Helium leak testing

[frank]

Guys

Anyone offer some advice regarding the best leak detector when using helium as a trace element during leak testing?

We have a large VRV install with a small leak and the original installer has used Armaflex tape on all the refnets and flares, so uncovering them is going to be a nightmare

[install monkey]

unwrap the tape off the flares- indoors come with sleeves - had a mitsi unit to pressure test in nottingham- used 3 bottles of nitro- wouldnt hold 5 bar- had to crank the bottle upto 40 bar to hear the 2 open ends in the ceiling space

[CONROD]

Hi Frank, I use JAVAC http://www.javac.co.uk/gas-mate-hydrocarbon-and-hydrogen-leak-detector-atex-approved-uk-c-254-p-1-pr-16292.html,along with climate centres trace gas, and have never failed to find a leak with it so far. Pressure test system to around 6 bar use as a normal electronic detector. Can be an issue pinpointing large leak as the detector is so sensitive, you can ad just the sensitivity though.

[frank]

unwrap the tape off the flares- indoors come with sleeves
They haven't fitted the flare covers - taped everything up, including the refnets :p
We've started stripping and testing the flares but it's taking too long


- had a mitsi unit to pressure test in nottingham- used 3 bottles of nitro- wouldnt hold 5 bar- had to crank the bottle upto 40 bar to hear the 2 open ends in the ceiling space

Probably one of my installs then :D

[frank]

Update
splashed out some cash and bought the Javac 718-202-G1sniffer.
Found the leak inside one of the cassettes. ...�� using the tracer gas

Thanks for the heads up

[chemi-cool]

Frank,

use this stuff on all your flares and you never have a leak there any more.

http://www.refrigtech.com/Product/Sealants/Nylog/nylog_blue.html

[cool_tech]

Hey Frank did the nitro with the helium make it easier to find the Leak? I was told that the helium has smaller molecules so you use less to find the leaks. Any feed back would be good.
Thanks

[xxargs]

Helium is (very) expensive depend of production in USA scaled down long time and helium in air can make interference in your search ie. ~ 5 ppm Helium in air.

New solution is using nitrogen with 1% hydrogen and sensors can detect to air level of hydrogen as 0.5 ppm

[marc5180]

Climate centre sell trace gas which is 95% nitrogen and 5% hydrogen.

[frank]

Thanks Guys

It was the Tracer gas from FSW together with the Javac sniffer http://www.javac.co.uk/gas-mate-hydrocarbon-and-hydrogen-leak-detector-atex-approved-uk-c-254-p-1-pr-16292.html

Well done CONRAD...good call.

I thought that it was Helium but it turns out it is Hydrogen/OFN mix.

Another tool to add to my ever expanding tool chest. ;)

Chemi
It wasn't one of my installs...they usually leak like a sieve and the leaks are easy to find :D

[CONROD]

Glad it worked for you too Frank!!;). The comparative high cost of the Tracer gas compared to OFN has to be worth it if it saves labour time.

[r.bartlett]

Update
splashed out some cash and bought the Javac 718-202-G1sniffer.
Found the leak inside one of the cassettes. ...�� using the tracer gas

Thanks for the heads up

leak inside?

[frank]

leak inside?
Yes... Leaking coil

[cooperwood]

Hi..I am using multiRae pro,a multiple gas detector.It is a portable,hand held detector having PID.I am using it and is working fine for me....

[frank]

Any link to the manufacturers Web site?