Life Jackets and Survival Suits Leak Tested with Hydrogen for Faster Service and Increased Safety

ensistor XRS9012An accident at sea is a dramatic event where well-functioning life jackets or survival suits can be the difference between life and death. Demands on leak detection are high and tests must be performed by authorized companies that can assure the quality of the whole test process and issue test certificates.

MC Inväst is a Swedish company specializing in leak detection and repair of life jackets and survival suits, as well as diving and chemical resistant clothing. After evaluating alternative leak testing methods, the company has now changed from leak testing in a water bath to using gas leak detection with hydrogen tracer gas.

“MC Inväst is the first company of its kind to use hydrogen leak detection, which is both a faster and more efficient method,” says Michael Cassaras, Managing Director at MC Inväst.

“The instrument we use is the portable and battery-powered hydrogen leak detector Sensistor XRS9012 from INFICON. This instrument allows us to find leaks much faster than before. Another major advantage of hydrogen leak detection is that is a completely dry method. The products we test do not have to get wet and this reduces lead times considerably. This aspect is extremely important, as many of our clients are sea-based and need to test their equipment during short stays in port,” continues Cassaras.

Thanks to the instrument’s small footprint and portability, MC Inväst estimates that shortly it will be able to offer service on board. The company has also built-up a quality safety system with full traceability over time. Cassaras expects investing in a hydrogen leak detector from INFICON will have a short return on investment thanks to shorter lead times, quicker and more efficient service as well as greater competitiveness.

“As an entrepreneur, I always see new possibilities,” says Cassaras. The hydrogen method turned out to be a perfect choice for our business and I am sure that there are a multitude of new applications. The only limit is your imagination.”

For more information about this application or about leak detectors from INFICON, please contact your local INFICON office.