Where every micro-leakage counts

Vacuum leak test

A vacuum leak test reveals what other methods keep hidden: the tiniest leaks that can disrupt processes or damage products. By placing the test object under vacuum and measuring helium uptake with ultra-sensitive detection, we determine exactly whether a system meets the strictest leak-tightness requirements.

This method is ideal for applications where absolute reliability is essential – from vacuum installations and instrumentation to hermetically sealed products and critical process parts. ITIS performs these tests in a controlled and reproducible manner, according to international standards and with measurement results that can be used directly for design, production, maintenance or compliance.

Do you want to be certain that your system is completely leak-tight, even at micro level? A vacuum leak test at ITIS gives you the highest level of assurance!

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What is a vacuum leak test?

In vacuum leak testing we lower the pressure in or around the test object to create a clear pressure differential. Helium is usually used as a tracer gas; incoming helium is detected with a mass-spectrometer leak detector. Depending on the product and the standard we use integral chamber or hood tests, partial hoods or local spray methods. For hermetic products the so-called bombing method can be applied: the part is first “charged” in a helium pressure vessel and then measured under vacuum.

We tailor the set-up to the required detection limit, background, pumping speed and test duration. Very low leak rates can thus be demonstrated – down to the order of 10⁻⁹ mbar·l/s – as long as the vacuum installation and environment allow and the background remains stable.

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The reason this vacuum leak test is required for you

Vacuum systems, packaging, electronics, instrumentation and installations with strict leak-tightness requirements demand low detection limits. Even minute leaks can lead to contamination, product degradation or malfunction. Vacuum testing makes these micro leaks visible and quantifiable, allowing you to improve in a targeted way and prevent failures.

We pay a lot of attention to virtual leaks, background and outgassing: where necessary systems are baked out beforehand to remove residual gases and to obtain a stable ultimate vacuum and reliable background. This minimises the chance of “false leaks” caused only by trapped or adsorbed gases.

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Who benefits most from a vacuum leak test?

End users in chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and energy who need to guarantee vacuum or inert conditions and minimise emissions, for example in analysis chambers, vacuum lines or sensitive process parts.

Manufacturers / suppliers of valves, gaskets, instruments, housings, hermetically sealed products and packaging who must demonstrate low leak limits for type or production tests, or as part of qualification towards end users.

Which international standards apply during a vacuum leak test?

For vacuum leak testing we apply, among others:

EN 1779 / ISO 20484: method selection and terminology
ISO 20485: tracer-gas leak testing (helium, halogens, H₂/N₂)
ASTM E1603/E1603M: leakage measurement using a mass-spectrometer leak detector
ASME BPVC Section V, Article 10: leak testing of pressure equipment

We can also execute customer-specific protocols and help translate a required leak rate into an appropriate test method and detection limit, including any conversion to annual emissions.

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Why ITIS makes the difference

More and more companies in the industry choose ITIS. The reasons differ per company, but most customers are satisfied with several qualities within our organisation. A few examples:

We combine practical experience with vacuum systems and mass-spectrometer leak testing with a strict quality system. We think along about set-up, bake-out, test duration and cost efficiency, and deliver objective, reproducible results that can be used immediately for design, production, maintenance and permitting. For complex projects we can also assist in drawing up test plans and acceptance criteria.

What is the added value of a leak test?

Very low detection limits, suitable for critical applications with high demands
Evidence of product quality and process integrity in vacuum and inert systems
Less rejection and fewer failures during production or use
Traceable measurement data, including measurement uncertainty and detection limit
Possibility to convert leak rates to emissions (e.g. kg/year) linked to process conditions

Everything about report and certification

Our test report contains the applied standard(s), test conditions, parameters (pressure, time, tracer), detection limits, measurement results and the conclusion with respect to the maximum allowable leak rate. Where relevant, vacuum tests can be carried out under ISO 17025 accreditation, with international recognition of the results and clear traceability to the calibrations and reference leaks used.

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Accredited, certainty for you

ITIS is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) under accreditation number L656. For you this means certainty. Our test and measurement results are demonstrably reliable and comply with established quality standards.

Thanks to international recognition via the ILAC MRA, results within scope are also accepted internationally. This avoids re-inspection, speeds up processes and provides confidence to customers, regulators and partners.

You work with an independent party that operates according to controlled procedures. That delivers clarity, consistency and a strong basis for your technical and commercial decisions.

From large to micro leakages

Convincingly demonstrate micro leaks, under vacuum conditions in our test laboratory or with mobile equipment at your site, for systems where very low leak rates are crucial.

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Our customers and partners

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At ITIS, it’s simply a given that we offer our customers the best service possible. We understand their needs and desires and are always focused on providing the highest quality service and solutions.