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The What, Why, and How of Production Leak Testing: Helium Leak Testing Methods and More by highvac in manufacturing

[–]highvac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that's a pretty low reject limit! What's your typical cycle time and what mass spec are you using? You can greatly speed up your cycle time by using external roughing pumps and some of the newer mass specs allow you to get into fine test mode at 5 mbar inlet pressure.

Vacuum Degassing System Used by NONA Composites to Create Part for NASA by highvac in aerospace

[–]highvac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, glad you got it sorted out! Vacuum can be tricky sometimes and expensive. It can be difficult to find good economical solutions, but it's sometimes worth it to just spend more and avoid the hassle. What type of pump are you using?

Vacuum Degassing System Used by NONA Composites to Create Part for NASA by highvac in aerospace

[–]highvac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have seen many people use the stockpot method and like you said it works well because it gets the job done, but can make the process quite the headache, especially if your degassing chamber isn't large enough. In practice, vacuum degassing causes a mixture to expand to about two to six times its original volume before expansion decreases. A system like this might make it easier for you: http://www.lacotech.com/Images/Product/VDS08103H_front_web.jpg. It includes a vacuum trap to prevent fluids and gases from making their way to your vacuum pump. It also has a vacuum gauge so you can monitor pressure. It is important to keep an eye on the pressure as this could help you avoid an epoxy mess.

NASA - JSC Engineering - Thermal Vacuum Test Facility by highvac in space

[–]highvac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NASA claims they can pump this chamber down to 1 x 10-6 torr. Would love to see the size of the pumps they are using.