design, HATS™ delivers clear advantages in contaminated production environments:
- Faster cycle times for small and medium chambers
- Quantifiable and repeatable leak rate measurements
- Simple sequence programming
- Reduced vacuum hardware complexity
- Complete isolation of high-vacuum components
- No requirement for high vacuum operation
- Sensitivity range of 10⁻⁵ atm·cc/sec and higher
Therefore, manufacturers gain both performance and durability.
Why This Leak Test Method Improves Manufacturing Efficiency
Because HATS™ protects critical leak detection hardware, manufacturers reduce downtime and maintenance costs. At the same time, they maintain confidence in leak test results even when parts arrive contaminated.
As a result, this novel helium leak test method supports higher throughput, lower operating cost, and longer system life in demanding industrial environments.
Summary: A Novel Helium Leak Test Method Built for Reality
HATS™ (U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,132) offers a novel helium leak test method that addresses real-world manufacturing challenges. By isolating sensitive leak detectors from contamination and eliminating the need for high vacuum, the system improves reliability, efficiency, and long-term performance.
For manufacturers working with contaminated parts, HATS™ provides a practical and proven approach to helium leak testing.
