Avoid the Lemon- 10 Factors to Consider in a Helium Leak Detector
Avoid Buying a Lemon – 10 important things to consider when----
-Choosing a Helium Leak Detector -
Or otherwise known as what I have learned from my customers that ask the right questions.
- What warranties are available with the unit- Manufacturers provide warranties to either meet market demand or if they are convinced the warranty will never be claimed. For example, helium leak detectors with filament warranties are there because the manufacturers know their failure rate is zero for the first few years. So a warranty can be an indicator of known quality and we all love a good warranty!
- Roughing pump size- This can be important if you need to evacuate a volume to begin the leak check. Of course , if your system pumps handle the evacuation, then you might want a smaller pump for portability and compactness. Provide the volume to your technical contact so the roughing capability can be evaluated.
- Popularity of the unit- There are not a lot of models out there anymore so choosing the most popular brands is a good idea….everyone can’t be wrong can they? Choose models with a long history with lots of helium leak detectors of that model or linage.
- Helium pumping speed – Especially important if used in production applications. More helium pump speed helps for faster helium clean up which improves production.
- How compact is the unit- Do you want to have to lug around a cart, separate rough pump and leak detector- enough said.
- Wireless Remote- Does the helium leak detector have one and is it any good? Hiring someone to stand by the leak detector and holler out a leak is so 1990’s.
- Age of the present design- I told you earlier to buy a popular model as everyone can’t be wrong. But watch out for the model that is 5 years old as good chance a replacement is on the fast track for development. Parts and service are only available for a period of years after the unit becomes obsolete. So buy the new model in a linage of a great leak detector and you might have 12 years of factory parts and service. Buy the old geezer and 7 years you’re scouring Ebay for that board you need.
- Support – Ask who to call if something goes wrong because it will at some point. Call your sales person on his cell at 6pm and see if he answers. Of course evaluate the service network.
- Evaluate the components – If the company is known for making less than stellar vacuum equipment, don’t expect the same parts to work any better in your leak detector.
- Buy from the better looking salesperson- Good luck meeting this criteria in the vacuum or helium leak detector market.
If you have questions about helium leak detection, we are glad to assist. Just call 800-331-2808 or contact us at [email protected]. Visit our helium leak detector page page online at :
www.schoonoverinc.com/vacuum-maintenance/leak-detection/helium-leak-detector
