Sea Frost DC 5000 Leak Checking A Charged System About Pressures, To Leak Check With Bubbles

LEAK CHECKING A CHARGED SYSTEM

ABOUT PRESSURES

Refrigerant in a saturated condition, part liquid and part vapor will exert a pressure that is a function of its temperature. The higher the temperature, the higher the pressure. Avoid leak checking in cold weather.

A refrigerant leak will show with moderate pressure. A leak is not a function of pressure. Pressure is only required to aid in detection.

In cold weather, it is possible to raise the pressure in the system by warming the cold plate with a light bulb left in close proximity to the cold plate for several hours with the box lid open.

There are two ways to leak-check a pressurized system:

1.Soap bubbles (a solution of dish soap and water works well).

2.R-134a electronic leak detector (probe senses the presence of refrigerant molecules).

TO LEAK CHECK WITH BUBBLES

Soap each connection and observe all sides of the connection with a bright light and a mirror. A leak will blow bubbles. Without careful examination and plenty of pressure this test is not reliable.

TO LEAK CHECK WITH AN ELECTRONIC DETECTOR

Use a detector designed for R-134a. Slowly trace the area with the probe. Refrigerant is heavier than air, therefore, trace below the fitting. Most units can be calibrated to home in on a leak. We use and recommend electronic detection. TIF brand detectors can accurately detect leaks as low as 1/2 oz. loss per year. This sensitivity exceeds SAE leak specifications. Be sure to test the operation of the detector before and after you leak check the system

IF A LEAK IS DETECTED

If a leak is detected try tightening the fitting nut slightly more. (See Swagelok fittings). If the leak is not stopped, it is possible that the fitting was assembled incorrectly. Discharge the system, and then disconnect the fitting for inspection. After reassembly, proceed to the leak check procedure.

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