F28+ Compact leak detector for industrial quality control

The main focus in the development of the innovative leak detection equipment manufactured by ATEQ was on shortening the measurement cycle and integrability, together with cost efficiency.

The device is industrial design, so it does not have a display and data input interface, but it can be easily operated via a separate operator panel (USB) and/or via the winateq 300 software.

Key features:

• Differential pressure measurement (from vacuum to max 20 bar)
• Wide measuring range (∆P_max: 50 Pa, 500 Pa or 5000 Pa)
• Mechanical or electronic pressure regulator from vacuum to 20 bar
• 128 program options
• Quick check option with front panel etalon leakage
• Access and programming via USB
• Data storage on internal memory or USB flash drive.

Measurement characteristics of sensors:

*Accuracy: Linearity + Repeatability + Hysteresis.

Multiple operating modes available:

• Pressure change measurement ∆P (Pa, 1/10 Pa)
• Pressure change rate measurement ∆P/t (Pa/s, 1/10 Pa/s)
• Volume flow measurement (standard cm³)³/min, mm³/sec, cm³/sec, cm³/min, cm³/h…)
• Blockage test
• Strength test (maximum pressure endurance)
• Testing of sealed parts and others, depending on the application

Options:

• 9/5 digital I/O card, compatible with 5 series instruments
• Communication protocols optional: profibus, devicenet, profinet, Ethernet/ IP, Ethercat network, Mobus RTU
• additional 6 inputs / 6 outputs, 24 V, programmable for external automation
• Electronic regulator
• Automatic calibration check (with built-in master leakage)
• 1 pneumatic output to control the clamping cylinders

Technology: Differential pressure drop leakage measurement

The differential pressure drop measurement method is by far the most widely used. The essence of differential measurement is that it uses a reference volume to test the component. This helps compensate for changes in ambient pressure or temperature as they occur simultaneously on both components. Only the leakage on the tested component will be detected.

Another advantage of this method is that accuracy is not reduced as the test pressure is increased, as the sensor measures the pressure difference between two volumes at the same pressure, unlike conventional pressure drop technology, which measures the pressure drop relative to atmospheric pressure.

The F28+ is a pneumatic design in principle:

1. ATEQ F620 instrument
2. Internal volume/ piezzo pressure sensor
3. Reference volume
4. Differential pressure sensor
5. Piece of space foam to be checked

The test component (3) and the reference component (5) are loaded to the same pressure, and the differential sensor (4) measures the pressure variation between the test component (5) and the reference component (3) during the measurement cycle. In some applications, the reference component may be replaced by a sealing cap, in which case the reference volume is provided by the internal volume of the ATEQ (1,5 cm3).