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HELIUM MASS SPECTROMETER LEAK  TESTING

Global AST Solutions Provider Since 1978 www.hmttank.com

HMT Inspection ofers Helium Mass

Spectrometer Leak Detection. HMT

utilizes a Varian 959 Porta-Test Leak 

Detector with Macro Torr conguration

which provides high test pressure

capability and is excellent or ast response

sning applications. This equipment is

capable o 1 X 10 -9 atm cc/sec

sensitivity, as required by ASME code or

detector probe and tracer probe

techniques.

ADVANTAGES

 The use o helium as a tracer gas is

advantageous because it is non-ammable,

inexpensive, and quickly difuses through

small leaks. In addition, it is non-reactive

with other chemicals and easily

permeates through the earth and asphalt.

Due to its minute molecular size and its low

concentration in the atmosphere (5ppm),

very small leaks can be detected. The use

o the helium method enables the location

o leaks up to 15 eet below ground. The

Varian 959 Port-Test Helium Mass

Spectrometer is only sensitive to helium;

thereore eliminating alse indications due

to the presence o any other gases.

 TECHNICIANS

HMT Inspection technicians are thoroughly

trained and qualied in accordance with

the HMT Inspection procedure or

qualication and certication o 

Nondestructive Examination Personnel

which is written in accordance with the

guidelines set orth in ASNT

Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A 2006

edition.

APPLICATIONS

t Single bottom aboveground storage tanks

t Double bottom aboveground storage tanks

t Floating roo pontoons

t Heat exchanges

t Process piping

t Pressure vessels

t Underground storage tanks

t Underground pipelines

t Vacuum units

t Roo drains

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 TEST PERFORMANCE

All suraces to be inspected must be ree o 

contaminants such as oil, water, grease, paints and

other surace coatings that may temporarily seal

or mask a leak. As with most other NDT methods,

inadequate cleanliness will hinder the success o 

the test. Ater proper surace preparation, the tracer

gas is introduced under the tank bottom or into thecomponent to be tested. Once proper coverage or

pressure o gas (as applicable) is established, the

instrument sensitivity is set, ollowed by a system

calibration to establish response time and thus scan

speed. Scanning will start at the lowermost portion

o the component and progress upward. All leaks

detected are clearly marked.

HMT Inc. | 24 Waterway Avenue, Suite 400, The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Ph: +1.281.681.7000 | Fax: +1.281.351.8589 | Locations worldwide

Visit us at www.hmttank.com

ABOUT HMT

HMT is the global leader in aboveground storage tank solutions. HMT’s global team o engineers, projectmanagers and eld personnel can assist with common challenges including ways to reduce emissions, optimize

tank capacity, reduce stranded inventory and engineer a tank system that exceeds saety standards and extends

maintenance intervals.

HMT’s quality services include: Tank Repair & Maintenance - Floating Roo & Seal Repair / Replacement

Installation Services - Fabrication Services - Project Management / Turnkey - Inspection - Calibration - Verticality

& Roundness Studies - New Tank Construction - Painting, Coating & Lining - Engineering Services

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