Nitrogen Helium
Leak Detection
Services

Reduce operational risk with expert
solutions and cost management
Applications• O&G production facilities
As the world moves towards carbon
neutrality, ensuring process systems
are leak free on start-up andthroughout their operational life is
becoming increasingly important.
An unplanned shutdown to repair
problematic pressurized connectors
can have a significant impact on theenvironment and create a substantial
financial burden for the operator.
Key to the Baker Hughes, Process &Pipeline Services (PPS) philosophies‘Driving zero leaks’ and ‘Right firsttime’ is creating leak free joints,
and a key step in this process is theverification phase. One of the moststringent methods of verification isnitrogen helium leak testing.
Leak paths that can be foundin pressured systems result
from numerous sources, suchas faulty pressure equipment,
wrongly assembled joints andinstrumentation, missing or lose
blanking plugs, or corroded sealing
faces. All affect the safe operation of
the pressurized system.

Methodology
Nitrogen helium leak testing is amethod of verifying the integrity ofa pressurized system prior to theintroduction of operating medium,such as hydrocarbon gas or fluid.
Highly sensitive, nitrogen helium leaktesting is capable of detecting leaks
as small as 5 scf/year with a highlevel of repeatability.

Procedure
The use of helium gas for detecting
leaks is a well-establishedtechnique and, when used withmass spectrometer technology or ahandheld leak detection system, it is
the most accurate and repeatable
test available. Through a detailed
engineering phase PPS will design theclient’s systems test packs to ensurethat the process is carried out assafely and efficiently as possible whiletaking into account the scheduleof other construction activities.
When readying the system for test,
each potential leak source within adesignated test pack will be sealedwith colored PVC tape. A full line walk
will be carried out in line with the PPS
leak test procedure.

Leak detection
Testing is normally carried out at
90% of design or PSV set pressure toclosely simulate operating conditions.
The process implemented byinjecting 1% helium and 99% nitrogentest gas mixture into the system inpredetermined incremental
steps/stages until the test pressure isreached.

• Gas plants• LNG plants• Petrochemical plants• Refineries

Features and benefits• Reduced schedule andbudgetary impacts associatedwith unplanned leak repair• Reduces negative impact tothe environment and safety
due to loss of containment• Production loses are kept at aminimum• Ability to locate and quantify
leaks easily• Offer multi skilled crews toensure the client is provided acost reduction benefit without
the detriment to quality

Additional Solutions• Mechanical Joint Integrity• System Purging• Valve Testing• Hydrostatic Testing• Air Drying• Chemical Cleaning• Oil Flushing• Flushing and Jetting• Camera Inspection

Using a probe connected to either a remote mass
spectrometer or a localized handheld leak detector, leaks
are detected by using the probe to puncture the applied
PVC tape and sample gas at each potential leak source.
The gas sample is analyzed for helium content before
quantifying and recording the results. All leaks above theoperator’s predetermined acceptable leak rate threshold
are identified. The system will then be depressurized and,on completion, remedial work can be performed and aretest executed if required.

On successful completion
On the successful completion of the leak test, the system
is depressurized and left in a safe, inert condition, ready forthe introduction of hydrocarbons into the system.
PPS will then compile a full and traceable leak testcompletion package to present to the client, ensuring
it meets the needs of the client’s project QA/QCrequirements.
With our large fleet of membrane N2 generators, PPS
can assist when liquid N2 is not readily available. If
your operation location is onshore or offshore, PPS has
equipment that can operate in these environments.
Through new technology and concepts, and acommitment to continuous improvement, PPS is able tooffer best-in-class nitrogen helium leak detection services
to suit your specific project requirements.

bakerhughes.com

Baker Hughes Confidential Information. Copyright 2023 Baker Hughes Company. All rights reserved.
20014

03/2023bakerhughes.com