Common Methods of Refrigerant Leak Detection

This article mainly introduces the methods that can be used to check whether there is leakage when the refrigerant is in use.

1. Visual leak detection

When you notice a trace of oil somewhere in the system, this may be the leak point. Visual leak detection is easy and cost-free, but it has major defects. Unless the system suddenly breaks a large leak point, and the system leaks a liquid-colored medium, visual leak detection cannot be located.

2. Soapy water leak detection

Fill the system with 10-20kg/cm2 pressure nitrogen, and then apply soapy water to all parts of the system. The bubbling point is the leakage point. This method is a very common leak detection method in roadside repair shops. However, the human arm is limited, the range of human vision is limited, and many times there is no leakage point at all.

3. Nitrogen water leak detection

Fill the system with 10-20kg/cm2 pressure nitrogen, immerse the system in water, and the bubbling point is the leakage point. This method is essentially the same as the previous soapy water leak detection method. Although the cost is low, it has obvious shortcomings. Moisture used for leak detection can easily enter the system, causing corrosion of materials in the system, and high-pressure gas may also cause greater damage to the system. The labor intensity during leak detection is also very large, which increases the cost of maintenance and repair.

4. Halogen lamp leak detection

Light the leak detection lamp and hold the air tube on the halogen lamp. When the nozzle is close to the leakage of the system, the color of the flame changes to purple-blue, which means that there is a large amount of leakage. This method produces open flames, which is not only dangerous, but also produces harmful gases when combined with open flames and refrigerants, and it is also difficult to accurately locate the leak point. So this method is hardly used now, and if you can see it, it is probably in the stage of uncivilized society.

5. Gas differential pressure leak detection

Using the air pressure difference inside and outside the system, the pressure difference is amplified by the sensor, and the leak detection result is expressed in the form of a digital or sound, or electronic signal. This method can only “qualitatively” know whether the system is leaking and cannot find the leak point accurately.

Henan Fonsum Refrigerant Co., Ltd specializes in the R&D and production of various refrigerant gas. The purity can reach more than 99.9%. If you are interested in our products, please leave messages online or send an email to fonsum@fonsumrefrigerant.com.