Helium Leak Detection Service
On-site helium mass-spectrometer leak detection across the UK. Our trained engineers travel with portable Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors to test vacuum chambers, vacuum furnaces, pressure vessels, and pipework of any size — delivering precise, repeatable results down to 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·l/s.
Helium leak detection is a non-destructive testing service in which a helium mass-spectrometer leak detector is used to locate and quantify leaks in vacuum chambers, vacuum furnaces, pressure vessels, fuel systems, and pipework, with detection sensitivity down to 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·l/s.
Production-down attendance prioritised on UK mainland; routine bookings scheduled around engineer availability.
- •Detection sensitivity to 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·l/s
- •Calibration against certified reference leak before every test
- •Test method selection per ASTM E498 (tracer probe), ASTM E499 (hood), ASTM E493 (accumulation)
What you get with leak detection
Helium mass-spectrometer leak detector
Portable HMSLD instrumentation capable of detecting leaks down to 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·l/s — three orders of magnitude more sensitive than pressure-decay or bubble testing.
Trained leak-detection engineers
Our engineers are all trained in leak-detection technique — sniffer probe, hood test, accumulation, and bombing — and experienced at fault diagnosis on production systems.
On-site testing across the UK
Engineers travel with the detector to the customer's site for testing on vessels and systems that can't easily be moved. Suitable for vacuum furnaces, large chambers, and fixed installations.
All sizes of vessel
From benchtop instruments to large vacuum furnaces and aerospace test chambers — every vessel can be leak-tested with the right technique.
Documented test report
Written report listing the test method (sniffer / hood / accumulation), background levels, identified leak locations, measured leak rate per location, and recommended remediation.
From booking to handover
- 1
1. Booking and pre-test review
Tell us the system, vessel, and where you suspect leaks. We confirm engineer availability and test approach.
- 2
2. On-site setup
Detector connected to the vacuum system, calibrated against a reference leak, background helium level measured.
- 3
3. Test method selection
Sniffer probe for under-pressure systems and accessible joints; hood test for total leak rate; accumulation testing for very low leak rates; bombing for hermetic devices.
- 4
4. Leak identification
Helium applied at suspected leak locations; the detector shows the helium signal in real-time, allowing leaks to be precisely located.
- 5
5. Report and remediation advice
Written report with leak rates per location and recommended fix (re-seal, re-weld, gasket replacement, fitting upgrade).
When you'd typically need leak detection
Common scenarios where customers ask for this service. If your situation isn't listed but sounds related, get in touch — we can advise.
- Vacuum furnace not pulling down to spec — locate the leak before re-running a NADCAP cycle
- New vacuum chamber commissioning — verify integrity before production
- Suspected gasket or weld failure on a pressure vessel
- Fuel system, hydraulic line, or pneumatic component leak diagnosis
- Periodic leak surveys for ageing vacuum installations
Equipment we work on
- Vacuum furnaces from all major manufacturers (Ipsen, SECO/Warwick, ALD, Vac Aero, Wallwork, FGP Lufton)
- Vacuum chambers built around Edwards, Leybold, Pfeiffer, or Adixen pumping
- Pressure vessels, fuel tanks, and pipework on industrial and aerospace applications
Common questions about leak detection
Need leak detection?
Tell us your pump model, application, and timing and we'll come back with a quote and confirmed availability.