Leak Testers electronically self-calibrate.
Press Release Summary:
Models M-1075 CAVAL-03 and -04 eliminate need to manually check and adjust instrument zero and span, or to manually verify flow measurement. CALVAL-03 offers upstream testing from 0.10-4.00 sccm, while CALVAL-04 offers downstream alternative for 0.01-0.25 sccm range. Both units automatically keep pass/fail totals and store up to 1,000 test records. Calibration is NIST-traceable to less than 5% R and R, with calibration accuracy traceable to 0.2% primary standard.
Original Press Release:
New Intertech Leak Testers Electronically Self-Calibrate, Automatically Validate Entire Test System While Testing
SKOKIE (IL), SEP. 3, 2004 -- Two production-line leak detectors featuring a new electronic technology for self-calibration and system validation (patent pending) are being introduced by InterTech Development Company (IDC). Seen as the first leak testers to offer such capabilities, IDC's new M-1075 CALVAL-03 and -44 models eliminate the need to manually check and adjust instrument zero and span, or to manually verify flow measurement through the instrument and/or the entire test system. Both new models perform these functions either on demand or automatically at user-programmed intervals, even while testing is in progress.
Solid-state CALVAL technology also improves upon conventional calibration and validation reliability by eliminating pneumatic valves and other moving parts that can stick or wear, as well as small gaps or orifices that can change due to clogging. An additional CALVAL advantage is that the volume of the leak testing circuit remains exactly the same when calibrating as when measuring test parts for leaks. Calibration is NIST-traceable to less than 5% R&R, with calibration accuracy traceable to a 0.2% primary standard.
Built around IDC's patented mass-flow sensing technology, the M-1075 CALVAL-03 is designed for "upstream" testing to limits ranging from 0.10 to 4.00 sccm (standard cubic centimeters per minute), while CALVAL-04 offers a "downstream" alternative for small-leak test limits ranging from 0.01 to 0.25 sccm. Both models feature compensation for temperature and for test pressure ranging from 0 to 5 bar, and provide transducer repeatability and sensitivity of 0.05% F.S.D.
For "fail-safe" operation, these instruments monitor test pressure, mass flow transducer status and bias leak value during each test cycle to ensure correct operation of all components in the test circuit. A special seal check feature verifies the integrity of the test circuit, flagging faulty conditions that could trigger false rejects.
Equipped to serve production-line 100%-test requirements either as a self-contained, single-station tester or integrated into automated assembly/test systems, the new instruments are easily interfaced with a PLC or PC to receive downloaded information or share test data with other devices.
Test program parameters, easily entered via front-panel 20-key touchpad, include fill-bypass-stabilize times, min/max pressure and bias leak limits, upper and lower accept/reject limits, and calibration factors. Touchpad keys also initiate various other function and display modes, such as utility functions and self-diagnostics. Menu selection allows switch to metric measurement units and switch from English-language display to German, French or Spanish. All test parameters and other functions can be password protected.
For quick changeover, the instruments can store and recall up to 99 test programs. Built-in diagnostics shorten set-up time and provide error codes that simplify troubleshooting down to component level.
Test cycles are initiated by touching the amber "testing" indicator, or can be initiated by remote devices via rear-panel input/output connector. Also provided on the rear panel are four 220 VAC (60Hz) 1A relay outputs for Accept, Reject, Test-in-Progress and Trouble signals -- plus two independent RS232 ports for bi-directional computer interface, and a parallel printer port.
A vacuum-fluorescent display on the unit's front panel reports test parameters, dynamic test results and final accept/reject status. A lighted amber indicator shows test cycle underway, a green indicator confirms "accept" and a red indicator signals "fault" or "reject", so no operator judgment is required.
Both M-1075 CALVALs automatically keep pass/fail totals, and store up to 1,000 test records -- including part number, part name, date, time, test values, pass/fail status and fault conditions -- for display, printout or downloading to standard spread sheets. They also can perform statistical calculations on stored data to report Mean, Standard Deviation or Mean ±3 Standard Deviations for Statistical Process Control (SPC) and other quality-management programs.
For multi-station test networks, a host computer using IDC's proprietary S-3085 software can monitor and control up to 34 M-1075s, continually harvesting their data and storing it by date to the host's hard disk in Microsoft Access database format, at 2 million test records for every 100 MB of free hard disk space. The host computer then can recall stored data for on-screen viewing, either in total or using selection filters such as date, work shift, channel (test station), accept/reject results and causes of rejects (e.g. high or low pressure, gross leaks, restarts), and can perform and display the same statistical calculations available at the instrument.
About half the size of some earlier Mass-Flow Leak Detectors at 15.75" deep, 12.60" wide and 6.77" high (400 x 320 x 172mm), the new CALVALs more easily accommodate built-in applications.
Certified under the ISO-9001:2000 International Standards for Quality Management and recognized internationally as a leading manufacturer of automated leak testing systems, InterTech Development Co. also designs and builds turnkey production automation systems, including specialized fixtures, for the assembly and testing of components used in the automotive, medical, appliance, fluid power and other industries. InterTech integrated assembly and test systems cut costs by providing strict quality control, efficient parts handling and just-in-time capabilities.
For more information, visit the InterTech website at www.intertechdevelopment.com, or contact InterTech Development Company at 7401 N. Linder Ave., Skokie, IL 60077-3220. Phone: (847) 679-3377; FAX: (847) 679-3391; E-Mail: info@intertechdevelopment.com.
