Micro-Flow How it Works
Micro-Flow Pressure or Vacuum Test Solutions
The Micro-Flow technology is an integrated micro sensor based on accelerated flow. As air leaks from the component or assembly under test, makeup air flows from the reservoir. The flow rate of the makeup air is measured by the flow sensor (IGLS) to maintain a constant pressure. The loss causes an electrical signal proportional to the volumetric flow rate. The Micro-Flow sensor operates with a pressure or vacuum reservoir which is used to pressurize the unit-under-test (UUT) and has a sensitivity of 5 · 10-4 mbar · l/s (vacuum) or 5 · 10-3 mbar · l/s (pressure). Often only simple fixtures are required for this type of testing method.
Micro-Flow Overpressure Test
What It Does
Micro-Flow measures the “make up flow” to hold constant pressure. This translates to the leak flow rate.
The Intelligent Gas Leak Sensor (IGLS) operates in the viscous flow regime:
- Sensors with a full scale as low as 0.5 cc/min
- Measures volume flow and pressure
- Any flow will cause a pressure difference across the flow sensor, that pressure difference will produce an electrical signal proportional to the volumetric flow rate.
Why Test With Micro-Flow
- Faster leak test than pressure decay
- Stable measurement, less environmentally temperature sensitive than pressure decay
- Good signal-noise ratio makes high GR&R and CP values possible
- Sensitivity – replaces helium with air testing
- No vacuum required for pressure test
- Easy to operate
- Simple equipment setup
- Direct measurement – Does Not Require Frequent Calibration
- Can test multiple parts with one instrument
Micro-Flow Overpressure Test
Mass Extraction Vacuum Test Solutions
The Mass Extraction technique is a special way of using the Intelligent Mass Flow Sensor. The basic principle is based on a rarefied gas flow approach. In order to achieve a higher sensitivity, the test is performed under vacuum of 1-10 Tor. With this approach a sensitivity of up to 5 · 10-5 mbar · l/s can be realized. This approach is particularly applicable for sealed packages, e.g. pharmaceutical CCI testing.
