Training for controlled leak tightness

The Cummins Filtration plant located in Quimper (France) specialises in the design and manufacturing of air and oil filters for public works machinery and heavy trucks and must guarantee that its products are leak tight. Leak testing systems are installed on three fuel filter and oil filter production lines and used to inject air or a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen into each filter. The pressure and injection time vary depending on the volume of the part. « We wanted to better understand the specific features of these testing systems in order to adapt them to the evolution of our filters, analyse their malfunctions (if any) and better understand which component had to be modified in the event of leakage », explains Martial Le Fournis, quality technician with Cummins Filtration. 

A two-day training session 

As Cetim had already provided consulting services to Cummins Filtration’s design department, the company directly referred to Cetim’s leak tightness specialists who implemented a two-day training session within the plant premises and tailored to the personnel’s needs. After a few « classroom » theoretical reminders and exercises, the session continued with laboratory practical work on parts manufactured in the plant. This work included vacuum measurements and helium and hydrogen breathing tests. The purpose was to know the capabilities and limits of the measurement and detection methods, find any possible leakage phenomena and define leak criteria for the tests. The training ended with the interpretation of the measurements and the integration of the disturbing parameters. Cummins Filtration took advantage of this training and has now the ability to establish the link between the tests performed in-house and the tests performed by its suppliers and customers. In the end, this will improve dialogue between the various parties.