False leaks can wreak havoc on your leak testing results, so here are some tips to avoid them at your business!
Successful leak testing always requires correct sealing methods, which includes both the selection and application of your sealing. In order to avoid false leaks during your company’s manufacturing processes, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using the best leak testing equipment to match your unique needs.
Below we’ll be delving deeper into how your business can avoid false lakes, as well as how you can better seal leaks when necessary!
Using Proper Leak Testing Fixtures
It’s important for business leaders to understand how all pressure decay leak testing uses some form of fixture, and these fixtures are meant to securely contain and seal a part or assembly that’s being tested.
When a leak testing fixture squeezes a part, it’ll subsequently increase the part’s internal pressure. This can be problematic because it can alter a leak test’s results, and sometimes it can even fully mask an existing leak! A similar type of effect occurs when a leak test component is accidentally clamped very tightly to a fixture.
On the other hand, if a leak testing fixture relaxes during pressure decay testing, the part’s volume might increase and inadvertently lead to a pressure decrease—which often creates a false leak report. These types of false leaks can lead to unnecessary manufacturing delays and headaches for your team members, so it’s absolutely imperative to ensure that you’re using proper leak testing fixtures to bolster the accuracy of your leak test results!
Temperature Change Effects on Leak Test Results
It’s also critical for manufacturing teams to recognize when they’re conducting leak tests in areas where temperature changes might occur, because this often results in unexpected test results and part behavior.
We’ve helped countless businesses around the world that have experienced leak testing difficulties associated with common complications like flexible internal seals and other pressurization dilemmas. Although temperature changes aren’t usually what business leaders initially assume is impacting their leak testing, it’s a lot more common than you’d likely assume!
A lot of false leaks are actually the result of temperature changes at factories and other manufacturing facilities, and compensating for potential temperature changes is one reason why a lot of our clients prefer differential pressure testing methods.
Keeping Hands Away During Test Cycles
It’s important for manufacturing teams to remember that they shouldn’t be handling their components more than what’s necessary, and manual handling should always be fully minimized during leak test cycles. Maintaining a hands-off policy during test cycles is particularly important when testing parts with a large volume ratio or surface area-to-mass ratio.
At Zaxis, we offer state-of-the-art leak tester accessories to help guarantee that your team is always ready to maintain test result consistency. Everyone needs accurate and repeatable leak testing procedures, and you can always reach out to our specialists when you have questions about improving your test cycles and avoiding all sorts of stabilization and sealant mistakes that lead to false leaks!
Leak Test Sealing is an Art
As is easy to imagine, a lot of false leaks are the result of improper sealing. Sealing truly is an art within the leak testing industry, and this is partly because it always requires a lot of attention.
Sealing is just as important of a factor as choosing the right leak testing equipment and test specifications, and you can improve your company’s overall manufacturing efficiency when you pay extra close attention to sealing.
Because after all, even the most effective and tech-savvy leak testers might provide false leaks if your sealing isn’t 100% correct!
Zaxis Has Your Team’s Back When You’re Dealing With False Leaks!
The origins of false leaks are often difficult for manufacturing teams to pinpoint, and the above examples are just a tiny glimpse into what might be causing your ongoing false leak reports.
Zaxis is a world-renowned leak testing industry leader based in Salt Lake City, and our expertise has helped countless businesses get through complex challenges like false leaks—and a lot more!
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 801-264-1000 when you need help finding the best leak testing equipment and solutions for your company’s unique applications!
