US4984450A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of leak testing a test container with a tracer gas
Assignee: Alcatel CIT SA
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Filing: 1989-08-23
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Granted: 1991-01-15
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Expires: 2009-08-23
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a method of leak testing a test container. A tracer gas such as helium is sprayed around the test container on its outside, and the inside of the container is evacuated and connected to a tracer gas detector. Prior to the actual leak test, the test container (1) is temporarily connected to a water tank (7) containing water free from dissolved gases.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz D. Burger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 21:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/20; G01M3/202
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A method of leak testing a component, in particular a test container, in which a tracer gas is directed to one side of the component and the space on the other side is evacuated by a two stage pump assembly comprising in series and in order a molecular pump and a mechanical primary pump and connected to a tracer gas detector, said method including the additional step of temporarily connecting said space on said other side of the component to a water tank (7) containing water which is free from dissolved gases prior to the actual leak test, and wherein, prior to being connected with the water tank, the space on the other side of the component (1) is evacuated by said two stage pump assembly to a pressure in the range of 1 mbar to 0.01 mbar. Preferably to 0.1 mbar, thereby hindering parasitic helium atoms from migrating from the primary pump to said tracer gas detector.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
158 words
A method of leak testing a component, in particular a test container, in which a tracer gas is directed to one side of the component and the space on the other side is evacuated by a two stage pump assembly comprising in series and in order a molecular pump and a mechanical primary pump and connected to a tracer gas detector, said method including the additional step of temporarily connecting said space on said other side of the component to a water tank (7) containing water which is free from dissolved gases prior to the actual leak test, and wherein, prior to being connected with the water tank, the space on the other side of the component (1) is evacuated by said two stage pump assembly to a pressure in the range of 1 mbar to 0.01 mbar. Preferably to 0.1 mbar, thereby hindering parasitic helium atoms from migrating from the primary pump to said tracer gas detector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the water in the water tank (7) is previously degassed by at least one of heating and evacuation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-01-14 | 1994-07-16 | 1995-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-01-14 | 1998-07-16 | 1999-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-01-14 | 2002-07-16 | 2003-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |