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About Leak Detectors

Leak detectors are used to pinpoint the source of a leak. Gas and vapor leaks are common in virtually any industry. In fact, it is a simple truth that anything that uses gas will leak. The concerning factor, however, is how fast the leak occurs, whether it be a small amount by the second or every thousand years. When the amount that is leaking becomes a potential danger for the equipment or the health of the employees, leak detectors are used to determine the amount and the composition of the gas being leaked. When this is done, a corresponding action is taken to deal with the leak accordingly.

Leaks can be found via electronic, chemical and sound-sensitive technologies. Most leak detectors are hand-held devices that are programmed to monitor specific conditions. The mobility of the leak detectors is important because of the tight and complex networks of piping that are sometimes used to house a gas or a liquid. Most methods of leak detection are operator dependant. Some systems, however, such as those used to detect water leaks, are able to monitor changes in atmospheric conditions without the use of an operator. Different types of leak detectors are used for specific duties, such as the actual gas detection at the spot of the leak, the amount that is coming out and the type of gas. Sometimes a tracer gas like helium is used to help aid in the detection of other gasses.

Leak detection and prevention is a crucial part of the industrial sector. Many different industries have problems with leaks, and thus need reliable and accurate leak detectors to fix their problems. In the medical industry, leaks can be found in pumps, containers, fluid transfer devices and other instruments that may play a crucial role in the lives of patients. Other industries, such as the scientific and automotive, use leak detectors on measuring equipment, waterpumps, cylinder heads, calibrated volume vessels and hydraulic components. Having problems with leaks can not only cause a system to malfunction, but could also be hazardous to health, depending on what chemical or gas is being dealt with. Because of this, leak detectors play an important role in many fields today.

Unfixed leaks are a major source of economic loss in both the residential and industrial spheres of society. Leaking liquids and gases can damage surrounding equipment. Unchecked and unrepaired leaks are a major health concern for people who inhabit a factory, work or home environment. Certain gasses and other chemicals can have serious consequences to individual health from even short term exposure. Water leaks left unchecked create mold and therefore manifest many allergic responses in employees or customers exposed. The refrigeration industry is very concerned with the efficient and quality detection of leaks, as many of the chemicals, such as the now outlawed CFC (chlorofluorocarbon), can be found in many older refrigeration units still in use. Those using leak detectors sometimes use 3M respirators.

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Types of Leak Detectors

• Alarm only leak detectors give off an alarm when they detect gas, but do not give any information about the type or amount.
  
• Colorimetric leak detectors react chemically with minute leaks and cause a visible color change in the developer.
  
• Electronic leak detectors can be programmed to detect certain or multiple refrigerants. After the general area of the leak is detected, a soap solution is applied to the area to reveal the precise leak point.
  
• Gas analyzers detect the composition of a specific gas. When a gas leak is suspected, the analyzer can confirm the existence of a gas compound in an environment, but cannot pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
  
• Gas detectors use tracer gasses like hydrogen and helium to find a leak. After filling the chamber with helium or a hydrogen/nitrogen mix, the gas loss is measured with a mass spectrometer that detects the helium or hydrogen.
  
• Helium leak detectors use helium to pinpoint the source of a leak.
  
• Leak detection measures the discharge of gases and liquids to find leaks.
  
• Refrigerant leak detectors can detect only chlorinated refrigerants. A halide torch uses a flame, and if halogenated refrigerant vapors are present, the flame changes from blue to a blue-green color.
  
• Ultrasonic detectors are used to detect a wide range of gas leaks. Because gas leaks are noisy, this technology converts the high frequency leak sound to a lower range where the hissing of the leak can be heard through a set of headphones and traced to the source.
  
• Water leak detectors range from sensors that monitor moisture levels to sensors that monitor flow rates and have warning alarms and auto shut-off devices.