Vacuum Tube Leak Testing Guns — EST G250

The EST G250 vacuum tube tester checks individual heat-exchanger tubes using an active vacuum gun and a passive plugging tool at opposite ends. Compressed air drives the vacuum generator; the gauge is used to monitor the test under the manufacturer’s procedure.

Preferred vacuum-testing option: For a compact kit that can be used by one operator with a matched snap-type plug or by two operators with its supplied T-handle plug, see the Vacuum Tube Leak Detector Kit 9836.

Standard GSV-2500 package

The package includes support rods, two sizes of conical neoprene seal and washer sets, and a compact toolbox. Standard coverage is 0.28–1.45 inch tube ID (7.1–36.8 mm). Each seal and washer set contains two seals and four washers.

Seal-set selection

• GSV-S-N: 0.28–0.69 inch ID (7.1–17.5 mm).
• GSV-L-N: 0.64–1.45 inch ID (16.3–36.8 mm).
• GSV-L-N-SP0501: special-size option for 1.49–2.50 inch ID (37.8–63.5 mm); confirm the required assembly with Justram.

Optional fluoroelastomer seals, digital vacuum gauges and support-rod extensions are available for enquiry. Match the seals and support components to the tube and access arrangement.

Air supply and test planning

The manufacturer specifies a plant-air supply of 40–125 psi (2.7–8.6 bar), with flow greater than 5 SCFM (approximately 2.36 L/s). This is the compressed-air supply requirement, not a positive-pressure tube-test rating. Plan access to both ends and follow the G250 operating instructions (PDF).

Choosing vacuum or pressure tube testing

Vacuum testing is a practical choice when the number of tubes to be tested is relatively low, or when a small number of different tube sizes must be covered. The operator presses the vacuum gun against the tube opening to seal it to the conical seal. That conical seal covers a broad tube-size range, so fewer seal sizes are required.

For large tube counts, pneumatic pressure testing can reduce operator fatigue because supply air expands the seal rather than relying on the operator to maintain sealing force. Pressure-testing guns require seals matched to the tube size and gauge. For pneumatic testing options, see the G160 system.

Request the appropriate testing package

Send the tube OD and wall thickness or measured bore, tube length, tubesheet spacing, number of tubes and header-box or channel-head dimensions. Include process residues or cleaning agents relevant to seal compatibility.

For a dedicated tube-to-tubesheet joint test, compare the G650 vacuum joint tester. For pneumatic tube testing, see the G160 system. For a compact one- or two-person vacuum-testing alternative, see the Vacuum Tube Leak Detector Kit 9836. Browse tube testing and plugging equipment or request a G250 quotation.