Leak testing is an engineering challenge. On one hand, engineers must meet stricter leak rate standards. On the other, they have to make the leak testing process less costly and less dependent on operator skill. To meet this dilemma, engineers must understand all aspects of the leak testing process.
What is a product leak? This common term is not always well-defined. A product leak is material flow from or into a product (a control volume) during a given time, in excess of allowable limits. Product leaks are caused by open flow paths, such as pinholes, broken seals or material porosity. In most cases, a product leak is a very small flow.