Leak Detection FAQs

Leak detection is an important part of maintaining the performance and quality of the products we use every day. Undetected and uncorrected leaks can lead to, among other concerns, product failure, equipment and component damage, and, in some cases, safety hazards. There are many technologies used for leak detection. Cincinnati Test Systems (CTS) can engineer and integrate the right leak detection technology into equipment designed specifically for our customer's manufacturing environments.

The following FAQs will help you gain a better understanding of the leak detection process and how it can be applied to your unique application. While this list is by no means definitive, we hope that it will make selecting the right leak detection equipment for your needs easier. For further assistance and information, feel free to contact CTS.

What is Leak Detection?

As stated above, there are numerous leak detection methods. Cincinnati Test Systems’ core competencies include pressure decay leak testing, vacuum decay leak testing, mass flow testing, tracer gas measurement techniques, and hydrostatic testing, which are among the most common techniques used in leak detection today.

Utilizing pressure/vacuum decay and hydrostatic technologies involve charging the part under test to a specific pressure and measuring any decrease or possibly increase in pressure during a measured amount of time. Any cracks, porosity, split seams, holes, or other similar conditions will result in the pressurized liquid or gas leaking through the part under test, which in turn leads to changes in several significant variables that are detected and recorded by our leak detection machines.

Tracer gas technology also charges the part with pressurized gas but this technology senses the actual gas escaping through the leaking condition instead of measuring a pressure change, thus eliminating pressure measurement noise caused by temperature or elasticity of the part.

Common Units of Leak Measurement

Typical leak detection instruments convert the pressure change measurement of leaks to volumetric values in order to establish uniform leak standards. Cincinnati Test Systems’ leak detection equipment is capable of testing for and detecting leaks in a number of different ways.

Pressure loss is measurable by PSIG, PSIV, inH2O, cmH2O, mmH2O, kg/cm2, ATM, inHg, cmHg, mmHg, kPa, Pa, MPa, Bar, mBar,and Torr; flow is measurable by scc/m, scc/s, scc/h, sl/m, sl/s, scfm. Regardless of pressure loss/gain measurement or flow readings, each technology has one common denominator, time (measurable by sec, msec, min). Technology and detection measurement options vary by model.

What Industries/Markets Use Leak Detection Systems?

CTS leak detection equipment is used in a broad spectrum of industries, including, but not limited to: automotive, medical, consumer products, construction, traditional and alternative energy, recreation, and military/aerospace.

What Kind of Equipment is Available to Detect Leaks?

Cincinnati Test Systems manufactures a full line of leak detection equipment, including:

• Sentinel™ Blackbelt
• Sentinel™ Blackbelt Pro
• Sentinel™ C20 World Edition
• Sentinel™ C28 World Edition including Differential Pressure
• Sentinel™ I28
• TracerMate CS

See our About Us page for more information on our leak detection technology.

What Can Leak Detection Equipment Do for Me?

Leak detection machines from CTS will help ensure that your products meet quality expectations during and after the manufacturing process. Finding defective parts and potentially unsafe products prior to value-added assembly, and avoiding costly recalls, saves you money and sends profits to your bottom line.

How Does Cincinnati Test Systems Assure They’ve Detected All Leaks?

Each leak detection instrument we manufacture is calibrated and verified to an NIST traceable leak standard. CTS operates an A2LA-accredited to ISO 17025 lab for the manufacture and re-certification of NIST traceable calibrated leak/flow standards. Visit our About Us page to find out more.

Cincinnati Test Systems is the industry's leading leak detection manufacturer, known the world over for the exceptional performance of our leak detection systems. Contact us today for more information.