Leak testing is one of the most crucial quality assurance processes for testing consumer products, leaks can have disastrous results. If your product is intended to hold or withstand pressure, gas, water, fluid, or dust, or flow a specific range, it needs to be 100% leak tested. By testing your products to meet appropriate leak-tightness or IP67 specifications, you ensure the longevity and function of your product, your brand, and your legacy.
Components on Appliances such as Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers, and Dryers
Water Faucets and plumbing fittings
Ball Valves
Generator Fuel delivery systems
Lawn Equipment engines, fuel tanks, and hydraulic systems
There are several leak testing methods used in consumer products leak testing. Each method has its own advantages and limitations. It’s important to select a method that is appropriate for the specific application and can provide reliable and accurate results. Test methods include:
Visual inspection/water immersion.
Pressure or vacuum decay.
Mass flow.
Metered Volume/chamber testing.
Tracer gas testing.
The three most widely used air leak testing techniques used in the Consumer Products sector are Pressure Decay, Mass Flow, and Metered Volume Chamber Testing (for sealed components).
Benefits of Air Testing
Repeatable, measurable leak test results.
Excellent value, low cost of ownership.
Peace of mind, all products are graded to user-defined pass/fail limits. Not subjective bubble testing.
Ease of use ensures flexibility. Instrument setup and use is straightforward, eliminating confusion during day-to-day operation.
Pressure Decay
The Defender Pressure or Vacuum Decay leak tester is our most widely used consumer products instrument and considered an outstanding value due to its low cost, test efficiency and built-in data collection feature. The method typically involves pressurizing the consumer product and monitoring for excessive drop in pressure over a specific test period. User-defined decay limits are referenced to pass or fail the product being tested.
Keep in mind, pressure or vacuum decay is a volumetric/volume dependent test. If the test volume varies significantly from test to test, then mass flow should be considered.
Mass Flow
LeakMaster has spent the last two decades perfecting the art and science of mass flow leak testing. The patented LeakMaster UltraFlow V3 sets the bar for consumer product testing, utilizing our patented B-Stable technology to deliver ultimate performance.
Mass flow testing is also frequently used in conjunction with pressure decay, especially if the internal dead volume of the consumer product varies or is elastic. Mass flow is a volume independent test. With mass flow the amount of replacement “air mass” is measured to determine the leakrate.
Metered Volume/Chamber Leak Testing
Metered volume is a unique technique frequently used for leak testing sealed components (sealed parts without a port or passageway to pressurize or pull a vacuum). With metered volume, the test piece is placed in a leak free chamber.
At the start of the test, the leak tester displaces a specific air volume and pressure into the chamber. If the test piece in the chamber is leak free, the pressure will maintain steady in the chamber. If the component is leaking, the pressure will fall inside the chamber, indicating a leak as air is seeping into the test component.
No matter what type of consumer part you manufacture, you’re in good hands with LeakMaster on your team, providing diverse solutions, expert advice and first-rate service and support.
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Have a leak testing project to discuss? For more information or assistance with your leak testing application please see our Contact Us page.
