Leak Detector Auxiliary Pumping System for Tracer Gas Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection methods using tracer gases face challenges in achieving low background noise, leading to reduced sensitivity and increased waiting times between measurements, which can be costly and require bulky pumping devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact and inexpensive leak detector is designed with an auxiliary pumping system that lowers the ultimate vacuum pressure, utilizing a pressure sensor and control unit to manage the connection of auxiliary pumps to the primary vacuum pump, reducing background noise and enhancing sensitivity by approximately 30%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pumping capacity of the leak detector is increased to reduce background noise, then the sensitivity and measurement speed improve, but the device becomes expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping system is divided into two independent parts: a primary vacuum pump for maintaining base vacuum and an auxiliary pump specifically for reducing tracer gas background noise. This segmentation allows each pump to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the use of a smaller, less expensive primary pump while achieving the required low background noise levels through the auxiliary pump's targeted intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary pump serves multiple functions: it reduces tracer gas background noise in the vacuum system, extends the service life of the primary vacuum pump by handling condensable species, and can be integrated with the existing vacuum architecture. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the auxiliary pump without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Productivity
If the waiting time between measurements is reduced by lowering background noise, then the productivity increases, but achieving low background noise traditionally requires expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary pump is activated in advance of measurements to pre-reduce the background noise level in the vacuum system. By lowering the tracer gas concentration before the actual measurement begins, the system achieves optimal sensitivity conditions, enabling faster sequential measurements without requiring an oversized primary pump that would consume excessive energy continuously.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the primary vacuum pump operates at lower pressure to reduce noise and energy consumption, then the operational cost decreases, but the background noise from tracer gas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary pump operates continuously or periodically to maintain low tracer gas background levels in the vacuum system, while the primary vacuum pump operates at optimized pressure levels for energy efficiency. This continuous action by the auxiliary pump ensures that sensitivity is maintained without requiring the primary pump to consume excessive energy to maintain ultra-low pressures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution increases leak detection sensitivity, reduces waiting time between measurements, and extends the service life of the primary vacuum pump while lowering noise and electrical consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a primary vacuum pump (8), a pumping device (3) including a vacuum line (7) connected to the detection inlet (2)
Implementation Method 2
The leak detector includes a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure in the vacuum line
Implementation Method 3
The inside of the object is connected to a leak detector, which checks for tracer gas in the aspirated gases
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a leak detector (1) for leak-testing objects by tracer gas leak detection, the leak detector (1) comprising: – a detection inlet (2) intended to be coupled to an object that is to be tested, – a pumping device (3) comprising: – a vacuum line (7) connected to the detection inlet (2), – a rough vacuum pump (8) connected to the vacuum line (7), and – a turbomolecular vacuum pump (9) connected to the vacuum line (7) and the delivery of which is connected to the rough vacuum pump (8), – a gas detector (4) connected to the turbomolecular vacuum pump (9), characterized in that the pumping device (3) comprises an ancillary pumping means (10) connected to the rough vacuum pump (8) to lower the tracer gas limit vacuum pressure in the rough vacuum pump(8). The present invention also relates to a leak detection method for leak-testing objects using the so-called tracer gas leak detection method.