Leckprüfung

Leckprüfung, also known as leak testing, is a group of nondestructive examination methods used to detect, locate, and quantify unintended openings or permeability in containers, pipelines, pressure vessels, and other sealed systems. The objective is to ensure the integrity of the product, prevent loss of gases or liquids, and guarantee safety and quality according to industrial standards and regulatory requirements.

Various techniques are employed depending on the material, operating conditions, and the type of leak to be detected. Common methods include pressure decay, where a known pressure is applied and the drop over time is measured; helium mass spectrometry, which introduces helium as a tracer gas and detects its presence on the outside of the component with a mass spectrometer; ultrasonic testing, which listens for the sound of escaping fluid; and bubble testing, in which the part is submerged and visual bubbles indicate a leak. Other specialized approaches comprise dye penetrant testing, infrared thermography, and tracer gas concentration analysis.

The selection of a suitable method takes into account sensitivity, speed, cost, and the size of permissible leak rates. For high‑precision applications such as aerospace, medical devices, and semiconductor manufacturing, detection limits can reach the order of 10⁻⁹ Pa·m³/s, while less critical contexts may accept higher thresholds.

Leckprüfung is integral to quality control in sectors such as automotive, chemical processing, food and beverage, and energy. Documentation of test procedures, calibration of equipment, and adherence to standards such as ISO 11666, EN 13320, or ASTM E1316 ensure repeatability and compliance across the product lifecycle.