Effective refrigerant leak detection is essential to maintain safety, establish compliance, and increase energy efficiency. Finding leaks in refrigerants can be done with electronic leak detectors. An HVAC system will inevitably have refrigerant leaks when there are incorrectly fitted or welded joints. Some leaks are minor, amounting to only one ounce over ten years without inhibiting the system’s functionality. However, extreme temperatures, surroundings, and vibrations can exacerbate small leaks. If these flaws aren’t fixed, they’ll reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Agilent Technologies: Vacuum Products Division
Lexington, MA | 800-882-7426Total vacuum and leak detection solutions, including VS Series Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors. We provide industry-leading mass spectrometer and selective ion pumping leak detectors in portable, mobile and component models, as well as primary, high and ultra-high vacuum pumps.
Dorlen Products, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI | 414-282-4840Dorlen Products specializes in water leak detection services and products like water leak detectors, Ceiling Guard, Water Alert, plus Water Alert and Sensor Cable. These products come with a five-year warranty. We have been providing high-quality products and service since 1975. For more information, call Dorlen or visit our website!
Pfeiffer Vacuum, Inc.
Nashua, NH | 800-248-8254The Pfeiffer Vacuum ASM 340 performs helium or hydrogen leak detection in vacuum and sniffer modes. It detects leaks to 5x 10-12 mbar l/s in vacuum mode and 5x10-9 mbar l/s in sniffing mode. This durable, high performance leak detector offers I/O interface, SD memory card and wireless remote operation up to 100 meters.
Perma-Pipe, Inc.
Niles, IL | 847-966-2190PermAlert™ is the leading leak detection technology provider since 1988. As a division within the PERMA-PIPE, Inc. company, we work closely with clients across the globe to address their leak detection challenges and ensure maximum protection of their assets. PerrmAlert design, manufacture, and service a range of leak detection systems for a variety of applications. Our commitment to innovation allows us to deliver the best and most reliable solution for our clients.
How to Find a Refrigerant Leak
There are many ways to find refrigerant leaks, but the most common methods include the following:
- Soap bubble method: Many technicians depend on the soap bubble approach. Spray a leak detection fluid or apply soapy water to check for leaks at specific spots. Leakage sites should start to produce bubbles. The soap bubbles approach is ineffective for minor leaks or windy environments. It’s more effective to pair the soap bubble approach with an electronic leak detection method.
- Fluorescent dye method: The refrigerant is mixed with a fluorescent dye, then introduced into the refrigeration system. The dye will escape from the system and gather at any leak spots. Afterward, these leak locations will immediately be visible under a UV lamp. The fluorescent dye approach has a significant drawback; it may hurt the long-term functionality of HVAC-R systems.
- Electronic leak method: The electronic leak method is the most accurate, effective technique. Electronic leak methods include corona-suppression, heated diode, infrared, and ultrasonic leak technologies.
- Corona suppression: Corona suppression involves a current flowing between two electrodes inside a device. There is a known baseline for this current. When a refrigerant gas enters the device and passes across the electrodes, the current drops below the baseline. The drop in current signals a gas presence and activates an alert. This method may be prone to false alerts.
- Heated diode: In heated diode leak detection, a refrigerant is heated until the molecules are dispersed. Chlorine or fluorine, chemical components present in most refrigerants, are positively charged quantities due to this reaction. Electronic refrigerant detectors use heated diode technology to detect chlorine or fluorine ions and sound an auditory alert to indicate a leak. Compared to corona suppression, this method is less likely to cause false alarms.
- Infrared: A method known as infrared leak detection uses infrared light to find refrigerants. Some infrared light is absorbed by the refrigerant, and the amount of the refrigerant concentration change is measured. This technology is delicate and precise.
- Ultrasonic: Ultrasonic leak detection identifies the sounds of escaping gasses like refrigerants. When an HVAC-R device leaks refrigerant, it creates an ultrasonic noise that’s inaudible to the human ear. However, the pressure will trigger a response from an ultrasonic detector.
- Halide leak detector: This is the most common method of identifying refrigerants containing chlorine. Currently, this approach can be used to identify CFCs and HCFCs but not HFCs. Halide leak detectors have a sample tube, a flame-powered end, and a propane or acetylene gas-powered end. The gas leak will be drawn to the sample tube by the draft the propane creates. The flame then changes color as it passes across a heated copper element. Therefore, inspecting it in direct sunlight is less efficient. If larger amounts of methyl chloride are present, the flame will turn green and blue.
Effectiveness of The Leak Detection Methods
- Soap bubble method: Effective for locating leaks but can be hampered by tiny leaks or windy conditions.
- Fluorescent dye: can be untidy, negatively impact system performance, and shorten the system lifespan of refrigerators.
- Electronic leak detectors: Very sensitive and effective for discovering the majority of leaks if used and maintained properly.
