Pneumatic Valves Used in Leak Test Equipment
If you require precision leak testing for sensitive applications, a pneumatic valve can help you get the job done. This type of valve is ideal for testing equipment as it can provide a leak free test circuit allowing for detection of any leakage in the product being tested.
You’ll find these valves being used to test automotive systems, medical devices, electronics, HVAC, food packaging, aerospace equipment and many more applications.
How Pneumatic Valves Work in Leak Test Equipment
Testing equipment is utilized in automated leak test benches, quality assurance systems and production lines in industries such as automotive, medical devices, aerospace and piping systems.
Specialized directional control valves manage airflow between fill, test and vent cycles. Pneumatic valves maintain an isolated volume of gas during a test procedure. They’re designed to allow compressed media into a section of a component and seal off the section to separate it from the source. That allows for precise pressure measurements.
Pneumatic valves can be used for:
Pressure decay tests: Pressurized media fills the component, which is then closed to isolate it. Internal sensors track any pressure drop.
Vacuum decay tests: Vacuum is applied to a test component which is then isolated by the valve. Sensors monitor any increase in pressure that could suggest a leak.
Pressure Differential tests: Pressure is applied to both a component to be tested and a known test volume. The system then compares the pressures in each volume looking for any pressure loss that would indicate a leak.
Benefits of Using Pneumatic Valves in Leak Test Equipment
Precision control: Pneumatic valves are designed for fast actuation allowing for reduced cycle times in high throughput leak detection systems.
Repeatability: Pneumatic valves can fill, isolate, equalize and vent air and gas during leak assessments with limited variability over the life of the valve. That precision supports test accuracy.
Flexible configurations: Humphrey’s universal balanced poppet design allows the valves used for leak testing to be installed as 2-way, 3-way, normally open, normally closed and for pressure or vacuum service. Further, Humphrey’s Engineered Solutions program allows for these valves to be further customized for your particular application.
Find High Quality Products and Expert Assistance at Humphrey Products
Humphrey has produced valves for leak testers for more than 25 years. Specified leak rates meet or exceed 0.05 cc/min at 250 psi pressure, allowing for the successful isolation of the test volumes. These valves are proven to hold this leak rate for millions of cycles, allowing for high-speed, long-term production capability. Contact our technical team for additional product information and selection assistance.