LEAK DETECTION METHODS © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence

Hello, I want to show the methods we use at Fresh or Freezing for detecting leaks. Hello, I want to show the methods we use at Fresh or Freezing for detecting leaks. The most important point to remember when you are detecting leaks is that you must work safely. The most important point to remember when you are detecting leaks is that you must work safely. Ask your manager if you are unsure of how to proceed at any time. Ask your manager if you are unsure of how to proceed at any time. © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence

Lets look at halide lamps first. We use this method with all systems that have CFC or HCFC as the refrigerant. Lets look at halide lamps first. We use this method with all systems that have CFC or HCFC as the refrigerant. Minimal maintenance is needed for halide lamps apart from making sure there is enough fuel in the lamp. However, they are difficult to use in well-lit areas, produce toxic fumes and arent a suitable method to use with some of the new refrigerants. Minimal maintenance is needed for halide lamps apart from making sure there is enough fuel in the lamp. However, they are difficult to use in well-lit areas, produce toxic fumes and arent a suitable method to use with some of the new refrigerants. Remember that this type of leak detector is only useful on refrigerants that are compounds of chlorine. Remember that this type of leak detector is only useful on refrigerants that are compounds of chlorine. © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence

Electronic detectors can be used on all systems that have CFC or HCFC as the refrigerant. They are very sensitive and can sense fluorocarbons from other sources. Electronic detectors can be used on all systems that have CFC or HCFC as the refrigerant. They are very sensitive and can sense fluorocarbons from other sources. Theres not a lot of maintenance we need to do in the workshop apart from changing the filter in the hand piece. Any other maintenance needs specialised attention. Theres not a lot of maintenance we need to do in the workshop apart from changing the filter in the hand piece. Any other maintenance needs specialised attention. © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence

Soapy water is a simple and cost effective way to detect leaks in any system containing positive pressure refrigerants. Soapy water is a simple and cost effective way to detect leaks in any system containing positive pressure refrigerants. A good thing about this method is that it doesnt need any maintenance. You just need to be sure there is enough liquid to do the job. A good thing about this method is that it doesnt need any maintenance. You just need to be sure there is enough liquid to do the job. © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence

A fluorescent dye leak detection method can be used with all systems except ammonia based systems. Its a good method for finding hard to detect leaks. A fluorescent dye leak detection method can be used with all systems except ammonia based systems. Its a good method for finding hard to detect leaks. Always wear the correct eye protection when using fluorescent dyes because ultra-violet light can damage your eyes. Always wear the correct eye protection when using fluorescent dyes because ultra-violet light can damage your eyes. Always check for oil compatibility. Always check for oil compatibility. No maintenance is needed for the dye component after your initial selection for system suitability. The lamp requires only minimal maintenance. No maintenance is needed for the dye component after your initial selection for system suitability. The lamp requires only minimal maintenance. © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence

The litmus paper method can only be used with ammonia based systems. When the litmus paper changes from blue to red, it indicates a leak. The litmus paper method can only be used with ammonia based systems. When the litmus paper changes from blue to red, it indicates a leak. Phenolphthalein is another very simple leak detection system but is only suited to ammonia based systems. Phenolphthalein is another very simple leak detection system but is only suited to ammonia based systems. © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence

Another method that can only be used with ammonia based systems is the sulphur stick method. Another method that can only be used with ammonia based systems is the sulphur stick method. When you are using a sulphur stick, beware of fumes. When you are using a sulphur stick, beware of fumes. © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence

And just a final word about safety. Dont take any risks. Ask your manager for help or advice if you are unsure about what you should be doing when you are checking for leaks. And just a final word about safety. Dont take any risks. Ask your manager for help or advice if you are unsure about what you should be doing when you are checking for leaks. © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 | Licensed under AEShareNet Share and Return licence