Leak Test-Helium
HELIUM TEST BENCH FOR PEM FUEL CELLS COMPONENTS
Leak testing is a specific test operation in the Flow plates production process, since it verifies the tightness of coolant, hydrogen and air circuits (total no. 3) of the fuel cell’s Bipolar plates, simulating real operating condition. Fundamental is the design and construction of the components sealings, fully customized by HeTECH/Marposs.
The perfect circuits configuration and sealing of the single and bipolar plates are the most important features to guarantee the efficiency and longevity of the fuel cell system. The leak test guarantees the correct production (by stamping or hydroforming) and prevents any other criticalities in stack assembly and its functioning.
This test is really important for the use of fuel cell in fuel cell electric vehicle applications, in order to guarantee the quality and safety standards typical of the automotive market.
Our machines can test both single and bipolar flow plates by means of easily and quickly removable and exchangeable fixtures suitable for all models of single and bipolar plates.
The aim of the equipment is to test the volume between the 2 single plates which generates 3 circuits, by pressurizing them in the most suitable sequence. The circuits are:
- Circuit 1 : Coolant
- Circuit 2 : Hydrogen
- Circuit 3 : Air
Test pressures, rejection thresholds and productivity that our machines can reach may vary according to the technical specifications of the component and the production needs of the User.
- Development of customized sealings and couplers to make perfect tightness on such a peculiar component
- Development of new systems to avoid component deformation
- Generally speaking, knowledge of a brand-new component and its critical issues
- Experience gained in a significantly increasing new market segment to support other customers in the development of similar projects
- Full traceability of the tested component
- Ready for MES communication