Overview
When air pressure testing reaches its physical sensitivity limits, Optimeasure’s Tracer Gas Sniffer systems provide the ultimate solution for high-precision integrity verification. Specialising in the detection of “micro-leaks” that are invisible to traditional pressure decay methods, our systems utilise advanced multi-gas sensor technology to identify leak rates as small as $1 \times 10^{-7} \text{ mbar}\cdot\text{l/s}$. This precision is vital for industries where maintaining a specific containment level is critical for safety, environmental protection, or product longevity.
Designed and built in accordance with the ISO 20485 standard, our sniffer systems are uniquely versatile. Our technology allows for the simultaneous searching of traditional tracer gases (Helium and Hydrogen/Forming Gas) as well as a wide range of industrial Refrigerants. This makes our systems the ideal choice for the HVAC, automotive, and refrigeration sectors, where the ability to pinpoint the exact location of a leak on a complex assembly—rather than just detecting its presence—is essential for efficient rework and quality assurance.
At Optimeasure, we recognise that every component has a measurable leak rate; our goal is to help you ensure that rate remains within your specified tolerances. We provide bespoke sniffer stations ranging from manual, hand-held probe setups to fully integrated, automated robotic cells. By utilising high-performance mass spectrometers and specialized infrared (IR) sensors, we ensure your testing process is not only compliant with international standards but also perfectly optimised for your specific production throughput.
Frequently Asked Questions
High Precision is Required: Your product must meet strict containment standards (e.g., HVAC systems, fuel rails, or battery enclosures).
Multi-Gas Detection is Needed: You need to detect specific refrigerants or switch between different tracer gases across various product lines using a single system.
Exact Localisation is Needed: You need to pinpoint the specific weld, joint, or seal that is failing within a complex assembly to facilitate fast and accurate repairs.
Internal Calibration: Our high-end sniffer systems feature internal reference leaks for automated, daily sensitivity checks.
Traceable Verification: We provide UKAS-traceable external leak masters (for Helium, Hydrogen, or specific refrigerants) to verify the sniffer probe's sensitivity at the start of every shift.
Digital Traceability: Every calibration event is logged, providing a digital audit trail that confirms your sensors were accurate and functioning correctly at the time of testing.
Micro-Leak Sensitivity: It can detect leaks 1,000 to 1,000,000 times smaller than standard pressure decay systems.
Temperature & Volume Independence: Unlike air testing, tracer gas results are not skewed by changes in ambient temperature or the "stretch" of flexible parts, providing a more stable and repeatable result.
Complex Geometry: In assemblies with multiple joints, air testing only tells you if it leaks. Tracer gas sniffing tells you where it leaks, significantly reducing downtime in the rework process.
Complex Testing Requirements?
