A method for preventing data loss in a hard disk drive by projecting
reduction in gas concentration using insitu non-repeatable runout is
disclosed. The method includes using servo tracking error to obtain a
measured value of insitu non-repeatable runout (NRRO) for the hard disk
drive, the hard disk drive having been filled with the gas and
hermetically sealed. The measured value of NRRO is then deconvolved into
a plurality of values for flow induced NRRO components. These values of
NRRO and of flow induced NRRO components are compared to predetermined
limiting values and a time when one of the predetermined limiting values
will be reached is predicted. Action is then applied as appropriate.