Vacuum Leak Detection

Date:

8:30am-4:30pm, Thursday, May 21st, 2020, Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel, Albuquerque, NM

Course Objectives

    • Learn how to analyze vacuum systems and other closed systems for leaks during
      operation.
    • Learn to use mass spectrometer leak detectors and residual gas analyzers to locate and measure leaks.
    • Know the most effective ways to connect a mass spectrometer leak detector or residual gas analyzer to a vacuum system.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the technology and practice of leak detection. It includes a discussion of the types of leaks that are to be expected in vacuum systems and how they affect the leakage rate. The principles of leak detection and the methods of putting these principles into practice are described. Practical techniques for detecting and locating leaks are provided with special attention to making the most effective use of the mass spectrometer leak detector.
Also covered in detail are the various ways in which mass spectrometer leak detectors can be connected to vacuum systems and their effects on obtaining satisfactory results from the test procedures. A method of verifying the effectiveness of the leak detection system before starting a test is described. The use of a residual gas analyzer (RGA), a partial pressure gauge, in detecting leaks and analyzing vacuum system difficulties is also discussed.

Who Should Attend?

Those involved in leak detection of vacuum and other closed systems and those who need to evaluate whether a given leak rate is acceptable or unacceptable. A working knowledge of vacuum equipment and instrumentation and familiarity with the basic equations for throughput, pumping speed, and conductance is helpful.

Instructor: Carter Hodges, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL)

V. Carter Hodges is a Principal Technologist at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is part of the Advanced Prototyping Science and Technology Department, where he is currently involved in process development for controlled atmosphere brazing, focused ion beam research and development, exothermic thin film research and development. Other recent work includes laser assisted chemical etch research and development and helium leak detection for various projects. He has been an assistant instructor for the helium leak detection lab portion of the local AVS Basic Vacuum Technology class for four years. He is currently the chair of the Education Committee for the New Mexico Chapter of the AVS.

Course Materials

Course notes.

Cost:  $690.00
Full Time University Student:  $50

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