Helium is considered an ideal leak detection gas based on several key factors:
- low background concentration: Helium naturally has a very low content in the atmosphere, which makes it have low background interference when used as a leak detection gas. Since the concentration of helium in the atmosphere is extremely low, when helium is used for leak detection, the helium released at the leak point can be more easily identified.
- Inert gas: Helium is an inert gas, which means it does not react chemically with other substances. This chemical stability makes helium not change its properties due to chemical reactions during leak detection, thus ensuring the accuracy of leak detection results.
- High diffusivity: The molecular weight of helium is very small, so it has high diffusivity. This allows the helium to quickly penetrate to the leak point and quickly diffuse into the surrounding environment. This feature allows helium to be quickly detected by leak detection equipment, thereby improving leak detection efficiency.
- Safety: Helium is a non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-explosive gas. This makes it extremely safe in the leak detection process without causing harm to personnel and the environment.
- High-precision detection: Due to the above-mentioned characteristics of helium, a high-precision helium mass leak detector can be used to detect its presence. This leak detection method can detect very small leaks, and its sensitivity is much higher than that of traditional leak detection methods.
- Does not condense: Helium does not condense into a liquid at room temperature and pressure, which means that it can remain gaseous during leak detection and will not change its state due to temperature changes. This feature ensures the stability and reliability of leak detection results.