Side Pressed Fin Heat Sinks
Discover how you can cool efficiently in a compact, double-sided design – ideal for limited space.
Leak testing of liquid coolers – technologies, service & quality
Every liquid cooler is tested for leaks to ensure the system’s safety, reliability, and efficiency. Depending on the requirements, different testing methods are used – from standard tests to highly precise helium leak tests.
Learn more in a conversationOverview of our testing methods
Bubble Leak Test
The bubble leak test is a simple yet effective method for detecting leaks.
Process:
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The part to be tested is coated with a soap solution.
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Pressure is applied to the component.
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Bubbles form at leak points that must be repaired.
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Ideal for weld seams and seals
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Cost-effective and fast
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Applicable in food, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries
Pressure Drop Test
The pressure drop test checks tightness by monitoring a defined pressure over a set period of time.
Process:
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A pressure level is established in a closed system
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The pressure is continuously monitored
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If the pressure drops, this indicates leaks
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Reliable and precise
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Early detection of leaks
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Suitable for cooling systems and pipelines
Helium Leak Test
The helium leak test is a high-precision method for liquid coolers that can detect even the smallest leaks.
Process:
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The cooler is filled or surrounded with helium
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A special detector identifies even minimal gas quantities
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Highest accuracy
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Detects microscopic leaks
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Ensures safety and functionality
Why leak testing and part cleaning are essential
The leak test is a key step in detecting leaks early, ensuring operational safety, and avoiding unnecessary costs. Only products that pass this test meet the highest quality standards, which also increases customer satisfaction.
Part cleaning is equally important. During production, dust, oils, greases, or machining residues can remain on surfaces, reducing thermal conductivity and performance. Using modern processes such as ultrasonic cleaning, chemical baths, or high-pressure rinsing, these residues are reliably removed. Especially for liquid coolers with fine internal channels, thorough cleaning prevents blockages and ensures a free coolant flow.
The combination of precise leak testing and careful cleaning ensures that your cooling systems operate efficiently, remain reliable, and achieve maximum service life.
Leak rates and matching test methods at a glance
Which test method makes sense depends on the required tightness. The overview below maps typical leak rates to the possible test methods, from a simple bubble test to the high-resolution helium leak test.
| Leak rate | Illustrative description | Possible test method |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mbar·l/s | Water runs out | Bubble test |
| 1 mbar·l/s | Dripping tap | Bubble test |
| 0.01 mbar·l/s | Watertight, no dripping | Bubble test, pressure decay test with water |
| 0.001 mbar·l/s | Vapour-tight, no sweating | Pressure decay test with compressed air |
| 1·10⁻⁴ mbar·l/s | Bacteria-tight | Helium leak test |
| 1·10⁻⁵ mbar·l/s | Petrol- and oil-tight | Helium leak test |
| 1·10⁻⁶ mbar·l/s | Virus-tight | Helium leak test |
| up to 1·10⁻¹⁰ mbar·l/s | Absolutely tight (technically) | Helium leak test |
The helium leak test reaches leak rates down to 1·10⁻¹¹ Pa·m³/s. That corresponds to a gas loss of 1 cm³ over roughly 300 years.
100% tightness for your cooling system
We test every liquid cooler and document the result. Tell us which leak rate your application requires.
Frequently asked questions about leak testing
A leak test proves that media-carrying components and joints are free of leaks. For liquid coolers it ensures that no coolant escapes and that the system runs reliably.
The most common methods are the bubble test, the pressure decay test with water or compressed air, and the helium leak test. The choice depends on the required tightness and the batch size.
The helium leak test is the most accurate method. It detects leak rates down to 1·10⁻¹¹ Pa·m³/s, which corresponds to a gas loss of 1 cm³ over about 300 years.
Whenever the highest tightness is required, for example in safety-critical or particularly long-life applications. For simpler requirements, the bubble test or pressure decay test is often sufficient.
Yes. Every liquid cooler is checked for tightness. The method is selected to match the required leak rate and the result is documented.
Because of the higher viscosity of water, the resolution of a test with compressed air is significantly finer, by more than a factor of 55. High measurement accuracy is therefore usually achieved with compressed air.
Absolute tightness for maximum safety
Our precise testing methods ensure your liquid coolers are completely leak-free and reliable. Every leak is detected early for maximum quality and safety.
