Leak Detection at High Temperatures: Need Help

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A spherical steel vessel filled with gases for combustion experiences significant leaks at 500 °F and 8 atm, despite having no leaks at room temperature. Traditional soapy water tests are ineffective due to high temperatures, and a rented helium leak detector may be yielding false positives. The user is exploring alternative leak detection methods, including the potential use of soybean oil to visualize leaks. There is interest in whether mass spectrometry could be a viable solution, despite its high cost. The discussion seeks advice on effective leak detection techniques suitable for high temperatures and pressures.
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I have a vessel (~2 liters) that is filled with gases for combustion. It is made of some sort of steel and has various ports drilled out for diagnostic instruments. The vessel is spherical and is made from 2 hemispheres with flanges that are bolted together. An o-ring helps to seal the vessel. At room temperature and at ~8 atm, I have virtually no leaks. However, when I preheat the steel vessel to ~500 °F I encounter significant leaks at the same pressure of ~8 atm.

I am aware that there are a number of design considerations that may be causing the leaks, but right now I need to find a way to verify where the leaks are by some means of detection. Soapy water tests are out of the question because of the temperature. I rented a helium leak detector, but since it is based on thermal conductivity, I believe I am getting a lot of false positives.

The next step up for leak detectors involves mass spec which is very substantial investment. Does anyone have any experience with leak detection at these temps and pressures? Are there any analogous 'high temp soap tests'?

I have honestly even considered experimenting with soybean oil (smoke point of 450 °F) to see if I can produce a visible leak. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks for reading. :smile:
 
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IR thermography perhaps?
 
Saladsamurai said:
I have a vessel (~2 liters) that is filled with gases for combustion. It is made of some sort of steel and has various ports drilled out for diagnostic instruments. The vessel is spherical and is made from 2 hemispheres with flanges that are bolted together. An o-ring helps to seal the vessel. At room temperature and at ~8 atm, I have virtually no leaks. However, when I preheat the steel vessel to ~500 °F I encounter significant leaks at the same pressure of ~8 atm.

I am aware that there are a number of design considerations that may be causing the leaks, but right now I need to find a way to verify where the leaks are by some means of detection. Soapy water tests are out of the question because of the temperature. I rented a helium leak detector, but since it is based on thermal conductivity,http://www.ashisoft.com" I believe I am getting a lot of false positives.

The next step up for leak detectors involves mass spec which is very substantial investment. Does anyone have any experience with leak detection at these temps and pressures? Are there any analogous 'high temp soap tests'?

I have honestly even considered experimenting with soybean oil (smoke point of 450 °F) to see if I can produce a visible leak. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks for reading. :smile:
eak detection sensors secondary containment and interstitial monitoring continuous monitoring of particles after high-temperature filtration primary producer. Leak detection fluids on thomasnet.com - thomasnet - product vacseal is an outstanding high vacuum leak sealant temperature extremes one can assume product use to be various and expensive leak detection equipment can be. Analysis of temperature effect on differential pressure method for aro, spain, 2006 1 leak detection k zapfe pressure difference and temperature in a system of volume v the leak vacuum system leak detection cell cold trap high vacuum pump. Storage tanks - liquid measurement and leak detection using reed titre du document / document title analysis of temperature effect on differential pressure method for air leak detection auteur(s) / author(s) guntur h l (1. Leak detection which can cause high water bills and damage to surrounding property, said alan king operations manager at american leak detection air as well as water temperature.
 
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You may use water leak alarms for detecting any kind of water leak. Alarm generates a sound as soon as it detects any leak. It can be categorize as active and passive water leak alarms.
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Leak Detection
 
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