Leaktesztelési

Leaktesztelési, often translated as leak testing, is a crucial process in quality control and safety assurance for a wide range of products and systems. The fundamental purpose of leak testing is to detect and quantify the presence of unintended openings or passages through which a substance, typically a fluid or gas, can escape or enter. This testing is vital for components and assemblies where containment is critical, such as in the automotive, medical device, and aerospace industries, as well as for everyday items like packaging and plumbing.

The methods employed for leak testing vary widely depending on the application, the substance being contained, and the required sensitivity. Common techniques include pressure decay testing, where a system is pressurized and then monitored for a drop in pressure, indicating a leak. Bubble testing involves submerging a pressurized component in a liquid and observing for the formation of bubbles. Tracer gas leak detection uses a specific gas, like helium or hydrogen, and specialized detectors to identify even the smallest leaks. Mass spectrometry is often used in conjunction with tracer gases for highly sensitive leak detection.

The results of leak testing are typically expressed in terms of leak rate, which quantifies the volume of substance passing through a leak per unit of time. Establishing acceptable leak rates is a critical aspect of the testing process, with standards often defined by industry regulations or customer specifications. Failure to meet these leak rate requirements necessitates repair or rejection of the component, ensuring that products are safe, reliable, and perform as intended.