• nexAir Now
  • Uncovering Hidden Leaks: How Helium Takes Leak Detection to the Next Level

    Uncovering Hidden Leaks: How Helium Takes Leak Detection to the Next Level

    Over recent years, helium has become a powerful tool in leak detection, completely transforming how leaks are identified and addressed. Across many different industries, leaks can cause some pretty big problems – and detecting and pinpointing these hidden leaks in a timely and efficient manner can be crucial in preventing costly damages and ensuring optimal operations. Keep reading as we use our KnowHow and industry experience to discuss the significance of helium and its role in taking leak detection to the next level. 

     

    Versatility of Helium

     

    Helium (He) is a noble gas widely known for its low density and non-reactive characteristics. These properties make it an ideal candidate for detection. Helium is great for this because it can be easily detected even in very little time, like minutes, making it extremely effective in identifying leaks in a wide range of systems and equipment. 

     

    Helium Leak Testing

     

    Helium leak testing is a method that is used to detect and locate leaks in many different industrial applications. This process involves pressurizing the system or having a component tested with a helium gas mixture. This is then followed by specialized helium leak detectors that are used to sense and measure the helium that escapes from any leaks. By analyzing the amount and concentration of helium, technicians are able to find the exact location of the leak. 

     

    High Sensitivity 

     

    A big advantage of using helium for leak detection is its high sensitivity. Helium detectors can detect even the smallest leaks, enabling the detection of leaks that could easily go unnoticed with other methods. The high level of sensitivity ensures accurate and reliable leak detection, reducing false positives and minimizing the risk of overlooking future leaks. 

     

    Wide Range of Applications

     

    Helium leak detection has a wide range of applications and has been found to be an important process in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, HVAC, refrigeration and semiconductor manufacturing. From detecting leaks in refrigeration systems to finding leaks in underground pipelines, helium leak testing has shown efficacy across the everchanging sectors. 

     

    Non-Destructive Testing

     

    Another huge advantage of helium leak detection is its non-destructive qualities. Helium leak testing can be performed without causing any harm to the equipment, unlike other methods that may require taking apart, or cause damage to the system to access what may be the leak points. 

     

    Helium leak detection continues to rise and become more modernized as the years go by. Today, helium leak detectors are equipped with advanced features like rapid response times, improved sensitivity and enhanced data analysis capabilities. At nexAir, we not only provide our customers with the highest quality helium for their applications, but we also provide them with the KnowHow needed to Forge Forward when tackling their tasks. Please feel free to reach out with any questions in regards to helium and its applications, or if you are ready to get set up with your own reliable supply.

    Looking out for your future

    Get your career going on the right track with nexAir

    Industry Knowledge and Expertise

    Find out how nexAir KnowHow has impacted businesses all over the Southeast

    nexAir in the news

    Our expertise makes us more than a valuable partner, it makes us headlines

    nexAir is always open!

    Don't see what you're looking for?

    Everything we offer is a click away and it will arrive before you know it.

    Behind every package of fresh meat, bag of pre-cut salad, and bottle of craft beer sits an invisible guardian – specialized gas mixtures that preserve flavor, extend shelf life, and ensure product safety. At nexAir, we work with food processors and packagers throughout the Southeast to develop custom gas solutions that address the unique challenges of food production. Our approach goes beyond simply supplying cylinders – we become partners in your quality control process.

    The Critical Role of Gases in Food Preservation

    Food spoilage begins the moment a product leaves the production line. Oxygen fuels bacterial growth, accelerates oxidation, and triggers enzymatic browning. Carbon dioxide inhibits microbial activity. Nitrogen displaces oxygen and maintains package integrity. Understanding the precise balance needed for each food product requires specialized knowledge of both gas properties and food science. Our team works at this intersection, helping you determine the optimal gas mixtures for your specific products.

    Modified Atmosphere Packaging That Preserves Natural Quality

    Consumers increasingly demand fresh, minimally processed foods without artificial preservatives. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) allows you to meet these demands by replacing the air inside packaging with carefully calibrated gas mixtures. For red meats, we supply high-oxygen blends that maintain the bright red color consumers associate with freshness. For prepared salads and sliced produce, low-oxygen mixtures prevent wilting and browning without affecting taste or texture. Our custom MAP solutions help your products maintain their natural appearance and flavor profile throughout their shelf life.

    Ensuring Consistent Quality Through Precision Blending

    Quality control in food production demands consistency – consumers expect the same taste, appearance, and freshness with every purchase. Gas mixtures that vary from batch to batch can undermine this consistency. Our automated blending systems deliver precise gas compositions every time, eliminating the variability that can affect product quality. We regularly calibrate and certify our equipment to food-grade standards, giving you confidence that the gas touching your products meets the highest purity requirements.

    Technical Support When You Need It Most

    Production issues rarely happen during business hours. That's why our team remains available to help troubleshoot gas-related challenges whenever they arise. When a bakery customer noticed inconsistent product volume during an overnight shift, our on-call technician identified a pressure fluctuation in their carbon dioxide supply and quickly implemented a solution. This responsive support helps prevent quality control failures that could otherwise result in product loss and delivery delays.

    Partnering for Continuous Improvement

    Food trends, processing technologies, and packaging materials constantly evolve. We work with our food industry customers to regularly evaluate gas solutions against changing requirements and opportunities for improvement. Our technical team keeps you informed about innovations in gas applications that might benefit your operation. This collaborative approach helps you stay ahead of challenges and continue meeting the high-quality standards your customers expect.

    Maintaining quality control in food production requires vigilance, specialized knowledge, and reliable partners. At nexAir, we provide more than just industrial gases – we deliver application expertise, responsive service, and custom solutions that address the specific challenges of your food products. Contact our food industry specialists today to discuss how our gas solutions can strengthen your quality control program and help deliver the consistent product excellence your customers demand.

    Looking out for your future

    Get your career going on the right track with nexAir

    Industry Knowledge and Expertise

    Find out how nexAir KnowHow has impacted businesses all over the Southeast

    nexAir in the news

    Our expertise makes us more than a valuable partner, it makes us headlines

    nexAir is always open!