Nitrogen/Helium Leak Testing
Ensure a leak-free operation in oil and gas facilities.
In the complex environment of onshore and offshore maintenance, sustaining safe operating conditions is critical. Leaks of volatile gases are one such example that can be difficult to detect in operating conditions.
Our robust nitrogen/helium leak detection service for international onshore and offshore facilities uses advanced nitrogen/helium detection equipment to ensure your facility operates efficiently and in full compliance with industry regulations.
We provide this service across the world with our offshore and onshore maintenance teams. Call today and discuss your maintenance requirements with us.
What is a Nitrogen/Helium Leak Test?
It is a test that pumps inert nitrogen and/or helium gas into a system that handles volatile materials in order to detect leaks. The inert nature of these gases allows for leaks to be detected safely, without damaging or reacting with the system.
Two different techniques are used to detect leaks: high vacuum testing, which has a low detection threshold of 1×10-8mbar, and helium sniffing, which detects leaks down to 1×10-6 mbar.
Helium sniffer test
In the sniffer test, the system is pressurised with a nitrogen and helium mixture. A handheld sniffer probe is moved around external joints, where escaping helium will be detected by the probe.
This nitrogen-helium leak test is commonly used to check flange joints, valves, and piping systems before plant commissioning.
Helium vacuum test
The system is placed under vacuum, and pure helium is pumped into the space outside it. Should any helium enter the system, it is detected by a mass spectrometer.
This helium leak detection method is commonly used for critical pressure equipment, heat exchangers and systems where a test with high sensitivity is required, such as a factory acceptance test.
The following procedure is how a sniffer test is carried out by MCCS technicians.
1. System Isolation & Preparation
Our offshore or onshore maintenance engineers review drawings, P&IDs, and testing requirements to define the parameters of the test. This includes:
- Confirm all flanges, valves, and instruments within the test package are ready.
- Ensure all valves are set correctly to maintain the nitrogen helium leak test within the designated test section with no unintended openings.
2. Nitrogen Filling & Stabilisation
The system is safely purged of volatile substances and gradually filled with nitrogen to the required test pressure. Technicians then ensure the pressure is stable and monitor for any decay.
3. Helium Injection and Leak Detection
Helium is introduced into the nitrogen-filled system. As a tracer gas, it will be picked up by MCCS’ leak detection instruments. Due to helium’s unique mass signature, even minute leaks can be precisely detected along flanges and joints.
- All flanges, valves, seals, and welds are probed for helium.
- Any detected leaks are immediately tagged and recorded
4. Repair, Rectification & Re-Test
As part of our international onshore and offshore services, MCCS technicians are fully qualified to:
- Repair all detected leaks
- Correct torquing and apply controlled tightening procedures.
The area is then retested to confirm the repairs are sufficient to uphold complete elimination of leaks.
5. Final Sign-Off & Documentation
MCCS provides full reporting of your leak test results, including:
- Pressure charts
- Integrity certificates.
- ITRs
- Flange Management Checklists
- Joint Integrity Records
Choose MCCS as Your Nitrogen Helium Leak Test Vendor
Countless oil and gas projects across the world rely on MCCS’ maintenance teams to ensure their smooth, safe, and profitable operations.
For project inquiries or onshore and offshore maintenance support, reach out to our team today.
MCCS has had the privilege of serving a diverse portfolio of international clients
