Leak test fixture and method for using same

Patent · Tue Apr 13 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7347371

Hawk, L S

A method and apparatus are described which are especially useful for leak testing seams such as an end closure or joint. The test does not require an enclosed pressurized volume within the article or joint section to be leak checked. A flexible impervious membrane is disposed over an area of the seamed surfaces to be leak checked and sealed around the outer edges. A preselected vacuum is applied through an opening in the membrane to evacuate the area between the membrane and the surface being leak checked to essentially collapse the membrane to conform to the article surface or joined adjacent surfaces. A pressure differential is concentrated at the seam bounded by the membrane and only the seam experiences a pressure differential as air or helium molecules are drawn into the vacuum system through a leak in the seam. A helium detector may be placed in a vacuum exhaust line from the membrane to detect the helium. Alternatively, the vacuum system may be isolated at a preselected pressure and leaks may be detected by a subsequent pressure increase in the vacuum system.

• Assignee: Energy Research and Development Administration
• Patent Number(s): US 3949596
• OSTI ID: 7347371
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420200* -- Engineering-- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
DESIGN
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
HELIUM
LEAK DETECTORS
LEAK TESTING
MEMBRANES
NONMETALS
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
RARE GASES
TESTING
VACUUM SYSTEMS