Helium leak detector can be wirelessly operated

Functional design concept
With its ergonomic design and improved measuring characteristics, Leybold claims that the fourth generation PHOENIX sets new standards - especially in terms of operating comfort, response times, helium sensitivity and reliability. Moreover, the stationary and mobile models are easier to handle and maintain than their predecessors. For example, it is now possible to change the filter without removing the housing. This compact, versatile helium leak detector is available in three classes, the PHOENIX Vario, PHOENIX Quadro, and PHOENIX Magno, which are designed for various customer applications with their different pumping speed configurations.

Optimised human-machine interfaces
The thorough facelift focused on improving the monitoring and control functionality, as well as the need to meet the increased demands on leak detection performance. Accordingly, the PHOENIX 4 can be operated comfortably via a colour touch display or wirelessly with any Internet-capable mobile device, due to the integrated web server. The optimised design of the display allows users to intuitively navigate through the menu and the sensitive touch displays and push-buttons can be easily activated.

Extended by useful features
“In the PHOENIX 4, we have added useful features to the proven equipment features of the predecessor L300i," explained Dr. Sina Forster, Leybold product manager. For example, the number of interfaces for data acquisition, communication and system integration has been increased. Additional communication and bus interfaces are now integrated directly at the leak detector alongside with new, optional interface modules. These enhanced communication interfaces facilitate easy data export and the creation of test reports.

Uniform technology platform
In addition to the new design and the intelligent connections, the PHOENIX is also defined by its 'inner values'. The entire PHOENIX-4 series is based on a uniform technology platform and contains the identical measuring system, not least for economic reasons. The models and versions are differentiated by the backing pumps and pumping speed configurations.

Models for all cases
As it is supposedly the smallest in its class, the PHOENIX 4 Vario is a suitable space-saving system in special research applications. The designers went without an integrated backing pump leaving more flexibility, not least due to its low weight of 30kg. The next variant in line, the PHOENIX 4 Quadro, has an oil-sealed TRIVAC rotary vane vacuum pump as backing pump. In the dry version of the Quadro, a diaphragm pump is used. This variant is suitable for use in analytical technology, the food and packaging industry as well as in automotive production. The model range is rounded off with what the company claims to be the most powerful leak detector, the PHOENIX 4 Magno for large test volumes. In the oilsealed version, the SOGEVAC rotary vane vacuum pump is installed, whereas in the dry version, the oil-free scroll vacuum pump SCROLLVAC is utilised.

Accuracy, reproducibility, speed
In addition to the sensitivity and reproducibility of reliable leak rate measurements, users of the PHOENIX-4 family benefit from the fast operational readiness and adaptability of the helium leak detector models throughout the range. “These performance characteristics are just as important in high-energy physics, e.g. at the Centre for German Electron Synchrotron DESY for basic scientific research in Hamburg, as they are in semiconductor production," said Forster. "The two of the most important features of a helium leak detector in all modern applications are its accuracy over a wide measuring range and its time of response.”