Tracer Gas Leak Detection Guide | Gas Leak Test Kit & Testing Costs Explained

Advanced Leak Detection Equipment: Precise and Reliable Testing

Leak Detection in HVAC Systems starts during manufacturing Finally, the system must ensure long term efficiency and safety by identifying potential leaks, such as the most difficult to find micro-leaks. If you're wondering how to test for leaks, then modern leak detection devices provide an accurate and reliable solution.

Effective Leak Detection Methods

With leak detection technology on hand, professionals can now spot even the tiniest leaks that traditional methods might overlook, with these higher-level tests uncovering micro-leaks between 1×10-4 to 10-9 scc/s.

How the Process Works:

1. Initial Testing: A pressure decay test helps detect larger leaks before more advanced testing begins.
2. Precision Testing: A specialized test is conducted using pressurized gas, typically helium.
3. Data Analysis: A mass spectrometer analyzes gas emissions to determine leak rates, ensuring precise detection.

Benefits of Advanced Leak Detection

• High Sensitivity: Identifies even the smallest leaks in HVAC components.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces waste by ensuring accurate leak identification.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for final assembly testing and connections.

Industry-Trusted Solutions

Advanced leak detection techniques help professionals locate leaks in HVAC systems, piping, and other important infrastructure. By doing so, these solutions make sure of reliability and efficiency and also mitigate the risk of expensive repair services.

Check out our solutions page to discover the leak detection that is perfect for your home, office, or business! 

IS IT A SAFE METHOD OF LEAK DETECTION?

Tracer gas is a lighter-than-air gas that is completely safe. You can inject it at low pressure to an empty pipe and will flee from any leaking spots. Then, it rises direct to the surface, cutting through any common building material in its path, such as concrete. Once on the surface, the trace and access leak detection experts can use a sensitive gas detector to locate the tracer gas.

The gas is harmless, leaving no trace or deposit in the pipes or on any nearby materials.

BENEFITS OF TRACER GAS LEAK DETECTION

No Mess

The use of tracer gas is completely painless. It travels straight up through practically all building materials. It includes concrete, sand, paving slabs, and soil. You can discover it at the surface right above the leak spot once it has left the pipe. On the other hand, water does not behave in this manner. Instead, it spreads out both sideways and downwards. It makes it considerably more difficult to pinpoint the exact place of the leak and demands much larger-scale excavation work to locate the real leak.

Flexible

You can use tracer gas in different pipe sizes and lengths and various materials. It doesn't leave any residues or deposits, and it can't hurt you.

Safe

It's a perfectly safe gas to use. It's non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-flammable. Plus, it's approved for drinking water, waste, central heating, rising mains, and petroleum pipelines. It presents no threat to the environment and disappears soon.

Effective and Efficient Method

After the water has been drained from the suspected leaking pipe, you can add tracer gas. It's usually a pretty rapid and painless process, unlike the tedious moisture mapping operations that would otherwise be required. Experts can instantly begin smelling for escaping gas.

STANDARD PROCEDURE

1. Gas leak detection devices "sniff" for a test gas that has been placed into the package previously.
2. The gas is then injected into the test package, and the injection point is taped shut. A leaking meter with a small "sniffer" probe is utilised to locate any leaking paths.
3. Micro leaks in non-porous medical device packaging and modified atmosphere (MAP) food packaging are easily detected with this technology. It is frequently utilised in the latter application to discover leakage channels after a significant oxygen content has been detected.

4. Helium is the most widely used tracer gas in leak detection. It’s non-flammable, non-destructive, non-toxic and inert, with just a trace of its presence in our atmosphere. Helium can be used for this type of tracer gas leak test method to lower the cost by using 100% concentration helium, or a mixture with another gas like nitrogen or dry air. The formed gas, a typically 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen mixture, is a cheap substitute for helium that can be used safely, non-flammably, and effectively as a tracer gas.

TYPES OF TRACER GAS LEAK DETECTION

The most often utilised tracer gas in leak detection is helium. It's non-flammable, non-destructive, non-toxic, and inert, with only a trace of its presence in our atmosphere. To help lower the expense of tracer gas leak test methods, helium can be used at 100% concentration or combined with another gas, such as nitrogen or dry air. Forming gas, which is commonly a mixture of 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen, is a low-cost alternative to helium that can be utilised as a safe, non-flammable, and efficient tracer gas in various applications.

In tracer gas leak testing, a mass spectrometer gas analyser can sense helium or hydrogen leaking from a micro-leak.

Diagram how mass flow leak detection works

Mass Flow

The Mass Flow test method involves heating air with a tiny sensor and then measuring the temperature change as a function of mass flow. Because mass flow is a function of air density, it's important to double-check that the calibration is for sea level pressure; otherwise, slight discrepancies across locations may occur. Temperature fluctuations affect the mass flow detector less than pressure decay. The response time of mass flow metres varies depending on the level of leakage; low rates can take longer, especially if maximum values are surpassed.

Mass Spectrometry

The most sensitive test methods are mass spectrometry, which can detect 10-11 sccs using helium. Any helium leakage is sucked into the mass spectrometer tube as the helium-pressurised test portion is placed in a chamber evacuated to a vacuum of 10-5 millibars.

Mass spectrometry offers many advantages, such as high sensitivity and quantitative accuracy. In contrast, mass spectrometry is exorbitantly expensive, with equipment prices from $25,000 to $100,000. It is time-consuming, and the cost of running and maintaining the equipment is large.

WHY IS REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTION IMPORTANT?

It's critical to spot and fix any leaks in your air conditioner as soon as possible. The long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term cost of having them fixed, and you'll kick yourself down the line if a minor leak turns into a major one.

Save From Repair and Energy Costs

When refrigerant leaks, the air conditioning must go into overdrive to compensate. As a result, your energy cost will rise to pay for the additional labour.

Environmental Factors

A unit charged incorrectly causes losses of energy with also emitting carbon dioxide that adds on to the glasshouse effect. You’re doing your part for the environment by stopping refrigerant leaks.

Prevents Further Damage

If an untreated leak goes unnoticed, it can deteriorate over time, causing considerable damage to your house. Water that has frozen due to the leak can thaw and flow into the remainder of the house, causing havoc.

🔬 Helium vs. Hydrogen in HVAC Leak Testing

BUY LEAK DETECTORS FROM HVAC TRADE SUPPLY

Don't let any leaks ruin you or your client's unit forever. Detect it as early as possible using tracer gas leak detection and other refrigerant leak detectors. It's vital to find the leak in the first place, regardless of how it's discovered. You will save money and time and prevent more damage by doing so. Take the first step towards efficient, quality refrigerant service by calling specialists immediately if you detect a leak in your A/C system.

Whether you're buying a leak detector for personal or business use, you can find the best here in our shop.