Improved leakage testing

New technology helps reduce potential bottlenecks in production associated with cabin leakage testing

Since the late 1960s, Sensing Precision has created innovative air measurement devices for a wide range of industries. As a pioneer in the cabin leakage tester (CLT) field (formally known as Airflow), the company has been at the forefront of the technology development since the launch of its first CLT in the mid 1990s.


Today Sensing Precision is a global player and utilizes its decades of experience to create bespoke solutions for NVH engineers to examine the air tightness of a vehicle’s body shell. The company operates design, production, technical support and calibration services from its Buckinghamshire facility in the UK.

Sensing Precision has now added to its product range with the new Paton 1000 NVH leakage tester – the most powerful unit the company has ever produced. It offers more than 1,000l/s of airflow and is designed to meet the requirements of manufacturers carrying out open vent leakage testing. It is named in recognition of key design engineer, Colin Paton.

Operations director Andrew Hamshere says, “Colin’s influence on our new product development is immeasurable and the whole team see it fitting to rebrand the extended 2018 line up in appreciation of the expertise he has provided.”

Now shipping, the Paton 1000 NVH leakage tester is designed to considerably reduce the time required to validate the accuracy of build. Such savings help reduce potential bottlenecks in production associated with cabin leakage testing. The entirely new EC centrifugal fan is designed specifically for high pressure usage and the upgraded sensors enable a faster settling time and a high level of control over static pressure.

The modularity of the system, coupled with a raft of over cutting-edge features and functionality, offers NVH engineers the flexibility to quickly configure a system to their exact test requirements.

A new Windows-based software platform enables faster control of electronics and optimizes accuracy of instrumentation. Two fully integrated accessory devices with a fully integrated smoke generator and a heated air function enable physical observation of leakage with visualization via a thermal imager.

The Sensing Precision range also includes the Paton 150 Mini CLT, which is designed for use by a single operative. The system is extremely lightweight and compact and therefore fits in the boot space of a small hatchback.

Capable of pressurizing or depressurizing a vehicle to ±2,500 Pascals, its power and mobility enable an engineer to examine build accuracy at all stages of design through to final assembly.