Mastering leak testing: from micro-leaks to high pressure

We design systems capable of accurately quantifying the behavior of your components along two critical axes:

  • Structural strength (Hydraulic test): Our test benches are designed to withstand static pressure increases in order to verify the mechanical integrity of valve bodies, housings, and seals under stress, and to identify any potential deformations or failures.
  • Leak measurement (Metrology): To ensure the tightness of seats and valves, we incorporate high-precision measurement systems. Depending on your specifications, we use mass flow measurement or differential pressure drop. These technologies enable the detection of low leak rates while minimizing the impact of temperature variations that could skew the results.

Each solution includes a pressure generation unit and components selected for the specific application, ensuring measurement repeatability and equipment durability, even under heavy use.

pressure gauge

Our key test bench for leak testing – LeakRTS

The LeakRTS test bench demonstrates LF Technologies’ expertise in designing custom machinery for industrial valves. This system was specifically developed to meet the testing requirements for ball valves and their extensions.

Industrial Challenges

Manufacturers often need to test the leak tightness of valves under conditions that simulate their actual installation. The challenge lies in measuring low leak rates while applying mechanical stress to the flanges, without affecting the component’s performance.

Technical Response from LF Technologies

Our hydraulic and pneumatic test benches are designed to accommodate a wide range of equipment. Our solutions are tailored to the specific geometric requirements and pressure constraints of each industry:

User benefits

  • Ergonomics: A compact system that is easy to configure for different diameters.
  • Reliability: Test repeatability achieved through the automation of pressurization cycles.
  • Compliance: The bench meets the requirements of the relevant standards (ISO 5208, MSS SP-61).
Leak and leak test bench

Bench developed to meet these standards:

ISO 5208

ANSI/FCI 70-2

MSS SP-61

IEC 60534-4

See all standards

ball valve

Which components and products can be tested?

Our hydraulic and pneumatic test benches are designed to accommodate a wide range of equipment. Our solutions are tailored to the specific geometric requirements and pressure constraints of each industry:

  • Industrial and sanitary valves: Ball valves, mixing valves, ceramic cartridges, check valves, gate valves, and backflow preventers.
  • Automotive components: Brake systems, fuel rails, radiators, water pumps, quick-connect fittings, and reservoirs.
  • Aeronautics and Defense: Hydraulic actuators, high-pressure fittings, fuel systems, solenoid valves, and accumulators.
  • Énergie et Nucléaire : Corps de pompes, vannes de régulation, échangeurs de chaleur et composants de circuits primaires/secondaires.
  • Networks and Construction: Piping, multilayer pipes, press fittings, and safety systems (safety units).

Technical Note: Depending on the configuration chosen, a single test bench can be designed to test multiple diameters or connection types, in order to accommodate different product models.

Our hydraulic test benches for sealing and leak testing

Everything You Need to Know About Industrial Leak Tests

How do you ensure the accuracy of the leak measurement?

LF Technologies uses high-precision differential pressure sensors and mass flow meters. Our control software processes the data to minimize the impact of ambient temperature fluctuations and improve the reliability of the results.

Do your test benches allow equipment to be tested in accordance with ISO 5208?

Yes. Our test benches can be designed to perform leak and pressure resistance tests in full compliance with the requirements of ISO 5208 (or any other standard specific to the product being tested). The test bench controller is configured to strictly apply the test protocols, pressure holding times, and acceptance criteria (leak rates A, B, C, etc.) defined by the standard for your valves.

Can a leak test be integrated into a production line?

Absolutely. As a designer of custom machinery, we develop test modules and automated stations that integrate into your production lines for efficient component inspection.

Do you offer a calibration service for your machines?

Yes. As part of our support services, we provide maintenance and periodic recalibration of the sensors. This service is essential to ensure the validity of your readings during your quality audits.

They trust us

Test methods and technical specifications

The choice of testing technology depends on the operating fluid, the pressure level, and the acceptable leak rate. LF Technologies specializes in the two main approaches to verifying the quality and leak-tightness of your components:

1. Hydrostatic test (Water / Oil / Special fluids)

This is the standard method for structural strength tests and leak tests on building envelopes. Because the liquid is incompressible, pressure can be safely increased to verify the mechanical integrity of valve bodies and welds.

  • Pressure: Adjusted to meet your specific needs and the capabilities of the pressure generators.
  • Control: Our test benches provide automated control of pressurization cycles to ensure measurement stability.

2. Pneumatic test (Air / Nitrogen)

This method is preferred for detecting leaks in components that must remain clean and dry (plumbing fixtures, gas lines).

  • Technologies: Differential pressure drop or mass flow measurement.
  • Sensitivity: the detection threshold defined based on your test protocol, your acceptance criteria, and the type of component being tested.
  • Software: Our control interface allows you to configure test sequences and analyze results under controlled measurement conditions.

3. Machine Specifications and Traceability

  • Design: Stainless steel frame and hydraulic circuits for long-lasting durability in industrial environments.
  • Safety: Safety: Secure test chambers with protective covers and enclosures.
  • Software: Controlled via a touchscreen HMI developed in-house, with automatic recording of cycles (pressure curves, hold times, leak readings).
  • Data: Export reports in standard formats (Excel, PDF, CSV) with the option to store them in an SQL database.

4. Compliance with standards

Our equipment allows us to validate your products in accordance with international standards such as ISO 5208 and ASTM, as well as protocols specific to your industry.

Our commitment

  • Test benches tailored to your component and your requirements
  • Test compliance in accordance with your protocols and standards
  • Full traceability of cycles, parameters, and results
  • Technical support from design to commissioning

Your turnkey project

Discover the different stages of our support, from drawing up specifications to commissioning.

1.
Specifications & standards
Meeting to draw up specifications and identify standards
2.
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
Technical Proposal LF Technologies
3.
DESIGN & PROTOTYPING
Contract-SAV-LF'Assist
4.
Manufacturing & assembly
Manufacturing and assembly
5.
INSPECTION & COMMISSIONING
Inspection and commissioning phase

Comprehensive support: from engineering to after-sales service

Because a test bench is a strategic investment, we support you at every stage of your project:

  • Design engineering: Assistance with the technical definition of requirements and custom design.
  • Manufacturing and Testing: Assembly in our workshops, followed by validation tests prior to shipment.
  • On-site commissioning: Installation and setup directly in your production environment.
  • Training and Maintenance: Training for your operators and periodic sensor calibration services to ensure the accuracy of your measurements.

Check out our endurance test benches to round out your validation protocols.

Aurélien, your contact for the Hydraulics division at LF Technologies

Do you have a project in mind ?

I'm here to advise you and propose solutions tailored to your needs.

Aurélien Cottin
Hydraulics Division