Product leaktesting consists in measuring the amount of gas which, over a certain period of time, leaks as a result of the presence of cracks, porosity, welding microcracks or coupling with packing. Leaktesting is a non-destructive type of examination. It is defined as an “examination conducted in order to verify conformity of materials or components with specified requisites through the adoption of techniques which are not harmful to characteristics or performance” (UNI8450-febbraio83).

To meet requisites according to which the characteristics and performance of products are not to be adversely affected, and in order to measure leaking gas flow, various methods have been developed over the years. Some methods are qualitative or semi-quantitative. Others, which may be considered quantitative, are more sophisticated and therefore more costly. When leaktesting is required, an analytic procedure must be selected. The procedure is arrived at on the basis of real leak limits as criterion for acceptability of the product. It also involves establishing a leak flow value to be considered the limit, depending on the functional characteristics of the object in question and the period of time over which functionality and seal must be ensured.

The real possibility of testing is then assessed with analysis of the various possible solutions, for adoption of the most functional method, in view of the characteristics of the object and possible testing conditions.
Only at this stage can comparison of costs be finally conducted, among the possible solutions, so that the choice falls on those solutions which present the most satisfactory required price/performance ratios.