Vacuum Decay Leak Testing

Vacuum decay leak testing is a non-destructive leak testing method used to detect leaks in a wide range of products, from automotive parts, medical devices, to industrial components. This technology involves drawing a vacuum on a sealed part or system and then monitoring the change in vacuum level over time with a precision pressure transducer. If the vacuum level decreases, it indicates the presence of a leak.
   

How It Works

1. Connecting/Sealing the Component: The part being tested is sealed and a vacuum is applied to the inside of the device under test (DUT).
2. Evacuation Step: The component or system is evacuated to the desired setpoint vacuum level .  A precision vacuum regulator is set to determine the setpoint vacuum level delivered to the device under test.
3. Stabilization Step:  After reaching the target vacuum level an isolation valve closes to trap the vacuum in the device under test.  The device under test is allowed to stabilize which allows for stretching/cooling of the device under test.
4. Test Step (Vacuum Decay Monitoring): After stabilization, the system's vacuum level is monitored over a specified time period. If a leak exists, air escapes into the system, causing a detectable change in vacuum level.
5. Analysis and Reporting: The system’s vacuum level change is analyzed. If the vacuum decays at a rate above a predefined threshold, the component is deemed defective. A pass or fail determination is then made based on the test results.

 

• Non-Destructive: Vacuum decay testing does not alter or damage the component, making it ideal for sensitive or expensive parts.
• Simple and Fast: The process is relatively quick, with results often available in just a few seconds to minutes, depending on the size of the part being tested and the size of leak being detected.
• High Sensitivity: This method is sensitive enough to detect small leaks, which is crucial in applications where even tiny leaks can compromise performance or safety.
• Versatile: Vacuum decay leak testing is widely used across industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical devices, and more. It’s suitable for testing a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from small individual components to large assemblies.
• Quantitative Results: The test provides loggable numerical data, making it easy to determine the severity of leaks and to make precise decisions about part integrity.  Results can be displayed as an actual vacuum loss or a volumetric leak rate.

Applications

• Automotive Industry: Testing fuel delivery systems, exhaust systems, lighting, brake systems, sensors, radiators, batteries and drive train components for leaks.
• Medical Devices: Verifying the integrity of drug delivery systems, surgical instruments, ventilators, catheters, and other medical equipment.
• Consumer Goods: Leak testing for electronics, vacuum-sealed packages, or components requiring airtight seals such as optics or scopes.
• Heavy Equipment: Ensuring that critical components like hydraulic systems, valves, sensors, and pressure vessels are leak-free.

Vacuum decay leak testing is a widely used technique, especially for medical devices and IP67 specified applications. Like pressure decay it is a safe, economical, reliable, and repeatable method for most applications.
 
Most LeakMaster instruments can be configured to perform a vacuum decay leak test. Our configurable Stealth modules, compact Defender, or our flagship Guardian are all capable of being configured for vacuum decay leak testing. The choice of which leak tester works best for your application is based on many factors including the size and elasticity of the product, the vacuum level required, the reject leak rate, and the required part-to-part production cycle time. No matter the application, you can count on LeakMaster’s expertise to provide the most robust cost effective vacuum decay leak test solutions for your application.

Contact Us

For more information on our Vacuum Decay leak testing instruments please see our Contact Us page.