Leybold Helium Leak Detectors

A helium leak detector finds leaks that are far too small to find any other way. Helium is sprayed around a part under vacuum, or the part is filled with helium and sniffed from the outside, and a mass spectrometer tuned to helium measures how much gets through. Leybold leak detectors are standard equipment in vacuum system service, refrigeration and automotive testing, and semiconductor fabs. At Provac Sales, we supply Leybold leak detectors new and rebuilt and service them in our shop.

Leybold Leak Detector Models We Carry

PHOENIX Series

• PHOENIX Vario, the smallest model, with no built-in backing pump, weighing about 30 kg. It uses an external backing pump and suits research systems.
• PHOENIX Quadro, with an oil-sealed TRIVAC rotary vane backing pump, or a dry version with a diaphragm backing pump
• PHOENIX Magno, the highest-performance model for large test volumes, with an oil-sealed SOGEVAC backing pump, or a dry version with a SCROLLVAC scroll pump
• PHOENIX L300i Dry, the predecessor platform with a dry backing pump, new and rebuilt

UL and Modul Series, Rebuilt

• Leybold UL 200 and UL 200 Dry
• Leybold Modul 200 and Modul 200 Dry, built to integrate into test systems
• Leybold UL 500 for larger volumes
• Leybold NT 12 controller for UL 200 detectors, rebuilt

Some listings show a price and others are quote-based. Each product page lists configuration, backing pump type and condition.

Oil-Sealed vs Dry Leak Detectors

• Oil-sealed versions, such as the PHOENIX Quadro and Magno with TRIVAC or SOGEVAC pumps, give high backing pump speed at lower cost. They suit general vacuum service and production testing.
• Dry versions use a diaphragm or scroll backing pump. There is no oil to change and no oil vapor in the test system, so they suit clean rooms, semiconductor tools and analytical instruments.

How a Helium Leak Detector Works

The detector pumps on the test part through a turbomolecular pump. Helium entering through a leak flows backward through the turbo pump into a mass spectrometer cell. Light helium atoms pass back through the turbo much more easily than heavier gases such as air and water vapor, so the turbo acts as a filter. In the cell, the gas is ionized, and a magnetic field separates the helium ions so they can be counted. The signal is shown as a leak rate, usually in mbar·l/s.

Test Methods

• Vacuum or spray testing: pump down the part and spray helium on suspected leak points. This is the most sensitive method.
• Sniffer testing: fill the part with helium and move a sniffer probe along seams and joints to find where helium escapes.
• Integral testing: place the whole part in a helium hood or chamber to measure total leak rate.

PHOENIX 4 Features

• One measuring system shared across all models, so results are consistent
• Color touch display and wireless operation from a phone or tablet through a built-in web server
• Improved response time and helium sensitivity over earlier models
• Interfaces for data logging, test reports and integration into production systems
• Filter replacement without opening the housing

Applications

• Vacuum system service and commissioning
• Refrigeration, air conditioning and heat exchanger testing
• Automotive parts such as fuel systems, airbags and battery housings
• Semiconductor and analytical instrument maintenance
• Food and packaging, and medical device production
• Research and particle physics systems

How to Choose the Right Leybold Leak Detector

Before ordering, confirm:

• Test volume and the pumpdown time you need
• Smallest leak rate you need to find
• Whether you will use vacuum, sniffer or both methods
• Whether the work area needs an oil-free detector
• Portable use or fixed installation in a test station
• Data, interface and reporting needs

Maintenance Tips

• Calibrate regularly against the internal or an external test leak
• Keep the backing pump in good condition, with fresh oil on oil-sealed models
• Replace inlet and sniffer filters when response slows
• Replace the ion source filament when the detector reports it is worn
• Avoid flooding the detector with helium, which raises background and slows testing

Signs Your Leak Detector Needs Service

• High or unstable helium background
• Failed calibration or slow response
• Filament or emission errors
• The turbo or backing pump is noisy or slow to reach speed
• Long pumpdown times on known good parts

Leak Detector Accessories

Useful accessories include sniffer probes and lines, helium spray guns, calibrated test leaks, remote controls and test chambers. Ask us when ordering a detector so the accessories match your test method.

New vs Rebuilt Leak Detectors

New PHOENIX detectors give the latest sensitivity, touch screen control and data interfaces, with full warranty coverage. Rebuilt UL and Modul detectors are a cost-effective option for service departments and production lines that already use them, since operators and test procedures do not need to change. A rebuilt detector is cleaned, fitted with new filters and seals as needed, checked for turbo and backing pump condition, and calibrated before shipping.

Leak Rate Units

Leak rates are usually shown in mbar·l/s. One mbar·l/s equals about 0.75 Torr·l/s and about 0.1 Pa·m³/s. A detector that can find leaks in the 10⁻¹² mbar·l/s range in vacuum mode can typically find leaks only in the 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁸ mbar·l/s range in sniffer mode, because the helium is diluted by the surrounding air.

Leybold Helium Leak Detectors Repair

Provac Sales services Leybold PHOENIX, UL and Modul leak detectors, including ion source, turbo pump and backing pump work, and calibration. Submit an RMA request and complete the contamination data sheet before shipping. See our pump repair page for more information.

Related Leybold Collections

• Leybold turbo pumps, TURBOVAC pumps
• Leybold vane pumps, TRIVAC and SOGEVAC backing pumps
• Leybold scroll pumps, SCROLLVAC dry backing pumps
• All Leybold vacuum pumps
• All helium leak detectors from every brand we carry

Leybold Helium Leak Detectors FAQ

1. What is the difference between the Leybold PHOENIX Quadro and Magno?

Both share the same measuring system. The Quadro uses a TRIVAC rotary vane or a diaphragm backing pump and suits most service and production testing. The Magno uses a larger SOGEVAC or SCROLLVAC backing pump for faster pumpdown of large test volumes.

2. What is the PHOENIX Vario?

The PHOENIX Vario is the smallest PHOENIX model. It has no built-in backing pump, so it is light at about 30 kg and uses the backing pump of the system it is connected to.

3. Should I buy an oil-sealed or dry leak detector?

Choose a dry leak detector for clean rooms, semiconductor tools and analytical instruments where oil vapor is not acceptable. An oil-sealed detector costs less and gives high backing speed for general service work.

4. Are rebuilt Leybold UL 200 leak detectors still worth buying?

Yes, for many service and production uses. Rebuilt UL 200, UL 200 Dry and Modul 200 units are a cost-effective way to replace a failed detector of the same type, and we service them in house.

5. How often should a helium leak detector be calibrated?

Calibrate at the start of each testing session or shift, and whenever the detector has been moved or serviced. Use the internal test leak or a certified external test leak.

Request a Quote on Leybold Helium Leak Detectors

Send us your test volume, smallest leak rate to detect, test method and whether you need an oil-free detector. We will recommend the right PHOENIX or UL model, confirm new or rebuilt availability, or quote a service of your existing detector. Contact us or call 831-462-8900.