Extruded Tubing Leak Detection

Project Overview:

As extruded tubing is processed, it is pressurized at 20 psi and enters a quench bath. The leak inspection is to occur as the tube enters the quench bath, before it is dried by high pressure air knives. The inspection system must not be influenced by the intense white noise generated by the air knives and must detect leaks in the tubing.

System Description:

A dual system with water resistant microphone housings and shielded microphone enclosure.The shielding has proven effective in isolating the test procedure from the high pressure air knife sounds. The extrusion passes under the microphone housing. Should a leak be present, the air will cause bubbles to form in the water creating a minor "cavitation" effect which is detected by the system. The unit has an alarm/reject system with adjustable setpoint and relay contact closure.