Pneumatic Control System

Test Fixture for Evaluating the Integrity of an Internal Gasket.

A local company needed a method to verify the integrity of an internal gasket seal on already assembled devices. Voith Consulting in conjunction with Prototype Techniques Inc. developed a system to enclose and mildly pressurize (to 20 mmHg) the device. By monitoring the pressure decay rate it is possible to infer the ability of the seal to restrict air flow.

This photograph shows the internal electronics which control a pump and two valves to pressurize the volume containing the device. In addition this electronic package contains two pressure transducers for monitoring the pressurization and the subsequent pressure decay rate. Results can be downloaded to a computer via the built in USB port for analysis or the device can be operated in a stand alone mode which supplies an indication (red or green LED) of pass or fail for the device under test.