Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a method and apparatus for performing a leak test. A fluid flows through a first aperture of a product and at least a portion of the fluid is allowed to exit the product through a second aperture while the fluid is flowing through the first aperture. The second aperture is closed in response to determining that a first threshold parameter is reached. The first aperture is closed in response to determining that a second threshold parameter is met. Then, a leak test can be performed.

Abstract: A leak test arrangement having a leak calibration device is disclosed. The calibration device is connected into communication with the leak test arrangement and provides a controlled source (sink) of fluid at a predetermined amount. The calibration includes a substantially sealed volume of fluid in fluid communication with the test arrangement and a control arrangement for heating and/or cooling the volume to produce the source (sink) of the calibrator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a leakage rate for an article using nuclear magnetic resonance includes a source of hyper-polarized gas that is detectable using nuclear magnetic resonance. The hyper-polarized gas is used as a tracer gas. The method for measuring a leakage rate involves injecting hyper-polarized gas into a device under test and determining the leakage rate from the nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of the quantity of gas which passes through the article into a leak test chamber over a given test time period. The hyper-polarized gas is He-3, which is polarized by combining it with an optically pumped vapor of rubidium atoms.

Abstract: A leakage detection system and method for measuring pressure leaks from pressure vessels, containers, or the like which hold or exclude fluids. A sealed test fixture or bell jar surrounds the container or part under test and is connected to a reference pressurized reservoir. A reference bias flow is introduced into the bell jar to establish a "floor" or offset wherein any deviation measured from introduced bias flow indicates an anomaly. The test part is pressurized. The flow between the bell jar and the reference pressurized reservoir is measured by a mass flow leak sensor. The measured flow is used to determine the leakage of the test part by taking into account the previously introduced reference bias flow. The present invention provides accurate measurement of leaks having low flow rates occurring over short periods of time.

Abstract: A leak detector calibration device for generating a leak standard and for calibrating leak detecting instruments. The leak detector calibration device includes a flow control valve, a transducer, an amplifier module, and a display module, all operating from a 9 volt supply. This configuration is a compact, hand-held instrument for use in a manufacturing environment. The device is highly accurate and uses a mass flow sensor sensitive to measurement of low flow rates. The need for fragile glass orifices or clumsy soap film flowmeters present used to calibrate leak detecting instruments is eliminated. In addition, the device can be used not only to generate a leak standard to calibrate positive flow leak detectors, but can also be used to generate a leak standard for negative flow or vacuum type leak detectors.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing apparatus for measuring very low fluid flows comprising a fluid mass flow sensor for measuring the mass flow rate of a fluid from a temperature differential between predefined points within the sensor; a fluid flow channeling element for accepting the fluid at an input temperature and pressure and directing the fluid across the sensor, and wherein the input temperature and pressure about the sensor is maintained; and a fluid flow dampening element for providing an average fluid flow to the sensor.