INFICON LDS3000

Modular helium leak detector for integration into automated production leak test systems.

INFICON LDS3000 — Modular Helium Leak Detector

[ Product image: INFICON LDS3000 — to be added ]

The INFICON LDS3000 is a modular helium leak detector built for integration rather than bench use. It is supplied as a mass spectrometer module that system builders and production engineers configure around their own vacuum arrangement, fixturing and control system — allowing it to be specified into a machine at design stage and driven directly by the line’s PLC.

With a minimum detectable leak rate of 1 × 10⁻¹¹ mbar·l/s and a response time under one second, it is widely used as the benchmark detector in automated production leak testing, particularly in automotive, battery, refrigeration and air conditioning manufacture.

EcoBoost — Cutting Helium Consumption

Helium remains the preferred tracer gas for the smallest leak rates, but cost and availability make efficient use essential. INFICON’s patented EcoBoost function reduces helium consumption in the measurement process by up to 90% compared with conventional methods, without compromising measurement accuracy. It also allows the detector to find small leaks against high or falling tracer gas background levels. EcoBoost is included as standard on the current generation and can be retrofitted to earlier units.

▶ INFICON LDS3000 — Technical Specifications

Min. detectable leak rate — Ultra mode	≤ 1 × 10⁻¹¹ mbar·l/s (>5 l/s helium pumping speed)
Min. detectable leak rate — Fine mode	≤ 5 × 10⁻¹¹ mbar·l/s (1.7 l/s helium pumping speed)
Min. detectable leak rate — Gross mode	≤ 1 × 10⁻⁹ mbar·l/s
Min. detectable leak rate — Sniffer mode	≤ 1 × 10⁻⁷ mbar·l/s
Max. permissible inlet pressure	Gross 18 mbar / Fine 0.9 mbar / Ultra 0.2 mbar
Response time	< 1 second
Calibration time	Approximately 20 seconds
Ion source	2 × yttrium/iridium long-life cathodes
Units of measurement	mbar·l/s, Pa·m³/s, atm·cc/s, g/a, ppm
Digital inputs / outputs	10 inputs, 8 outputs (with I/O1000 module)
Control input	PLC-compatible (max. 35 V)
Serial interface	RS232, RS485 or fieldbus systems
Recorder output	0 – 10 V (lin/log)
Dimensions (L × W × H)	330 × 240 × 280 mm
Ambient temperature (operation)	10 – 45 °C
Warranty	2 years (3 years on ion source)
Certification	cTÜVus (NRTL tested); INFICON ISO 9001 / ISO 14001

Specifications per the INFICON LDS3000 datasheet. INFICON operate a continuing programme of product improvement and specifications may change without notice — please confirm against the current datasheet at order.

Configuration and Modules

An I/O1000 or BM1000 bus module and data cable are required to operate the LDS3000. The optional CU1000 control unit provides straightforward local operation and parameter monitoring, and the XL Sniffer Adapter converts the unit into a sniffer leak detector for both low- and high-flow modes, enabling detection from greater distances. Internal (TL7) and customised calibration leaks are available.

Variants and Methods

LDS3000 — vacuum leak testing, the standard configuration for integrated systems.
LDS3000 AQ — for accumulation systems using helium or forming gas, detecting into the 10⁻⁵ mbar·l/s range where a hard vacuum arrangement is impractical.
With XL Sniffer Adapter — sniffer configuration for leak location.

Typical Applications

Automotive and EV components (battery cooling plates, bipolar plates, fuel system parts, air conditioning assemblies), refrigeration and air conditioning manufacture, industrial valves and fittings, and any production environment testing to ASTM F2391 or ISO 20485 where a quantified leak rate is required on every part.

Integration and Support

Optimeasure supplies the LDS3000 as part of a wider leak test solution. Our in-house integration team can design and build the surrounding system — vacuum arrangement, fixturing, PLC interfacing and operator interface — or work alongside your own machine builder. Every installation is backed by traceable calibration using certified leak standards and UK-wide service support.

Choosing Between INFICON Helium Detectors

The LDS3000 is the right choice when the detector is being built into a system. If you need a self-contained instrument that can be moved to the work, see the INFICON UL1000. For the full range see the INFICON leak detector range, or our helium leak testing service if you would rather have the testing carried out for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What leak rate can the LDS3000 detect?

In Ultra mode the LDS3000 detects down to 1 × 10⁻¹¹ mbar·l/s with a response time under one second. Fine mode reaches 5 × 10⁻¹¹, Gross mode 1 × 10⁻⁹, and in sniffer configuration 1 × 10⁻⁷ mbar·l/s.

What is EcoBoost and does it affect accuracy?

EcoBoost is INFICON's patented function for reducing helium consumption by up to 90% during measurement, without compromising accuracy. It also helps the detector find small leaks against high or decreasing tracer gas background. It is standard on current units and can be retrofitted to earlier ones.

What is needed to operate an LDS3000?

An I/O1000 or BM1000 bus module plus a data cable are required. The CU1000 control unit is an option for local operation, and the XL Sniffer Adapter converts the unit for sniffer testing. Our team can specify the full configuration for your application.