Varian
979 Leak Detector
Provisional entry — research in progress
This page was generated automatically from cited public sources and hasn't completed the full research pass yet. Every specification shown carries its source; more detail is added as research completes.
The Varian 979 Leak Detector is a helium mass spectrometer leak detector. The Varian 979 Leak Detector is used in evacuation and sniffing modes. The Varian 979 Leak Detector has a minimum detectable leak of 5 x 10-10 atm-cc/sec in standard sensitivity and 5 x 10-11 atm-cc/sec in high sensitivity.[1][2][3][4]
What it is
The Varian 979 is a helium mass spectrometer leak detector. The Varian 979 is part of the Model 979 Series. The Varian 979 can be configured as a stand-alone bench-mount unit or as a mechanically pumped leak testing station on a cart. The Varian 979 can operate in sniff testing mode and evacuation mode.[1][2][4]
How it works
The Varian 979 is comprised of a turbomolecular high vacuum pump, spectrometer tube, valve block, leak detector electronics, and an operator interface in a rugged housing. The Varian 979 uses a multi-flow mode vacuum system. The Varian 979 has fully automated test cycle control and automated calibration. The Varian 979 has an internal calibration leak and can also use an external calibrated leak for calibration.[2][6][4]
The Varian 979 front panel includes a leak rate display, pressure displays for the spectrometer tube and the test port, a sniffer mode control, vent control, test and hold control, zero control, a standard leak read function, and a calibrate function. The Varian 979 home screen indicates system states during startup and testing, including pressure wait, filament wait, hold, stabilization wait, offset wait, and system ready. The Varian 979 supports fine test mode, gross test only mode, manual range control, range stop, and an auto sequencer setup for production testing.[6]
What do the numbers mean?
Power & electrical2
- Remote I/O
- DB-37S interface with optically isolated 5-24 VDC outputs and inputs, non-isolated RS-232, non-isolated analog output 0-10 V, and non-isolated DB-9S remote control interface[3]
Vacuum & pumping2
Optics & imaging1
Configuration & options7
- Calibration
- Fully automated tuning and calibration using the internal or external calibrated leak[3]
What does it need to run?
Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.
- Configuration optionsBench/mount unit or single or dual mechanically pumped leak testing station on a cart[2]
- Remote I/ODB-37S interface with optically isolated 5-24 VDC outputs and inputs, non-isolated RS-232, non-isolated analog output 0-10 V, and non-isolated DB-9S remote control interface[3]
- Power requirements100 VAC 20 A 50 Hz, 115 VAC 20 A 60 Hz, or 230 VAC 20 A 50/60 Hz[3]
- Weight50 lb (23 kg) net stand-alone bench-mount unit; 180 lb (82 kg) net wet 1-pump version; 243 lb (111 kg) net wet 2-pump version[3]
Where are the manuals?
Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.
Not publicly documented
Field notes
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Frequently asked questions
Not publicly documented
The following facts about the 979 Leak Detector are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.
No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the 979 Leak Detector are on record.
Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement
No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the 979 Leak Detector are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool
The control-system platform and OS era of the 979 Leak Detector are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the 979 Leak Detector are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the 979 Leak Detector is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Sources & citations
Sources (6)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
- [1]idealvac.com — idealvac.comidealvac.com
- [2]heliumleakdetection.net — heliumleakdetection.netheliumleakdetection.net
- [3]provac.com — provac.comprovac.com
- [4]Agilent Varian 979 Mass Spectrometer Helium Leak Detector - REBUILT — ptbsales.comptbsales.com
- [5]Inventory photo
- [6]https://www.idealvac.com/files/ManualsII/Varian_979_Quick_Reference_Card.pdf — idealvac.comidealvac.com
Last updated Oct 20, 2026.
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