Hydrogen is actually the lightest element in the universe and hydrogen gas is the lightest of all gases. Hydrogen molecules move with a much higher velocity than any other molecule and therefore escape through leaks quicker than other gases. Hydogen gas does also dissipate quicker than other gases thereby minimizing the risk for build-up background interference during leak testing.

If you worry about increased background concentrations, try 5% Hydrogen as tracer gas. This is also the least expensive tracer gas you can buy.

Some leaks are so big that you can see them or hear them. Other leaks are so small that you need a vacuum system to detect them. Most leaks are in the range between these extremes and can be detected with hydrogen tracer gas.

Hydrogen has some unique properties making it a superb tracer gas for leak testing:

• Lightest molecule
• Low background in air (0.5 ppm)
• Environmentally friendly and a renewable natural resource
• Inexpensive
• Non flammable (when purchased ready mixed 5% Hydrogen in Nitrogen)
• Non-toxic and non-corrosive

Never use pure hydrogen for leak testing. We recommend to use a standard industrial gas mixture consisting of 5% hydrogen in nitrogen, available from almost all gas supplier (often called Forming Gas).