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Originally Posted On: https://www.zaxisinc.com/blog/top-reasons-why-your-business-should-stop-dunk-testing
Top Reasons Why Your Business Should Stop Dunk Testing
Dunk testing typically leads to inaccurate results, which is why you should consider pressure decay & mass flow leak testing instead!
There’s absolutely no denying how dunk testing is by far the most basic and simplest kind of leak test. Dunk testing essentially entails connecting a part or product to an air supply, and then holding it underwater in order to look for bubbles. If bubbles do rise up to the surface, it could indicate that the part/product has a leak that needs to be addressed.
It’s also undeniable how dunk testing leads businesses to many different disadvantages, and this is largely due to the simple fact that leak testing technology has skyrocketed throughout recent years—which means more accurate, objective test results are easily accessible.
Although a lot of industries have already invested in more tech-savvy leak testing options, a lot of businesses still frequently conduct dunk tests. Below we’ll be explaining how dunk testing is an outdated practice, as well as why businesses should consider pressure decay and mass flow leak testing to get more reliable and accurate results!
The Problems With “X Bubbles Per Minute” Dunk Testing Specifications
It’s important to note that there are some slight variations that businesses will use when conducting dunk tests, and these variations include using other liquids than water—such as mineral oil or ethylene glycol.
Even today in 2024, we’ll sometimes speak with business leaders who use leak specification techniques like “X bubbles per minute”. Although businesses can subjectively compare leak rates with this type of specification, it’s easy to see how inaccurate and unreliable “X bubbles per minute” can be.
Some of the common problems with “X bubbles per minute” dunk testing specifications include:
- Not accounting for bubble sizes
- The likelihood of incorrect bubble counting
- Possible future damages/corrosion
- Contaminated water disposal
- Risks of slipping
Businesses everywhere simply shouldn’t be dealing with these types of issues while conducting leak tests, and this is why dunk testing has become less appealing throughout the manufacturing world.
Pressure Decay Leak Testing & Mass Flow Testing Options
Pressure decay leak testing utilizes state-of-the-art pressure sensors to measure pressure changes and accurately quantify a leak rate; however, these leak rate measurements aren’t always so straightforward when you’re not using Zaxis products.
There are some instances in which business teams will need to know a part or product’s precise volume, and then program this volume into their leak tester device to subsequently set up correct volumetric leak rate calculations.
Mass flow leak testing is a little different than pressure decay testing in that volume isn’t as important of a factor, and this is because mass flow leak testers will typically display a product’s flow rate. This leak testing is largely oriented around the molecular measurement of a gas flow rate, and we’ll discuss mass flow leak testing in more detail in the below section!
How Mass Flow Leak Testing Works
Mass flow leak tests are incredibly efficient when it comes to measuring flow rates throughout products or objects, and this test technically entails attaching a test product to an Isaac HD front port and pressurizing it.
Here’s a basic overview of how mass flow leak testing works while utilizing the Zaxis Isaac HD:
- Attachment: You’ll first connect your product to the Isaac HD’s front test port, which will initiate the testing sequence.
- Pressurization: Air will begin to fill your test part, all while the Isaac HD’s pressure sensors measure the test pressure within your pre-programmed tolerances.
- Flow Measurement: The mass flow leak testing technology will then accurately measure the flow rate that occurs during the testing phase.
- Comparisons & Results: The Isaac HD will automatically compare your mass flow test readings against your preset values, which will ultimately determine whether or not a product passes or fails. These results will be clearly displayed on the tester’s screen.
Zaxis Offers Pressure Decay & Mass Flow Leak Testing Solutions To Get Your Business Away From Outdated Dunk Testing!
There’s absolutely no reason why businesses in 2024 should still be dunk testing, because this form of leak testing is incredibly outdated, inaccurate and time-consuming!
The good news is that Zaxis has your team covered when you need to efficiently and reliably leak test parts, components and products. Our industry specialists will let you know whether you’d be better off with pressure decay or mass flow leak testing, and we’re more than confident that you’ll see substantial improvements when utilizing our cutting-edge air leak testers.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 801-264-1000 to get in touch with our experts located in Salt Lake City and let us know what leak testing issues your company is currently dealing with!
