.png)
_svg.png){kind=small}
%20Hydraulic-Pressure-Leak%20Testing.jpg)
Pressure Testing & Helium Testing
We perform hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic non-destructive testing (NDT) on bellows to verify strength and leak-tight integrity. Helium leak testing uses mass spectrometry to detect microscopic leaks in expansion joints that traditional methods may miss, ensuring gas-tight performance. All pressure tests are conducted in-house to client specifications and international standards, ensuring safe performance under operating conditions and structural integrity of all critical components.
Call us • Contact sales • Consult an engineer • Choose FastTrack for urgent orders
What This Service Is For
Pressure and leak testing is used to answer two fundamental questions before a component goes into service:
-
Is it strong enough for the required operating and design pressure conditions?
-
Is it leak-tight enough for the duty, especially where gas containment is critical?
Testing is commonly specified for pressure-containing components in demanding environments, or where the consequence of leakage is high. It is often included for new manufacture and for components returning through repair and refurbishment where verification is required before return to service.
Pressure Testing Methods We Perform
Hydraulic and hydrostatic pressure testing
Hydraulic and hydrostatic tests use liquid as the test medium. They are commonly applied where strength verification is required and where the test plan calls for liquid-based methods.
Typical purposes include:
-
verifying pressure integrity of pressure-retaining parts;
-
confirming assembly strength under specified pressure conditions;
-
supporting acceptance requirements aligned to the client specification.
Pneumatic pressure testing
Pneumatic pressure testing uses gas as the test medium. It is typically selected when the specification calls for a gas-based method, or where practical constraints make a liquid test less suitable.
Because pneumatic tests involve stored energy differently than liquid tests, the exact procedure and controls are defined by the applicable specification and safety requirements.
The appropriate method is always defined by your specification, component geometry, duty, and the acceptance criteria the project requires.
What Helium Leak Testing Adds
Helium leak testing
Helium leak testing is used when very small leakage rates matter and standard pressure tests may not be sensitive enough.
Helium leak testing:
-
uses mass spectrometry to detect helium passing through microscopic leak paths;
-
can identify leaks too small to be detected by more conventional methods;
-
supports high-confidence verification for gas-tight performance requirements.
Helium testing is commonly specified where:
-
the system contains gases that must not escape;
-
purity or containment is critical;
-
leakage rates must be controlled below tight thresholds defined by the project.
What We Typically Test
Pressure and leak testing is commonly applied to:
-
Bellows and bellows-containing assemblies;
-
Expansion joints, including pressure-retaining welds and interfaces;
-
Pressure-related components where integrity must be verified prior to release;
-
Repaired or refurbished assemblies where re-test is part of return-to-service compliance.
Where testing is part of a wider manufacturing programme, it can be aligned with NDT and inspection scope so the final release package meets project requirements.
Standards, Specifications & Acceptance Criteria
All pressure tests are conducted in-house to client specifications and relevant international standards as required, with the test method, hold times, acceptance criteria and documentation defined by the project.
To avoid programme delays, it is important to define early:
-
the required test medium and test pressure;
-
acceptance criteria and permissible leakage thresholds;
-
any documentation or witnessing requirements;
-
how testing fits into the broader inspection plan.
What You Receive
Depending on your requirements, deliverables can include:
-
confirmation of the test method, pressure and duration;
-
pass/fail outcome against the agreed acceptance criteria;
-
test records and documentation aligned to the project specification;
-
practical recommendations if an issue is found, including repair route and re-test plan.
How To Request Pressure Testing Or Helium Testing
To quote and plan testing efficiently, please provide:
-
component drawing and identification details;
-
required test method: hydraulic, hydrostatic, pneumatic, helium leak or combination;
-
test pressure, hold time and acceptance criteria as specified;
-
leakage rate requirements if helium testing is required;
-
media and service duty context if relevant to acceptance requirements;
-
documentation expectations, including any witnessing or release requirements;
-
programme constraints and required dates.
If you are testing as part of a manufacturing or repair programme, include the broader inspection and documentation requirements so the testing plan integrates cleanly.
FAQs About Pressure Testing & Helium-Leak Testing
What is the difference between pressure testing and helium leak testing? Pressure testing verifies strength and general integrity at a specified pressure. Helium leak testing is a high-sensitivity method used to detect microscopic leaks and verify gas-tight performance.
Which pressure test method should we choose: hydraulic/hydrostatic or pneumatic? That depends on your specification, geometry and safety considerations. If your project standard defines the method, we follow it. If not, share the duty and constraints and we can advise a practical approach.
Why use helium leak testing instead of traditional methods? Helium leak testing uses mass spectrometry to detect very small leak paths that traditional pressure tests may not reveal, especially when strict gas-tightness requirements apply.
Do you perform pressure testing and helium leak testing in-house? Yes. Testing is performed in-house to client specifications and relevant international standards as required, with documentation aligned to your acceptance requirements.
What information do you need to quote testing quickly? A drawing, required test method, test pressure and acceptance criteria, leakage thresholds for helium testing, and documentation or programme requirements are usually sufficient.
Read more FAQs here
