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Helium leak tester. Click for bigger picture in new window.

Helium leak testing systems

We produce helium leak testing systems for testing aluminum castings, SF6-gas circuit breakers, AC-components, fuel rails and many other products.

We have more than 35 years experience of producing these systems for leak tests of different products. The leak testers are manufactured in appliance to Swedish and international standards. We have delivered helium leak test machines to, among others, ABB, Ericsson, AstraZeneca and Pharmacia & Upjohn. Most helium leak testing machines are exported within Europe and to Asia.

Our automatic helium leak testing systems - how they work. 

Our HMI (human machine interface) PC-programs

Leak rate units and conversion factors 

Helium leak location or helium leak testing


Automatische Anlage Helium Dichtheitsprüfung für Schalter mit Alcatel Helium Lecksucher ASM 142

Our automatic helium leak testing systems - how they work.

A helium leak detector is a part of our helium leak testing systems and helium is used as trace gas. A helium leak test system controls if a products leaks more than is acceptable. It can measure the leak rate.

In most systems the testing is made by loading the product into a vacuum chamber and connecting a vacuum bellow to the product. The product and the chamber is pumped to a low vacuum level. Helium is put into the object and the concentration of helium inside the chamber is measured.

In some cases the product is already filled with helium when it arrives at the testing station. It might have been filled with one of our vacuum decay leak test systems with gas filling.

We have developed a computer simulation program that enables us to find how to get the lowest cost of testing. You tell us about the object to be tested. Its size, inner volume and material together with the maximum allowed leaking in mbarl/s, sccm, or gram per year. Also what gas like SF6 or hydrogen or liquid that might leak. We also need to know the maximum cycle time. We can do leak rate conversion and calculate from leak rate units for example in gram/year or in bubble test under water, from one bubble per minute into the leak rate unit the helium leak detector and we use which is mbarl/s. With the simulation program we can test what cycle time we get with different numbers of pumps, different sizes of pumps and different kinds of pumps. We also calculate with different pressure of helium and with mixtures of gases with a certain content of helium. The aim is to get the desired production capacity at the lowest cost. This includes the cost of helium.

We make a gross leak testing first and stop the cycle before using any tracer gas if the object has a big leak. We use automatic system calibration using Adixen Alcatel calibrated helium leaks with traceable leak certificates. Most systems test at 10-7 to 10-1 mbarl/s but we can test below 1 x10-10 mbarl/s. We normally do leak detection with helium as tracer gas, but the Adixen helium leak detector can be used also on mass 2 or 3. We can also make systems with other tracer gases using a SRS quadrupole mass spectrometer.


HMI(Human Machine Interface)-program made for testing your products

Our HMI (human machine interface) PC-programs

Our machines are PLC-controlled. They can also be delivered with our own developed HMI (Human Machine Interface) PC-programs running under Windows®. The HMI-program is made especially for each system to make the running of the system as easy as possible. We use CitectSCADA. There are different levels with different passwords, normally administrator and operator. You can see which valves are open and which are closed, which pumps are running and vacuum levels. Fault indications are described fully like roots roughing pump not running or helium pressure to low. All important parameters are logged. The operator often start by putting in order number, batch number and serial number (or a bar code reader is used) and these data are saved together with the test result.


Automatic helium leak testing. Small systems:


Automatic helium leak testing equipment of fire extinguishers. Click for picture of double chamber system in new window.
Automatic helium leak testing equipment of fire extinguishers.
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location.

Mobile helium leak test equipment
Mobile helium leak test equipment
  • With test chamber inner diameter 400 mm and cylindrical inner length 850 mm
  • Rotary vane pump Alcatel 2063SD for fast pump down.
  • With HPS Digital Pirani-instrument 945 to control pump down.
  • With viewing glass with light
  • With ASM142 as leak detector.

 Helium leak test of fuel tanks
Helium leak test of fuel tanks
  • With test chamber
  • Rotary vane pump Alcatel 2063SD for fast pump down.
  • With HPS Digital Pirani-instrument to control pump down.
  • With ASM as leak detector.

Helium leak testing small parts workstation. Click for bigger picture in new window.
Helium leak testing small parts workstation
  • For package and seal integrity testing of food or pharmaceutical packaging, electronic or medical devices. The objects to be tested may have been sealed in a helium atmosphere or may have been in a high helium pressure chamber for some time.
  • This workstation has an adjustable working table height.
  • The component are put in the chamber and as the lid is closed the pumping down and testing starts automatically. A green lamp will show if the product accepted and a red one if it is not accepted .
  • The unit finds very small leaks in a very short cycle time.
  • Under the table, one or more extra vacuum pumps is mounted.
  • The vacuum chamber is made to fit the product to be tested.
  • Unit width: 700 mm, depth. 920 mm, height: 1270-1770 mm. Working level can be adjusted between 760-1260 mm.

Löwener Workstation Leak Testing LWLT2007, PDF-file 0.2 Mb


Automatic helium leak testing. Big systems:


Automatic helium leak test system for aluminum casting for SF6-gas circuit breakers. Click for bigger picture in new window.
Automatic helium leak test system for aluminum casting for SF6-gas circuit breakers
  • With big roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • Automatic test cycle.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.
  • PC with 19" TFT-screen and HMI software.
  • With helium recovery system.
  • Width: 3250 mm. Depth: 8035 mm. Height: 2760 mm.
  • Vacuum chamber inner diameter:......... mm. Inner depth: .......... mm
  • Object pressure: Adjustable

Automatic helium leak testing system - Double chamber. Click for bigger picture in new window.
Automatic helium leak testing system - Double chamber
  • With big roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • Automatic test cycle in one chamber when unloading-loading in the other.
  • With automatic moving of doors.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.
  • PC with 19" TFT-screen and HMI software.
  • With helium recovery system.
  • Width: 2500 mm. Depth: 1700 mm
  • Object pressure: Adjustable

Helium leak detection machine. Click for bigger picture in new window.
Helium leak detection machine
  • With big roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • Automatic test cycle.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.
  • PC with 19" TFT-screen and HMI software.
  • With helium recovery system.
  • Width: 3200 mm. Depth: 3500 mm. Height: 2780 mm.
  • Vacuum chamber inner diameter:......... mm. Inner depth: .......... mm.
  • Object pressure: Adjustable.

 Automatic helium leak testing machine for SF6 gas circuit breakers. Click for bigger picture in new window. breakers
Automatic helium leak testing machine for SF6 gas circuit breakers
  • With vacuum pumps for pumping of chamber and test-object.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.
  • PC with 19" TFT-screen and HMI software.
  • With helium recovery system.
  • System size: Width: 2350 mm, Depth: 1756 mm, Height: 2110 mm.
  • Chamber inner size: Width: 1150 mm, Depth: 1200 mm, Height: 800 mm.
  • Object pressure: Adjustable.

Helium leak testing machine for aluminum castings for SF6 gas circuit breakers
Helium leak testing machine for aluminum castings for SF6 gas circuit breakers
  • With vacuum pumps for pumping of chamber and test-object.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.
  • PC with 19" TFT-screen and HMI software.
  • With helium recovery system.
  • System size: Width: 1512 mm, Depth: 3293 mm, Height: 2276 mm.
  • Object pressure: Adjustable.

Automatic helium leak testing system for high power switches with Alcatel helium leak detector ASM 142
Automatic helium leak testing system for high power switches with Alcatel helium leak detector ASM 142
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location. PLC control.

Automatic helium leak test system for circuit breakers with Alcatel helium leak detector ASM 120
Automatic helium leak test system for circuit breakers with Alcatel helium leak detector ASM 120
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.

Helium leak testing equipment for aluminum castings for SF6-Gas circuit breakers
Helium leak testing equipment for aluminum castings for SF6-Gas circuit breakers
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location. PLC control.

Helium leak test system for circuit breakers with Alcatel ASM120 helium leak detector
Helium leak test system for circuit breakers with Alcatel ASM120 helium leak detector
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.

Helium leak test machine for SF6 gas circuit breakers with Alcatel ASM142 helium leak detector
Helium leak test machine for SF6 gas circuit breakers with Alcatel ASM142 helium leak detector
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.

Helium leak testing system for transient conductors
Helium leak testing system for transient conductors
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.

Helium leak test system for circuit breakers with helium leak testing instrument Alcatel ASM120
Helium leak test system for circuit breakers with helium leak testing instrument Alcatel ASM120
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.

 Automatic helium leak tester for heat pumps with Adixen helium leak detection instrument ASM142
Automatic helium leak tester for heat pumps with Adixen helium leak detection instrument ASM142
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.

 Automatic helium leak testing system for circuit breaker with Alcatel helium leak detector ASM 120
Automatic helium leak testing system for circuit breaker with Alcatel helium leak detector ASM 120
  • With roots and rotary vane pumps for fast pump down of chamber and test-object.
  • With automatic helium leak testing.
  • With automatic helium leak calibration.
  • With sniffer for leak location.
  • PLC control.

Other systems. Leak detectors with extra vacuum pumps. Can be connected to a test chamber. Can also be connected to a test object.


Mobile automatic pumping station with helium detector. Click for bigger picture.
Mobile automatic pumping station with helium detector
  • With Mils rotary vane pump and Pedro Gil roots pump and rotary vane pump Alcatel for fast pump down.
  • With HPS Digital Pirani-instrument 945 to control pump down.
  • With ASM142 as leak find equipment.

Helium leak detector with high pumping capacity, PDF-file 0.2 Mb


Automatic pumping systems with rotary vane pumps and roots pump for fast pump down. Control system with Pirani-instrument and helium leak detector. Click for bigger picture.
Automatic pumping system with  helium leak detector.
  • Automatic pumping systems with rotary vane pumps and roots pump for fast pump down. Control system with Pirani-instrument and helium leak detector.
  • Mit HPS Digital Pirani-Instrument 945.
  • Mit Manuelle Leckrate Kalibrierung mit Testleck. 
  • PLC Steuerung.

The test object is placed on the stainless steel surface. Press start on the control panel and the object will be pumped to the chosen vacuum level and the valve to the leak detector will be opened. Spray helium on the test object (leak location) or put a plastic bag or a container over the object and fill that with helium. 


Manual semi-automatic helium leak testing machine with Alcatel helium leak tester ASM 142
Manual semi-automatic helium leak testing machine with Alcatel helium leak tester ASM 142
  • With  rotary vane pump Alcatel 2033SD for fast pump down of chamber. 
  • With Pirani to control pump down.
  • PLC control.

Manual semiautomatic helium leak detection system with Alcatel helium leak testing instrument ASM142
Manual semiautomatic helium leak detection system
  • With vacuum pump Adixen Pascal 2021SD.
  • With HPS Digital Pirani-Instrument 945.
  • For testing of AC components, AC pipes.
  • With HPS Digital Pirani-instrument 945 to control pump down.
  • With PLC-control.

Semi-automatic helium tester with helium detector ASM142 for testing of AC air-conditioning components and piping
Semi-automatic helium tester with helium detector ASM142 for testing of AC air-conditioning components and piping
  • With  rotary vane pump Alcatel 2021SD for fast pump down.
  • With HPS Digital Pirani-instrument 945 to control pump down.
  • With PLC for automatic or manual mode.
  • With bellow sealed valves, particle filter, bellows and components in stainless steel.

Other systems. Older automatic helium testing machines:


Helium leaktest machine with Alcatel ASM110 for leak testing of petrol tanks
Helium leak test machine with Alcatel ASM110 for leak testing of petrol tanks

Built around 1985.


Helium leak detection system with Alcatel ASM51 and rotary vane 2063, built in 1987 and still working. Used for testing hydraulic parts.
Helium leak detection system with Alcatel ASM51  for testing hydraulic parts.

Helium leak detection system with Alcatel ASM51 and rotary vane 2063, built in 1987 and still working. Used for testing hydraulic parts.


Helium leak testing equipment with Alcatel ASM110 for testing of petrol tanks. Built 1985.
Helium leak testing equipment with Alcatel ASM110 for testing of petrol tanks. Built 1985.

Brauchen Sie eine Anlage? Kontakt oder Spezifikation Helium Lecktest Anlage


Multi-Gas Lecktest Systeme


Multi-gas leak test system.
Multi-gas leak test system.
  • For some reason it might be economical to leak test an object with another gas than one on mass 2, 3 or 4 which can be used with the Adixen leak detector. The object might already be filled with a certain gas. In that case we test like in the automatic helium leak test systems but we use a SRS quadrupole mass spectrometer as detector.

Helium leak location or helium leak testing. Pictures from Adixen "Vacuum Technology"


Leak location with sniffer princip
Leak location 1

Leak location with spraying princip
Leak location 2

Leak test with chamber princip
Helium leak testing 1

This is the method we use in most of our systems.


Leak testing with bombing princip
Helium leak testing 2

leak testing with sniffer in chamber
Helium leak testing 3

The helium from the leak accumulates over time inside the cover.


Leak rate units and conversion factors (gaseous flow rate), taken from Adixen "Vacuum Technology":


Gaseous flow-rate Adixen Vacuum Technology

We also build helium leak detection machines for helium leak testing of other products such as:


  • Air conditioning system components
  • Air suspension system components
  • Aluminum castings
  • Aluminum die castings
  • Airbag inflators
  • Air-conditioning components
  • Alloy wheels
  • Barrels
  • Batteries
  • Brake lines
  • Brake systems components
  • Can ends
  • Cast resin components
  • Cylinders
  • Condensers
  • Compressors
  • Electrical devices
  • Electronic components
  • Electronic Enclosures
  • Evaporators
  • Filters
  • Fuel components
  • Fuel lines
  • Fuel pumps
  • Fuel rails
  • Fuel tanks
  • Freezing compressors
  • Gas tubes
  • Gearbox covers
  • Gearbox housings
  • Gear exchangers
  • high voltage bushings
  • Insulators
  • Heat pumps
  • HVAC
  • Hydraulic cylinders
  • Hydraulic components
  • Manifolds
  • Medical devices
  • Metal barrels for transport of chemicals
  • Microchips
  • Nuclear fuel rods
  • Oil coolers
  • Plastic containers
  • Plastic drums
  • Pneumatic fittings
  • Radiators
  • Refrigeration/air conditioning technology, evaporators, compressors
  • Shock absorbers
  • Solar vacuum tubes
  • Steel drums
  • Turbochargers
  • Watches
  • Water-heaters
  • Water valves
  • Vacuum valves
  • Welded fittings
  • Oil coolers
  • Petrol tanks
  • Refrigeration equipment