Analysis of pressure test results of tube fittings for the potential application in cryo systems for helium leak rate reduction
Due to the nature of Helium, it is notoriously difficult to maintain a closed system without experiencing helium inventory loss through leakage in large tubing and piping runs. There are two standard fitting options readily available for piping and tubing assemblies, welded fittings or Swagelok ® . Welding is the best option for leak rate reduction, but more costly than Swagelok ® . A new style of fitting has come to the attention of BNL C-AD Cryo group, and a pressure test and leak rate analysis were performed to evaluate the viability of incorporating this new style fitting into current engineering design of warm helium tubing runs for the purpose of leak rate reduction.