LEAK TESTING.-Continued - TM-5-4120-383-140200

TM5-4120-383-14

5-14.

LEAK TESTING.-Continued

NOTE

The electronic refrigerant gas tester is highly

sensitive to the presence of a small quantity of gas

in the air, and due to this fact it is quite

effective in the detection of small leaks. However,

due to the rapid dispersion of refrigerant gas into

the surrounding air, difficulty may be encountered in

pinpointing large leaks.

The detector must be used

in a well ventilated but draft-free area.

In this method, a strong solution of a

(2) Soap Solutions.

liquid detergent and water is brushed onto all points of possible

leakage while closely observing for the formation of bubbles.

If the soap solution testing method is used,

thoroughly rinse with fresh water after testing is

completed.

A residual soap film will attract and

accumulate an excessive amount of dust and dirt

during operation.

c. Testing Procedures.

To perform leak testing by use of the

electronic detector, it is necessary that the system be pressurized

with a proportion of refrigerant gas. To perform leak testing by

use of the soap solution method, the system may be pressurized with

dry nitrogen alone.

(1) To pressurize a system that has some refrigerant charge,

for either leak testing method:

(a) Connect hoses from a charging manifold to charging

valves.

NOTE

If it is possible that the problem may not be a leak

and that you may not have to replace a refrigeration

system component

Refrigerant-22 may be substituted

for nitrogen in the following test.

If nitrogen is

used you will have to discharge, evacuate, and

recharge the system after test is completed.

(b) Connect a nitrogen pressure regulator and nitrogen

bottle to center hose connection of charging manifold.

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