Freon Gas Detector

This has a built-in sensor which beeps at a faster pace when gas is present.

Move the detector over joints and valves.

When the general area of the leak is found, use the Soap Bubble Detection Method to pinpoint the leak.

• Can give false alerts if there is residual gas, dirt or oils
• Cannot always pinpoint the leak when the gas has filled up an area.

Using Soap Bubbles

Mix 1 part water with 2 parts dishwashing liquid.

Apply with a syringe to the suspected leak area.

The soap will bubble when it is over the leak.

• Can only do small areas at a time.
• Difficult to apply the soap in hard-to-reach spaces.
• The most effective use is around joints, taps, valves or couplings.
• Difficult to apply on vertical joints.

Fluorescent Dye and UV Light

A fluorescent mixture is added to the system.

The system is run for a few hours until the dye reaches a leak.

Using a UV light and goggles, the dye will be visible.

• Dye kits are incredibly expensive.
• Not always accurate and may fail to work at times.
• Dye contaminates the system.

Visual Inspection

If a leak is suspected on a unit, before cleaning the system an inspection should be performed.

Keep an eye out for oily marks below joints, valves or couplings.

Old leaks will have discolouration due to oxidation.

• Not always accurate and difficult to perform over large areas.
• A visual inspection should always be performed to ensure that all components and joints are in good order.

Pressurizing the system

With all the equipment off, pressurise the system with the refrigerant depending on the compressor.

Nitrogen or CO2 can be used instead of refrigerant.

Once the system is highly pressurized, the Soap Bubble Method can be used.

If the pressure is high enough a slight hissing sound can be heard.

• Can be costly to continuously find the leak by constantly having to pressurize the system with refrigerant.
• Not environmentally friendly due to the leakage.
• Refrigerants cannot be recovered for re-use as the system will have to be evacuated and refilled once the leak has been found.
• Recommend this method as a last resort if there is a persistent leak.