January 29, 2008 - Industrial equipment manufacturers and their suppliers contending with skyrocketing helium costs can now obtain gratis assessments by InterTech Development Company's Testing Applications Laboratory on whether helium leak test methods can be replaced by customized mass flow leak test methods without sacrificing accuracy. This service is especially geared to help identify applications with leak test requirements in the 0.01 sccm range and for leak testing heat exchangers such as radiators that can be successfully handled by expert techniques applying mass flow leak test methods.Jacques Hoffmann, President of InterTech, comments, "Some have reported helium price rises as high as 30% last year.
Given the global scarcity in helium resources there is little reason to think that this situation will improve. We are also aware that many users of helium leak test methods mistakenly think the leak test accuracy they require can only be accomplished with costly helium testing. That is not the case, but it takes experienced leak test experts who are knowledgeable in the use of InterTech's patented technology (high performance mass flow sensors, bias leak technology, expert fixture designs, etc., and temperature compensation methods to sort out which application can be handled by mass flow leak test techniques and which are restricted to the more costly helium test methods. InterTech provides both services - designing mass flow leak tests or helium leak testing.
Our focus is in providing the best service at the lowest cost, which is why we have been able to cut leak test costs 50% and more without sacrificing Gauge R&R. The first step is in identifying the best test method to meet application requirements." InterTech Development Company is a world leader in test-centric assembly specializing in automated leak and functional testing with 7 patented mass flow and hydraulic technologies, as well as, helium mass spectrometry (ISO-9001-2000 International Standards for Quality Management). InterTech Development Company-engineered solutions are used by hundreds of manufacturers worldwide. InterTech Development Company's worldwide support organization maintains offices in North America, Asia, and Europe.