LDS3000 – One Leak Detector for all Automation Requirements

The LDS3000 was first introduced to the market in 2012. It is the most commonly used leak detector for building fully automated vacuum chamber test systems with high throughput, excellent uptime and data confidence for testing results.

In recent years, two more configurations have been added to the product line: The LDS3000 AQ for use in lower cost, medium throughput accumulation systems and the LDS3000 with XL sniffer adapter for use in robotic sniffing applications.

Offering all configurations as part of the same product family offers several benefits to our customers.

Standard implementation procedures

All three configurations use the same interfaces and protocols. Customers can choose between an analog integration via the I/O1000 module or select one of the bus-type interfaces (ProfiBus, Ethernet/IP, etc.) with the BM1000. Once you are familiar with one protocol, you can control all three configurations easily without the need for extra training. Best practices that you may develop for one configuration can be used for the other two configurations as well.

Also mechanically, the three configurations have a lot in common meaning the adapters you designed for one type can be reused for another configuration of the LDS3000.

Quick startup due to common HMI

All three configurations are operated via the same HMI. So anybody that can operate one configuration of the LDS3000 can also operate and even setup another configuration very easily. There is no need for training on three different products and also there is less room for error.

Investment protection

Leak rate specifications tend to narrow over time. With more and more emphasis on emissions and environmental protection laws, a leak rate specification used today may have to be exceeded tomorrow. This may also lead to a change in the testing procedure and even the testing method used. Also your need for throughput may increase over time. When production for a new component starts, required part numbers may be low but they may ramp up if your component is accepted by the market successfully.

Your LDS3000 is prepared for this. An LDS3000 AQ that you use today for accumulation testing may be re-used in a higher throughput, higher sensitivity vacuum chamber system later on. An LDS3000 or LDS3000 AQ that is used in a chamber leak testing system today, may also be combined with an XL sniffer adapter later on to be used in robotic sniffing setup.

Also, all configurations of the LDS3000 may be used with helium or forming gas. Depending on your leak rate requirements and the pricing and availability of one tracer gas versus the other, you can adopt your system without the need to replace the leak detector.

	Vacuum system	Accumulation system	Use with XL sniffer adapter
LDS3000
LDS3000 AQ

Common spare parts

The three configurations of the LDS3000 use a wide range of common components. If you operate several testing systems in your facility, even with different testing methods, you still need to keep only a few consumables, as most components are the same for all three configurations. And even fewer spare parts are needed due to the very high reliability of the products (only very rarely the need for a spare part occurs) combined with the shared spare parts between the three configurations. This significantly reduces your cost for storing consumables and spare parts.

What is your need for automated in-line leak testing? Please contact your nearest INFICON representative for advice!