Tracer gas leak testing is a simple and highly-efficient method of leak detection that provides high sensitivity, accuracy, and repeatability. A tracer gas leak test can be used to test parts with very low leak rates that are outside the range for conventional air-flow pressure decay and mass flow testing, or to replace bubble test methods.

The tracer gas leak test uses escaping tracer gas to identify micro-leaks in the range of 1×10^-4 to 10^-9 scc/s. 

Benefits of Tracer Gas Leak Testing

• Enhanced sensitivity and resolution for increased leak test accuracy
• Capability to detect micro-leaks down to 1×10^-9 scc/s (0.0000000001 scc/m)
• Faster test times than air-flow leak testing technology
• Non-temperature dependent test accuracy
• Significantly reduces false leak failures

Tracer Gas Leak Test Systems for All Applications

Cincinnati Test Systems (CTS) designs and manufactures a full line of high performance tracer gas leak test solutions. Follow the links below to find the right leak test system for your needs, request a quote, or contact us to discuss your tracer gas leak test application.

Types of Tracer Gas

Helium is the most commonly used tracer gas in leak detection. It is non-flammable, non-destructive, non-toxic, inert, and only has trace presence in our atmosphere. Helium can be used at 100% concentration or mixed with another gas, such as nitrogen or dry air, to help reduce the cost of tracer gas leak test procedures. A low-cost alternative to helium is forming gas, typically a mixture of 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen that can be used as a safe, non-flammable, and effective tracer gas in many applications.
 
A mass spectrometer gas analyzer can be used in tracer gas leak testing to detect helium or hydrogen escaping from a micro-leak.

TracerMate II Leak Test Instrument

 The CTS Sentinel Tracermate II instrument is our all-in-one tracer gas leak test system. It provides part evacuation, test pressure, gross leak testing, tracer gas backfill, and exhaust processes. The TracerMate II integrates easily into most tracer gas leak test systems, communicates with most mass spectrometers, and provides test result management for process control.

Additionally, the TracerMate II can control basic machine functions of your tracer gas leak test system, such as tool motion control and barcode scanning. If more complex machine sequencing is required, TracerMate II can be integrated with a PLC or PC-based control system to provide greater process control.