Abstract: Improved high speed helium leak-detection system for storage tanks comprising a mobile enclosure for operation of electrical components of leak detection sensors in Class 1, Division 1, Group D hazardous locations, comprising a rapid exchange purge assembly having pressure control valves, pressure reference controller and vent, a mechanically actuated vortex-type cooler, a helium leak detector having a pumping manifold connected to a sniffer probe hose to provide sample gas from the tank probe to a pair of pumps oriented in parallel. The first pump, downstream of the helium leak detector, draws a sample through the detector, and a second pump provides a rapid transfer of probe sample. The enclosure includes a controller, display and alarm. The enclosure is maintained overpressure to prevent infiltration of hazardous vapors and is continuously purged with com-pressed air. The system provides response time of about 2 seconds, a 5-fold improvement over current systems.

Abstract: Improved high speed helium leak-detection system for storage tanks comprising a mobile enclosure for operation of electrical components of leak detection sensors in Class 1, Division 1, Group D hazardous locations, comprising a rapid exchange purge assembly having pressure control valves, pressure reference controller and vent, a mechanically actuated vortex-type cooler, a helium leak detector having a pumping manifold connected to a sniffer probe hose to provide sample gas from the tank probe to a pair of pumps oriented in parallel. The first pump, downstream of the helium leak detector, draws a sample through the detector, and a second pump provides a rapid transfer of probe sample. The enclosure includes a controller, display and alarm. The enclosure is maintained overpressure to prevent infiltration of hazardous vapors and is continuously purged with com-pressed air. The system provides response time of about 2 seconds, a 5-fold improvement over current systems.