Vacuum Leak Detection

Detection techniques for homing in on leaks
This course is no longer active
Sponsored by SECO/VACUUM

Learning Objectives:

  1. List the various types of leaks that occur with vacuum furnaces and where they can be found.
  2. Explain how the projected average leak-rate curve can offer a good sense of how healthy a furnace is.
  3. Discuss the advantages and pitfalls of helium leak detection.
  4. Describe the two primary techniques used to leak check a vacuum furnace.

Credits:

This course is part of the The Thermal Thermal Academy

Below are a set of links to articles from our Engineering and Mechanical Systems brands, including Engineering News-Record, . These articles provide in-depth analysis of specific projects, with photos, drawings, specifications, detailed descriptions, and design solutions. Click on each link below, read the article then complete the quiz to earn your credit and certificate of completion.

When large industrial vacuum brazing furnaces begin to produce customer parts that show discoloration instead of a pristine stainless-steel finish or joints where the brazing material has refused to flow properly, production is quickly halted. Easy-to-find-and-fix leaks can take the furnace down for a half of a day, and more downtime is likely. This course looks at the best ways to detect leaks and measure leak rates through testing with helium and other approaches.

Vacuum Furnace Leaks and Detection Techniques
Many papers have been written on the subject of vacuum furnace leaks, how to detect them and how to find them. This article provides a detailed explanation of the various types of leaks that can occur, where they typically occur and methods of locating and correcting these problems. Particular safety concerns relating to leak checking will also be discussed.
Reàl J. Fradette and William R. Jones

Projecting a Vacuum Furnace Leak Rate Based on Initial Pumping and Blank-Off Pressure Level
This article looks at how to calculate a furnace leak rate based on initial pumping and blank-off pressure level. It discusses actual leak rate compared with projected leak rate and shows how the projected average leak-rate curve provides good warning as to the health of the furnace.
Reàl J. Fradette and William R. Jones

Helium Leak Detection
Finding leaks in a furnace or chamber that has been used for several years takes some careful “sniffing” around using a helium leak detector. However, it’s easy to get sidetracked and frustrated if you are not careful.
Geoff Humberstone

A Heat Treaters Guide to Common Furnace Challenges
When asked what some of the most common vacuum-related challenges were, a heat treatment hotline decided to poll technical experts and review the data from their call logs. This article delves into the most asked questions, including the issue of vacuum furnace leak detection.
Jim Grann

Vacuum Leak

Photo Courtesy of SECO/VACUUM

 

 

Originally published in September 2021

Notice